Why Study Politics and Human Rights?

    Join the conversation and translate theory into action. MMC’s program in Politics and Human Rights is designed to give future leaders the means to change the world.

    Our program explores the nature of human rights and political action. Learn to approach the development of human rights in the United States and the international community from a variety of practical and theoretical perspectives.

    This curriculum prepares students for a wide range of careers in not-for-profit, government, and business sectors. PHR also provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in law, journalism, business and management, and the social sciences.

    Courses taught in the Politics and Human Rights minor offer a wide range of perspectives on the governmental and cultural forces that shape our lives. As a complement to their work in the classroom, students benefit from our location in one of the largest, most diverse cities in the world through internships, field study, and service-learning opportunities.

    PHR minors have opportunities to:

    • Intern with and conduct research for philanthropic, news, or arts organizations
    • Help plan city budgets or elect local or national politicians
    • Explore vital community and cultural issues and institutions
    • Participate in combined courses with students in MMC’s Bedford Hills College Program for incarcerated women
    • Gain experience working with international organizations and companies
    • Experience study abroad and faculty-led travel courses, and much more!

    Contact

    Erin O’Connor
    erinoconnor@mmm.edu
    Chair, Department of Politics and Human Rights

    Program Highlights

    Through MMC’s Prison Education programs, women incarcerated at the Taconic and Bedford Hills Correctional Facilities can earn a degree in Politics and Human Rights. Select PHR courses at our East 71st campus are linked with TCP and BHCP courses through shared readings and assignments. In addition, MMC hosts a bi-annual conference at Bedford Hills.
    The Suffrage Academy curriculum is designed to give students the opportunity to explore the history of enfranchisement in the United States and beyond. Courses are offered in departments across the College, including the arts, business, communications, history, and the social sciences; each will critically engage suffrage in its own way.
    After graduation, many of our students work to effect change, whether it’s at New York City Hall, in the criminal justice reform system, arts education, or transgender housing equity. You too can make your mark on the world.

     

    • The Politics and Human Rights department is the perfect place for curiosity to guide your studies. From having in-depth and personal discussions to analyzing pieces of work that have shaped our politics and society, it is a well-rounded course of study.

      Juan Osario ’20

      Class of 2020

    • Studying Politics and Human Rights prepared me to enter adulthood with vast career opportunities. The comprehensive social science curriculum piqued my curiosity and guided me to examine complicated social realities with empathy and responsibility.

      Wenqi Huang ’20

      Class of 2020

    • The size of the Politics and Human Rights program paired with the connections and expertise of incredible professors was integral in my development as an organizer. I got involved with The Sunrise Movement through two MMC professors who knew I was passionate about activism and provided integral networks and support for my work with the organization throughout the years.

      Dejah Bradshaw ’20

      Class of 2020

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    Careers and Outcomes

    Politics and Human Rights is building on the success of the Social Science departments at Marymount Manhattan College. Students who have studied the Social Sciences with us have gone on to have diverse and fulfilling careers and often help change their communities for the better. Below, you’ll hear from some of our alums in our Social Science community. These students, all of whom have studied with Politics and Human Rights faculty, are pursuing great opportunities in graduate and law school, or serving their communities in government, the private sector, counseling, and not-for-profit and community planning organizations. 

    careers

    • Director of Community and External Affairs
    • Executive Consultant
    • Gender Program Coordinator
    • Special Education Inclusion Teacher
    • Fulbright Scholar
    • Research Assistant
    • Office of the Chancellor, NYC Department of Education

    employers

    • Sunrise Movement
    • CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute
    • US Senator Charles E. Schumer’s Office
    • NGO Committee on the Status of Women
    • New York City Council
    • Pete Buttigieg for President 2020 Campaign
    • Law Firms, NGOs, and Not-For-Profit Organizations

    The Sojourner Truth Suffrage Academy

    Designed to give students the opportunity to explore the history of enfranchisement in the United States and beyond, the Academy offers connection- and immersion-level courses, from American History classes to Black Female Sexuality in Film, Photography and Social Engagement, and The Social Psychology of Dress, among others. The Academy also offers a robust speaker series and collaborates with MMC’s renowned Prison Education programs.

    CHECK OUT THE SPEAKER SERIES

    Start your journey today.

    Learn more about the application process, take a virtual tour, and chat with current students right from the comfort of your home.

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