Seattle University

What you'll study

This master's brings together courses in international human rights, gender and the law, and comparative legal traditions. Core topics typically include international human rights law, gender-based violence and the law, migration and refugee protection, comparative constitutional law, and methods for comparative legal research. Students also study courses on transitional justice, international criminal law as it relates to gendered harms, and specialised seminars on law, development and public policy.

The programme balances taught classes with intensive research: students complete advanced seminars, participate in research workshops, and produce a substantial final project or thesis that applies comparative and international legal analysis to a gendered legal issue. Practical learning opportunities may include clinical placements, externships with NGOs or governmental bodies, and moot or advocacy exercises focused on international mechanisms and strategic litigation.

Entry requirements

• A first degree in law (for example an LL.B. or JD) or an equivalent professional legal qualification is normally expected. Applicants with a strong background in related social sciences and relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Official academic transcripts demonstrating strong academic performance in prior study.
• A personal statement explaining academic and career objectives and why the gender, international and comparative focus is appropriate.
• Letters of recommendation (typically two) from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant's suitability for advanced legal study.
• A current curriculum vitae outlining relevant legal, research or advocacy experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests and required scores are set by the university).
• Some applicants may be asked to provide a writing sample or to attend an interview as part of the assessment process.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme typically move into roles that combine legal expertise with gender and human-rights work. Common career paths include positions with international organisations (such as UN bodies and regional human-rights institutions), human-rights and gender-focused NGOs, policy and advocacy organisations, and governmental agencies dealing with migration, family law or gender policy.

Other routes include strategic litigation and legal advisory work on gender-based violence and discrimination, roles in research institutes and think-tanks, and further academic study (including doctoral research). The programme also prepares graduates for cross-border practice where comparative law insight is important, and for consultancy work on gender mainstreaming, compliance with international obligations, and programme design and evaluation.

Why study at Seattle University

• Seattle University School of Law has a strong commitment to social justice and public interest law, which aligns with the programme’s focus on gender and human rights.
• Students benefit from faculty who combine scholarly expertise in international and comparative law with active engagement in policy, litigation and advocacy.
• The law school’s clinics and externship networks offer practical placements with local and international organisations, providing hands-on experience in advocacy, direct services and impact litigation.
• Seattle’s location provides access to a vibrant NGO community, legal aid organisations, and international NGOs based in the Pacific Northwest, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across university departments.
• Small class sizes and a supportive academic environment mean personalised supervision for research projects and close mentorship from faculty and career services staff.