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    Why Study Politics and Human Rights?

    We’re living through a tumultuous time, and you’re part of a generation fighting for change. Explore the nature of human rights and political action. Learn how people can best use their power to impact institutions and systems for the better.

    Why Study Politics and Human Rights at MMC?

    In MMC’s Politics and Human Rights minor, action is as important as understanding. You’ll study the governmental and cultural forces that shape our lives so that you can effectively advocate for change and justice within them. Internships, a social work practicum, independent study, advocacy projects, and hands-on research methodologies embed the PHR community and curriculum in an urban, global learning experience.

    What You Will Learn

    • Social science methods, historical perspectives, and the foundational theories of politics and human rights.
    • Engage with the systems and movements that drive society and politics.
    • Identify issues of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, climate, religion, nationality, political-ecology, and class.

    Available as Minor

    Contact

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

    Combine this major with…

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    Program Highlights

    Prison Ed Collaboration

    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.
    Learn more about the Prison Education programs

    The Sojourner Truth Suffrage Academy

    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.
    Join the Sojourner Truth Suffrage Academy

    Impactful Careers

    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.
    Read alumni stories

    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.

    Visit opportunities Start your application