Program Content [Overview](#programOverview) [At A Glance](#programAtGlance) [Program Details](#programDetails) [Curriculum](#programCurriculum) [Contact & Apply](#programContactApply) ## The Graduate Certificate in Business and Human Rights equips professionals with the knowledge and ethical framework needed to address complex human rights challenges in today’s workplace. Grounded in Catholic social thought and contemporary business practice, the program explores how organizations can balance stakeholder responsibilities, legal obligations, and human dignity in a global economy. - [ Request Info ](#programContactApply) - [ Apply ](#programContactApply) - [ Visit ](#programContactApply) ## At a Glance - **Flexible Learning:** Online and On-campus options. - **Fast-Track Admissions:** No GRE, TOEFL, or letters of recommendation required; rolling admissions. - **Curriculum of Prestige:** Offered through a collaboration between the Busch School of Business and the Institute for Human Ecology. - **Part-Time Graduate Pathway:** 12-credit graduate certificate completed in 1–2 years, on a part-time basis. - **Advance Your HR & Business Expertise:** Designed for current and aspiring HR and business professionals seeking expertise in human rights and workplace ethics. ## Program Details The Graduate Certificate in Business and Human Rights is a non-degree graduate program designed for working professionals who want to deepen their understanding of the ethical, legal, and social responsibilities of modern business organizations. As concerns about workplace rights, corporate responsibility, and stakeholder accountability continue to grow across industries, employers increasingly seek leaders who can navigate these challenges with both practical skill and principled judgment. This certificate provides the tools to meet that need. Developed through a collaboration between the Busch School of Business and the Human Rights Program of the Institute for Human Ecology, the program brings together expertise in business, ethics, law, and social thought. Students matriculate through the Busch School while benefiting from interdisciplinary instruction that connects human rights theory to real-world organizational decision-making. The curriculum integrates perspectives from Catholic social thought, responsible entrepreneurial enterprise, and the American legal and political framework, offering a distinctive values-based approach to business leadership. The program is particularly well suited for current and aspiring Human Resources professionals, managers, compliance officers, nonprofit leaders, and other professionals responsible for shaping workplace culture and organizational policy. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of human rights in business, beginning with the historical development of human rights concepts and extending to contemporary issues such as labor standards, corporate governance, workplace dignity, and the responsibilities businesses hold toward employees, communities, and stakeholders. ### Coursework Coursework emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application. Students explore the evolution of business and human rights, examine civil rights within organizational contexts, and analyze the ethical foundations of market economies and entrepreneurship. Through this interdisciplinary approach, learners develop the ability to evaluate complex workplace situations, design responsible policies, and contribute to ethical organizational leadership. Courses are offered in flexible formats, including online and on-campus options, making the program accessible to working professionals locally and nationally. Admissions are offered on a rolling basis, and applicants who meet the University’s requirements for enrollment in master’s level courses may apply as non-degree students. The application process is streamlined, requiring only an official transcript and application fee. Graduates of the program leave with a deeper understanding of how businesses can promote human dignity, comply with legal and ethical standards, and lead responsibly in an increasingly complex global environment. ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Curriculum The certificate requires four three-credit courses, for a total of 12 credit hours. The program is intentionally structured for flexibility, allowing students to take one or two courses per semester while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Most students complete the certificate in one to two academic years. Course No. Course Title Credits SRES 511 Business and Civil Rights 3 SRES 508 Evolution of Business and Human Rights 3 SRES 515 Catholic Social Thought and Political Economy 3 SRES 576 The Spirit of Entrepreneurial Captitalism 3 - [ Course Descriptions ](https://catholic.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2025-2026/graduate-announcements/courses/sres-social-research/500) ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg) ## Contact & Apply ### Admission Are you ready for your own journey here at Catholic University? Let’s get started. [Request Info](/programs-admission/request-information "Request Information") | [Apply](/programs-admission/how-apply "How to Apply") ### Visit the Busch School Schedule a visit tailored for where you are in your academic process. We are excited to host you on campus soon! [Visit Us](/programs-admission/visit "Visit") ### Get in Touch Contact our Graduate Admission office at or 202-319-5149, if you have additional questions and need more information about the program. ![](/themes/custom/cua_standard/idfive-component-library/public/images/divider-line.svg)