Master in
Master in Migration Studies (MIMS) University of San Francisco - College of Arts & Sciences
Introduction
With more than 230 million global citizens living outside their home countries, international migration is one of the most critical issues facing the global community in the 21st century. The challenges that these global citizens face are the focus of this master’s program, which prepares professionals to better the lives of migrants and refugees throughout the world.
Study Abroad
Our program includes the option of taking one semester of study at the prestigious Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. As a unique binational program, students take classes together with local graduate students in Migration Studies. While in Mexico, students have the opportunity to intern with populations that migrate through the city. We also offer a spring break immersion trip to Rome and Italy, where students study refugee crisis responses in Europe.
Internships and Framework
Our program works with local and national government bodies, non-governmental organizations, grassroots organizations, and cultural resources to provide students with the tools for on-the-ground research and opportunities for professional experience.
Admissions
Curriculum
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Migration Studies is a two-year, 31-unit program that begins each fall. Students are given the option to study at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City (classes are conducted in English) during the second semester, but an identical curriculum is offered at USF. Students who study in Mexico City return to USF for their second year. The program consists of five core courses, four special topics courses, and four research seminars. Summer fieldwork and immersion trips are available, including opportunities offered worldwide by the more than 200 Jesuit universities and Jesuit-affiliated institutes and social service agencies.
Sample Program Timeline
| Year | Fall | Spring |
| 1st | USF (7 units) Introduction to Migration Studies Research Methods Research Seminar | UIA or USF (10 units) Migratory Mobility: Theoretical and Practical Analyses Two Special Topics Research Seminar |
| 2nd | USF (7 units) Public Policy and Social Implications of Migration Special Topics Research Seminar | USF (7 units) Identities and Cultural Manifestations of Migration Special Topics Research Seminar |
Program Outcome
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 in relation to 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
Scholarships and Funding
Master in Migration Studies Financial Aid
Our program offers some scholarships that are awarded to students on a competitive basis, travel grants, as well as teaching and research assistantship opportunities.
Program Scholarships and Research Awards
- Program Scholarships are merit-based scholarships awarded to new students. All applicants, U.S. and international, are considered for these scholarships at the time of admission consideration. They are limited in number and vary in amount and cover part of tuition costs. Scholarship awards will be indicated in your admission letter. Applications completed by February 1st give priority consideration for a program scholarship.
- The Schmidt Family Foundation Fellowship is awarded to a student who is focusing their research on topics related to the environment, sustainability, and agriculture and food security. This fellowship is awarded once per year.
- MIMS Travel Awards are awarded to assist students with the costs of conducting their capstone project research and travel related to research and conferences. These scholarships, which are limited in number, are awarded in three cycles — summer, fall, and spring.
Resident Ministers, Teaching and Research Assistantships
- Teaching Assistantships — Each semester, several teaching assistantships are available to qualified students to assist MIMS faculty in courses and course-related research.
- Research Assistantships — At times, MIMS-associated faculty will receive funds to hire research assistants.
- Resident Ministers — Campus Ministry has a small number of Resident Minister positions, MIMS recommends individual candidates to apply to them.
Career Opportunities
Our program prepares students to develop migration policies and provide support services to migrant communities. Graduates enter careers in local, state, and national governmental agencies; policy think tanks; education; policy and planning consulting firms; community-based nonprofits and NGOs; advocacy; public interest; philanthropic organizations and foundations; and private-sector entities.
Our graduates also go on to post-graduate studies in law, education, politics, and history, amongst others. Examples of placements include:
- School of Social, Behavioral, and Global Studies, Cal State, Monterey Bay
- Center for American Progress
- Global Learning Hub, University of California, Davis
- Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, City and County of Denver
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program
English Language Requirements
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