Academics / Concentrations

Human Security

Protect and preserve human rights.

Human security draws on work in the fields of political science, economics, law, and public health to address a fundamental question: how can people protect themselves from severe challenges to their lives and livelihoods?

This concentration is only available for students enrolled in the Master of Public and International Affairs and Master of International Development programs.

Areas of Focus

  • Civil wars and protection of civilians
  • Refugees and internally displaced persons
  • Global climate change
  • Human trafficking
  • Food security
  • Governance

Students at water conference

Major Courses and Plans of Study

With a human security concentration, you will choose from a range of core courses tailored to you interests as well as taking a set of required degree courses. Compare the requirements for the MPIA and MID degrees with this concentration.

Internship Experiences

Gain firsthand experience tackling human security issues to prepare for diverse careers in this field.

Previous Internship Sites

  • Flowminder
  • 412 Food Rescue
  • University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for Social and Urban Research
  • Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board
  • Minnesota Literacy Council 

Career Paths

Whether it’s in community advocacy, crisis management, or another critical area, there are endless routes for pursuing a career in human security.

Potential Workplaces

  • International organizations like the United Nations, Public Law & Policy Group, and Conflict Dynamics International
  • Human rights organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Equality Now
  • Government agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and United States Department of State (DOS)
  • Local government and community organizations
Student interns at Google as part of her masters program
students sitting around conference table
Expert Faculty

Work alongside faculty whose academic backgrounds, fieldwork, and research make them experts in human security. 

Taylor Seybolt

Taylor Seybolt
Associate Professor

A specialist in the issue of protecting civilians in conflict zones, Seybolt seeks to identify ways to prevent violence from resulting in mass casualties.

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Lisa headshot

Lisa S. Alfredson
International Development Program Director, Associate Professor

Alfredson’s expertise spans topics of globalization and international development, including gender violence, refugees, and children in armed conflict.

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Müge Kökten Finkel

Müge Kökten Finkel
Director of the Ford Institute for Human Security, Associate Professor

An authority on gender equality, Finkel's current research focuses on politics of public sector employment and opportunities for women.

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