Transborder Studies, PhD
Dive into bilingual, binational and community-based research. You can conduct innovative and multidisciplinary research tailored to your specific interests in the nation's only doctoral program in transborder studies.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Transborder Studies PhD degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy program in transborder studies develops you to be a part of the next generation of scholars who advance research and scholarship, and their application, in transborder and transnational contexts.
You gain foundational knowledge in transborder, transnational and border issues from interdisciplinary scholars in anthropology, history, literature, political science, public policy, sociology, urban planning, and women and gender studies.
Faculty in the program approach transborder studies in a way that has been historically grounded in and inspired by the geographical specificity of the U.S.-Mexico border and the Chicano, Chicana, Latino and Latina populations. Arizona State University's proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border and the faculty's expertise make the university the ideal place of study. Given the massive scale of globalization in the 21st century and its influence on local, regional, national and transnational environments, the program is expanding to examine other transborder regions and populations.
Why earn your transborder studies PhD at ASU?
Because your doctoral studies sits within one of the nation's leading public research universities, you can tap interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities across ASU, gain access to research centers and funding opportunities, and join a vibrant network of scholars whose work shapes policy, practice and academic discourse. As part of one of the nation's leading public research universities, you also benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across ASU, access to research centers and funding opportunities, and a vibrant network of scholars whose work informs policy, practice, and academic discourse.
The program offers a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to doctoral education that is unmatched by most programs in borderlands, migration or regional studies. The program prepares you to conduct innovative research on the complex social, cultural, political, economic, environmental and health issues that transcend geographical borders. You work closely with internationally recognized faculty, participate in bilingual and binational research, and engage with community partners to address real-world challenges.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a foreign language exam, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (6 credit hours) Electives and Research (66 credit hours) Dissertation (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
TSS 502 Foundations of Transborder Studies (3)
TSS 503 Epistemologies and Transborder Thought (3) or TSS 504 Theories and Methods for Transborder Research (3)
TSS 799 Dissertation (12)
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree can be used for this degree. If students do not already have a master's degree in a related field, the remaining 30 credit hours are made up of electives and research that equal the 84 credit hours required for the doctoral program.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze transborder and transnational issues using appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches.
- Conduct research or produce creative work related to issues affecting transborder communities
- Effectively communicate findings, creations, or productions orally to academic and non-academic audiences.
Analyze transborder and transnational issues using appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
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 master's degree in a related field such as anthropology, economics, education, sociology, literature or psychology from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants who have earned a master's degree in another discipline must align their scholarly interests with the program's mission. 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 a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The personal statement should include an explanation of past experiences and current scholarly interests but concentrate on potential areas of research that draw on the specific resources of the department and faculty.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 04/01 | Final* |
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/01 | Priority* |
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling* |
*A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this transborder studies doctoral degree prepares you for
Graduates have a number of career options, depending on their plan of study. Graduates with an academia-focused trajectory may pursue careers as faculty members or in research. Opportunities for graduates of a more professional and applied track include positions with local, state, national or international agencies.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Transborder Studies
|
INTDSB 165
sts.grad@asu.edu
480-965-5091
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
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.
