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Transborder Studies, MAS

Transborder Studies, MAS

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Transborder Studies, MAS

Border Studies, Chicana/o, Latina/o, Mexican-American, Migration, Southwest, transnational

Are you interested in immigration, migration and border issues in the U.S. or beyond? Do you want to work with border communities? This unique program is ideal preparation.

Program description
Degree awarded: MAS  Transborder Studies

The MAS program in transborder studies is designed for students interested in border issues and communities. Students learn from interdisciplinary scholars in both the social sciences and humanities to develop their individualized plan of study and focus area.

Students have the opportunity to engage in innovative research or applied experiences, or they may focus their plan of study on a more professional and applied track.

The program has historically been grounded in and inspired by the geographical specificity of the U.S.-Mexico border. Given the massive scale of globalization in the 21st century and its influence on local, regional, national, subnational and international environments, the program examines transborder regions and populations around the world, including metaphorical, linguistic and cultural borders, as well as patterns and implications of immigration and migration.

At a glance
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Degree requirements

30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (TSS 593), or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (TSS 596)

Required Core (6 credit hours)
TSS 502 Foundations of Transborder Studies (3)
TSS 504 Theories and Methods for Transborder Research (3)

Electives (18 or 21 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
TSS 593 Applied Project (3) or
TSS 596 Transborder Studies Capstone (3) or
TSS 599 Thesis (6)

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the social sciences, the humanities, the sciences, health, education, business or a professional field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. writing sample
  5. resume or curriculum vitae
  6. three letter of recommendation (colleagues or professors)
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. For more information, students should visit the admission services website.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 04/01Final
Session A/CIn Person 01/01Priority
Session A/CIn Person Rolling
Career opportunities

Graduates are well suited for positions in local, state, national, and nongovernmental organizations and international agencies. They are also prepared for research opportunities or a doctoral degree program.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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