Which Majors Work Best with an Online Minor in Human Rights?
Political science and law are common choices for students interested in supporting human rights — but they’re far from the only ones. You can pursue a major that aligns with your unique interests and career goals, while still building a strong foundation in human rights.
How? At NMSU Global Campus, we offer 12 fully online minor programs so you can tailor your education to the career — and the impact — you’re working toward. 1
A Human Rights minor can be paired with any of our 100% online bachelor’s degrees. You’ll explore globally relevant topics in ethics, justice, and law. Plus, you’ll develop the skills to think critically about inequality, advocate effectively, and create meaningful social impact.
Whether you decide to major in health, psychology, tech, or business, our multidisciplinary minor equips you with knowledge you can apply across a wide range of fields. In this blog article, we’ll explore which majors pair well with a Human Rights minor as you earn your bachelor’s degree 100% online at NMSU Global Campus.
Counseling or Psychology Majors
For students majoring in counseling or psychology, a human rights minor can strengthen your understanding of social justice issues, cultural context, and ethical practice in diverse communities.
You’ll develop skills such as ethical interviewing and advocacy techniques, which can be ideal preparation for roles in mental health clinics, schools, advocacy centers, or community organizations. These perspectives can enhance your ability to support clients with empathy and insight.
Recommended Human Rights Courses:
- HMRT 2125G: International Rights of Children
Why? Focuses on rights-based care and cross-cultural child advocacy.
- CJUS 453: Women and Justice
Why? Examines gender-based violence and the justice system — a key issue in mental health and social services.
Public Health Major
If your interest lies in public health — careers focused on improving well-being across populations — a minor in human rights can add valuable insight into how race, geography, and policy shape health outcomes.
You’ll examine global health challenges and study the root causes of inequality. According to the World Health Organization, these social determinants of health play a critical role in shaping long-term outcomes across communities. 2 With this foundation, you’ll be equipped to design informed, culturally responsive interventions that address the social drivers of health.
Recommended Human Rights Courses:
- HMRT 4580V: International Environmental Law and Justice
Why? Connects climate and environmental degradation to global health disparities.
- PHLS 4660: U.S.-Mexico Border Health Issues
Why? Addresses local and binational health justice challenges.
Business or Economics Majors
For students in business or economics, pairing your undergraduate major with a human rights minor can deepen your understanding of how equity, ethics, and global development influence markets and organizations.
You can explore the economic challenges facing developing nations and learn how to consider wellness, ethics, and sustainability in decision-making. These insights are especially valuable in careers related to human resources, corporate social responsibility, or global trade.
Recommended Human Rights Courses:
- HMRT 4550V: Skills & Ethics for Human Rights Work
Why? Equips students with advocacy, policy, and ethics tools for leadership roles.
- ECON 324V: Developing Nations
Why? Provides insight into global inequity, development, and sustainability.
Criminal Justice Major
Criminal justice is a strong match for a human rights minor. This combination helps you explore how legal systems interact with issues like migration, race, and exploitation. That’s important for students interested in reform, advocacy, or public service.
A human rights lens adds nuance to your understanding of policy and law enforcement. You’ll study topics like human trafficking and immigration, gaining tools to critically analyze systems and promote change.
Recommended Human Rights Courses:
- HMRT 2175G: Border Justice and Human Rights
Why? Examines border enforcement, migration, and law through a rights-based lens.
- CJUS 454: Human Trafficking
Why? Focuses on international crime, victim protection, and systemic responses.
Science and Tech Majors
Students in science or technology can benefit from a human rights minor by exploring the ethical and global impacts of innovation. In fact, organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) emphasize that science, engineering, and technology play a vital role in advancing human rights — and that engaging future scientists in this work is essential. 3
You’ll study human rights frameworks and emerging issues in areas like space governance, surveillance, and environmental responsibility. This deepens your understanding of how scientific progress intersects with global equity.
Recommended Human Rights Courses:
- HMRT 4720V: Space Law and Human Rights
Why? Bridges emerging tech with law, ethics, and global responsibility.
- SOCI 4335V: Advanced Environmental Sociology
Why? Explores the social impact of science, environment, and innovation.
Communication and Social Sciences Majors
There are many ways to make an impact in human rights. Majors like Social Work, Sociology, and Gender and Sexuality Studies are especially relevant for students focused on social justice and equity. A Human Rights minor can also add valuable context to degrees in Communication, Applied Studies, or Human Development and Family Science. Whatever your field or interests, you’ll gain perspective that helps you engage thoughtfully with people and systems.
Suggested Human Rights Courses:
- HMRT 3996: Issues in Human Rights
Why? Covers current global issues in speech, surveillance, protest, and identity.
- SOCI 4325: Digital Media and Activism
Why? Prepares students to use communication tools for social change.
Make a Difference with a Human Rights Minor at NMSU Global Campus
If you’re committed to earning a degree for human rights impact, NMSU Global Campus gives you the opportunity to do it fully online. Our programs are designed for working adults and learners looking for flexibility, affordability, and career-driven outcomes. With a focus on support, and academic excellence, we help you take meaningful steps toward a career that creates positive change.
References
1. “Explore Online Academic Minors.” New Mexico State University Global Campus.
2. “Social determinants of health.” World Health Organization, accessed 18 July 2025.
2. “Advancing Human Rights through Science.” American Association for the Advancement of Science, accessed 18 July 2025.
About New Mexico State University Global Campus
At NMSU Global Campus, our mission is to help prepare the next generation of leaders. We focus on offering high-quality education that spans a multitude of disciplines and career pathways. Whether you’re seeking a degree or certification in teaching, science, engineering, healthcare, business, or others, we provide exciting opportunities that can help shape your future.
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. We offer flexible, career-focused 100% online courses and degree options in New Mexico, across the nation, and around the globe. Start your journey with our accessible and affordable degree options.