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 in-depth knowledge of human rights law, US law, and global public health issues affecting forcibly displaced groups. At the end of this 2-year program, students intern with local or foreign organizations to gain practical experience in this field.
Issues of forcible displacement, border walls, arbitrary jailing, the systemic violation of refoulement, and the breakdown of refugee protections in nearly all global north countries could not be more pressing. Since the end of the Cold War, refugee flows and internally displaced peoples have only increased. This degree provides a broader understanding of the history, policies, and public health issues of forced displacement to aid future leadership in this field. 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 refugee and migrant 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; this rigor is expected by international NGOs, IGOs, and US federal positions
- Apply conceptual methodologies and legal frameworks for analyses and application of refugee protection regimes and human rights law; critically understanding that the majority of all displaced peoples are not recognized as refugees
- Develop an in-depth understanding of health issues related to displaced and/or undocumented migrants; understand health issues and public health policies that aid or worsen conditions for these groups
- Acquire skills to work for and manage non-governmental agencies;
- Pursue further research and/or enhance future study in a doctoral or JD program
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
In their first year, students will take required courses introducing them to issues in this field and critical insights that go beyond conventional wisdom. They will also be introduced to public health issues in refugee and forced migration studies. In the second year, students continue taking required courses (2); two electives; and can finally apply their knowledge in the Spring Quarter as they participate in two internships.
| 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.