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Law, Public Policy and Human Rights

Undergraduate

This Nexus provides both an academic and experiential lens. You will choose courses from several departments including politics, economics, history, and sociology in order to examine how both law and public policies are embedded in much larger social, historical, and economic realities.

Program Overview

The goal of the Nexus in Law, Public Policy, and Human Rights is to provide you with the tools necessary to form a deep understanding of how complex relationships between local and national political processes both create public policies and shape legislation and its interpretation.

Community Voices

Spotlight on Law, Public Policy and Human Rights Nexus students and alums

Myra Arif Zia ’26 during the MHC Semester in D.C.

Widening my horizons in D.C.

Myra Arif Zia ’26

she/her

Naoise Grybko, class of 2026

Addressing homelessness through policy

Naoise Grybko ’26

they/them

Bryn Healy ’24

Advocating for others and herself

Bryn Healy ’24

she/her

Explore more stories

Courses and Requirements

Nexus Requirements

Requirements for the Nexus

A minimum of 18 credits:

Four courses chosen from the list of courses approved for this Nexus or selected with approval of the track chair16
At least one course at the 300 level
At least one course at the 200 level or above
One course at the 100 level or above 1
A substantive summer internship 2
COLL-211Reflecting Back: Connecting Internship and Research to Your Liberal Arts Education2
A presentation at LEAP Symposium
Total Credits18
1

Only one course at the 100 level is permitted to count toward the Nexus.

2

The summer internship must meet College requirements for a substantial educational experience: At least 200 work hours and responsibilities that exercise ability to think analytically and creatively, and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s stated mission and complements the student's area of focus.

Additional Specifications

  • Students will schedule an advising meeting with a track chair to get approval and complete an online Plan of Study form to be returned to the Nexus Program office.

  • The sequence of a Nexus is part of what makes it unique:

    • In preparation for the summer internship or research, students complete courses chosen in consultation with the track chair. If seeking funding through LYNK UAF, students will additionally complete orientation and advising, and online training.

    • COLL-211 is taken after the internship or research project and culminates in a presentation at LEAP Symposium.

Contact us

The Nexus Program

The Nexus Program allows students to create an individual program of study combined with an internship experience in one of nine pre-professional tracks. College 211 and the annual LEAP symposium are components of the Nexus program.

Katie Walker

Katie Walker

  • Associate Director of Nexus Program

Next Steps

Apply to Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of a liberal arts education and are driven by a love of learning. As a women's college that is gender diverse, we welcome applications from female, trans and non-binary students.

Start Your Application

Financing your education

Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we’re here to make sure cost does not get in the way of an exceptional education.

Affording Mount Holyoke Tuition and Fees