University of San Francisco - College of Arts & Sciences
MA in Migration Studies
San Francisco, USA
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 23,240 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for living on campus and living in off-campus housing
Key Summary
About: The University of San Francisco’s Master of Arts in Migration Studies is a two-year, 31-unit fall-start programme. You’ll study international migration, refugee studies, migration policy, and human mobility with faculty experts, partner with government, NGOs, and grassroots organisations, and complete a thesis, applied project, or publishable article that advances your interests and goals.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter legal careers in immigration or labor law, NGOs, nonprofits, government agencies, grant analysis, policy advising, research, community advocacy, program management, consulting, or PhD study. You’ll gain practical skills for roles in policy think tanks, advocacy organisations, humanitarian assistance, and community-based services sector.
The Master of Arts in Migration Studies is a two-year, 31-unit program that begins each fall. Come study with experts, network with colleagues, and work with government, nongovernmental organizations, and grassroots organizations. Complete a master’s thesis, applied project, or publishable article that speaks to your interests and career goals. Prepare to succeed in government agencies, policy think tanks, education, consulting firms, community-based nonprofits, advocacy, public interest, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector.
With more than 281 million people living outside their home countries, international migration is one of the most critical issues facing the global community in the 21st century. Come learn to better the lives of migrants and refugees throughout the world.
Required Courses (21 units)
- MIMS 600 - Introduction to MIMS
- MIMS 601 - Policy & Perspectives
- MIMS 602 - Research Methods
- MIMS 604 - Cultural Manifestations
- MIMS 609 - MIMS Capstone
- MIMS 611 - Critical Refugee Studies
Elective Courses (10 units)
- MIMS 690 - Special Topics (Complete 10 units)
Additional Requirements
Internship Requirement (100 hours)
For graduation, MIMS students complete 100 hours of volunteer work or a formal internship, conducted throughout the program. Students work with a non-profit or government entity focused on migration-related themes. Each student submits a proposal for their internship or volunteer work at the end of the first semester. Students are required to complete at least 20 hours in the first year of the program and may complete the remaining hours at any point in the two years.
Final Requirement
A final publishable article or applied project is required for graduation.
Students will:
- Critically analyze the theories, concepts, and research findings in migration studies from an interdisciplinary perspective
- Evaluate the role of governments and civil society organizations in community representation, policy creation, and resource allocation about migration and mobility.
- Apply knowledge of the humane, legal, and political characteristics of migration as a social reality and create related social interventions.
- Plan, generate, and interpret a research study on an important issue in migration studies.
- Develop field studies among migrant communities to understand the realities, dynamics, and logic of migration.
The MSCS program offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to incoming and current graduate students, both domestic and international, on a competitive basis.
MSCS Admission Scholarship
Awarded to incoming MSCS applicants with outstanding applications from all backgrounds. Approximate awards range up to $5k over the first year of study.
MSCS Merit Scholarship
Awarded to incoming MSCS applicants with outstanding applications from all backgrounds, or current MSCS graduate students who demonstrate outstanding skills and leadership. Approximate awards range from $5–10k over one to two semesters.
The Dean's Scholarship
An award of up to $15,000 to use toward tuition, research, and conference travel. Connect with other Dean's Scholarship recipients and leaders across the College of Arts & Sciences. Serve as a program representative to USF donor initiatives to help transform the lives of other USF students. For more information please see the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Scholarships website.
Double Dons Scholarship
USF Alumni and current students can be awarded the USF Double Dons Scholarship upon admission. The scholarship covers 20% of the program tuition, and may not be stacked with other USF scholarship awards. Exceptions may apply.
Our graduates experience a variety of career outcomes, which is a testament to the program’s immersive learning emphasis on students gaining practical, real-world skills. Graduates have pivoted to legal careers in immigration or labor law or advanced their careers in NGOs, nonprofits, and government agencies. Some develop specialized pathways, such as grant analysts and policy advisors. Our graduates also pursue further studies in PhD programs.