Transborder Studies, MAS


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 will prepare you with an understanding of transborder, transnational, and border issues locally, nationally and internationally.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: Transborder Studies, MAS

The MAS program in transborder studies is designed for students interested in border issues and communities. Students learn from interdisciplinary scholars, both in the social sciences and humanities, in order 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.


Application Deadlines

Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 01/01/24 Priority
Session A/C In Person Rolling
Session A/C In Person 04/01/24 Final

Complete applications will continue to be reviewed after the priority deadline, every two weeks until April 1. Incomplete applications after April 1 will not be considered.  




At a Glance: program details



Degree Requirements

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, humanities, sciences, health, education, business or 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.




Career Opportunities

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



Flexible Degree Options

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 and master's degree with:

BA - Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies (Media and Expressive Culture)

How is the Chicano and Latino population portrayed in popular culture, and why is it important to learn about cultural differences? To gain a deeper understanding of cultural representations, learn from faculty who specialize in literature, queer studies, Chicana feminist theory, communication and media studies, digital humanities and media production.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BA - Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies (Transborder Community Development and Health)

Are you interested in health equity? Learn about the social determinants of health, the pressing health issues experienced by the Chicano and Latino community, and how to advocate for and work with local and transborder communities.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

BA - Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies (US and Mexican Regional Immigration Policy and Economy)

Why do people migrate? Learn about migration trends from Latin America to the U.S., immigration issues and policies, and how Latino populations are politically mobilized at the local and national levels.

Website | Locations: TEMPE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



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Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.