Foster your critical and creative thinking and develop a comprehensive knowledge of human rights locally, nationally, and internationally in the human rights studies program at UNC Asheville.
Why Study Human Rights at UNC Asheville?
Engaged Learning
In the human rights studies minor program, you take 18 semester hours with no more than three courses from any one discipline, empowering you to build strong connections between diverse subjects. To further encourage academic exploration, no more than two courses can come from your major or other minors. We also encourage you to complete a human rights-related, community-engaged scholarship project or internship to round out your education.
Student Spotlight
“I’m just so thankful that I have like the support of this faculty at UNCA, because I think that if I would have gone to a different school—I know it’s kind of unfair to say this—but I genuinely feel that it wouldn’t have been the same amount of support, or confidence that they felt in me. I was finally able to accept it and start turning it into towards myself.”
Alexla Perez-Sanchez, Class of ’22
“I think the most challenging aspect of political science is staying hopeful in the face of learning just how broken the system is. It can be difficult to continue pushing for change when there is a deep-rooted and established force going against you. However, I also believe this is the most rewarding part of the major. Being educated on issues that directly impact people’s daily lives is a way of empowering oneself to enact change, even in small ways.”
Ona Elkins, Class of ’24
The Career Center’s Washington D.C. Career Trek brought 16 students to experience D.C job opportunities, including positions in the federal government.
Alumna Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, holds the responsibility of making sure every North Carolinian who can, has the opportunity to vote
Outside the Classroom
Your robust liberal arts education extends beyond the classroom. At UNC Asheville, we emphasize hands-on learning and community engagement as modes of learning that encourage curiosity, facilitate exploration, and generate discovery.
Student Club
UNC Asheville offers ample opportunities for you to connect with your peers, including a wide range of student-run clubs and organizations. Discover a group that suits your academic or personal interests, or consider some of the political science clubs, like the Model United Nations, the Political Science Club, Amnesty International, the ACLU of UNCA, and more.
Faculty
Our dedicated faculty members bring a wealth of expertise and passion to the field. Committed to fostering a rich learning environment, our faculty members actively engage in research, advocacy, and community outreach, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education grounded in real-world experiences and preparation for success in their chosen career path.
Peter Haschke, Ph.D.
Co-Chair and Associate Professor
| Office: 207 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6966 |
| Email: phaschke@unca.edu |
Ashley Moraguez, Ph.D.
Co-Chair and Associate Professor
| Office: 208A Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6984 |
| Email: amorague@unca.edu |
Kenneth Betsalel, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science
| Office: 224 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5041 |
| Email: betsalel@unca.edu |
Jessica Cooper
Administrative Assistant
| Office: 203 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: 251-6426 |
| Email: jncooper@unca.edu |
Mark Gibney, J.D., Ph.D.
Belk Distinguished Professor of Humanities and Professor of Political Science
| Office: 211 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: 250-3870 |
| Email: mgibney@unca.edu |
Giovanny Pleites-Hernandez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
| Office: 204 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: 251-6634 |
| Email: gpleites@unca.edu |
Careers & Outcomes
The human rights studies program is an ideal course of study for students interested in leveraging a robust, interdisciplinary education in professions requiring adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. Our students often pursue careers in areas such as public policy and administration, education, human services, humanitarian aid, business, journalism, law, criminal justice, and law enforcement.
Students can also translate the skills gained in the human rights studies minor program and their undergraduate research to achieve acceptance to graduate programs in law, education, administration, or other humanities subjects.
Related Programs
Empower Your Understanding in UNC Asheville’s Human Rights Studies Minor
In UNC Asheville’s human rights studies program, you experience a transformative education designed to empower you with a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding human rights issues. When you enroll in the minor program, you embark on a path that not only broadens your academic horizons but also equips you with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world.
Contact Us
| Department of Political Science |
| Phone: 828.251.6634 |
| Email: political_science@unca.edu |
