Border Studies, Certificate
Step up as a leader who crafts innovative solutions to the complex social, economic, environmental and policy challenges facing border communities in the U.S. and around the world. This border studies undergraduate certificate sharpens your ability to make an impact.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Border Studies undergraduate certificate description
The certificate program in border studies equips you with the theoretical and practical knowledge to understand and contribute to the transformation of borders and transborder communities across nations. You become an effective agent of change by leveraging the history, culture, economics and environmental conditions of borders to advocate for prosperous, resilient and safe border communities and develop informed and innovative solutions.
The certificate program is offered through Arizona State University's School of Transborder Studies, the only school in the U.S. focused on the challenges, opportunities and populations of the U.S.-Mexico transborder space. An optional internship provides you with hands-on experience in the field.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Why earn a border studies undergraduate certificate at ASU?
You learn from faculty actively engaged in binational and international research, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping the U.S.-Mexico border region.
Courses
This undergraduate certificate includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The certificate requires 15 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the certificate, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The certificate in border studies requires 15 upper-division credit hours. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be completed through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better may be applied toward the certificate requirements. |
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TCL 303 Transborder Theory
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
TCL 305 Transborder Practicum and Field Research
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
TCL 472 The U.S.-Mexico Border: People, Place, Power
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
6 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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Enrollment requirements
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Here are the admission and application details
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 recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this border studies undergraduate certificate prepares you for
Students acquire knowledge and skills for careers in government, community and nonprofit organizations; international organizations and businesses; and consulting. The certificate is also appropriate for students preparing for graduate education in political science, economics, public administration, environmental management, public health, cultural studies, migration and other fields where globalization as well as transnational and border processes pose particular challenges and opportunities for society.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Transborder Studies
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INTDSB B165
sts.undergrad@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.
