The MS in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies is the first program of its kind in the United States. It offers students the chance to study the causes and consequences of forced migration and gives them hands-on experience of working with area organizations like Refugee One and the Heartland Alliance. Forced migrants – including refugees, internally displaced people and climate refugees – are growing in numbers; the UNHCR estimates that there are 45.2 million people displaced all over the world. These include displacement in and outside of Afghanistan, Colombia, Pakistan, Turkey, Uganda, Somalia, Syria and Venezuela– about which we have heard on the news. But how do we move beyond the statistics to actually making a difference? This degree places forced migration and refugee studies in concrete historical, global and human contexts and seeks durable responses to the protracted and harrowing crises of forced migration.
The MS in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies aims to train committed individuals in academic and practical skills relevant to a career related to refugees and forced migration. The degree will enable students to work with on-site refugee organizations, government and non-government institutions, pursue further research in this field and/or engage in community development, public health, and social justice issues.
We aim to help students:
- Develop a rigorous understanding of the causes and consequences aspects of refugees and forced migration;
- Apply conceptual methodologies and legal frameworks for analyses and application of refugee protection regimes and human rights law;
- Develop an in-depth understanding of health issues related to refugees and other forced migrants;
- Acquire skills to work for and manage non-governmental agencies;
- Pursue further research
The MS in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies may also be expanded to include select graduate certificate programs covering particular areas of interest. Students participating in a combined MS/certificate program should consult with their academic advisor to determine what coursework might count toward both programs. A separate application process for the certificate is required. Students who are interested in any of the following combination programs should contact the Graduate Student Services Office for additional information.
- Refugee and Forced Migration Studies + Global Health Certificate
- Refugee and Forced Migration Studies + Public Health Certificate
- Refugee and Forced Migration Studies + Social Research Certificate
- Refugee and Forced Migration Studies + Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certificate
- Refugee and Forced Migration Studies + Women’s and Gender Studies Certificate
| Program Requirements | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 32.5 |
| Open Electives | 8 |
| Practicums | 8 |
| Total hours required | 48.5 |
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Access, analyze and evaluate information and ideas from multiple sources to identify underlying conditions, and formulate conclusions.
- Create and support arguments using a variety of approaches, from a variety of regions, dealing with a variety of peoples.
- Evaluate ethical issues from multiple perspectives and employ those considerations to chart coherent and justifiable courses of action.
- Apply their knowledge of global interconnectedness, interdependencies, and vulnerabilities to real life situations.
- Design, develop, and execute a significant intellectual and practical project related to law, public health, or conflict management.
- Articulate their skills and knowledge and represent themselves to external audiences.
- Work toward goals independently and in collaboration with others.
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
Students will gain both academic and practical skills. In their first year, students will acquire conceptual methodologies and legal frameworks for critical analyses of refugee protection regimes and human rights law. They will also be introduced to health issues in refugee and forced migration studies. In the second year, the two research methods courses, together with the core practicum and internships, will enable students to assess, evaluate and apply theoretical knowledge as practitioners.
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FMS 401/LAW 517 | ASYLUM AND REFUGEE LAW AND POLICY | 4.5 |
| FMS 402 | PRO-SEMINAR IN FORCED MIGRATION | 4 |
| FMS 403 | INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLICY | 4 |
| FMS 404 | INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| FMS 405 | PUBLIC HEALTH AND FORCED MIGRATION | 4 |
| FMS 411 | INTERNATIONAL DIMENSIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE | 4 |
| FMS 418 | REFUGEE MENTAL HEALTH AND TRAUMA | 4 |
| FMS 419/MGT 520 | HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS | 4 |
| FMS 450 | INTERNSHIP I (Practicum) | 4 |
| or FMS 485 | RFMS EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING | |
| FMS 490 | INTERNSHIP II (Practicum) 1 | 4 |
| or FMS 470 | MS THESIS IN FORCED MIGRATION | |
| Select two open electives | 8 | |
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FMS 470 Requires good academic standing and director approval.