Program Overview
Transborder Studies, PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy program in transborder studies develops the next generation of superior research, scholarship, and application in transborder and transnational contexts. Students 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.
Program Description
The program approaches 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.
At a Glance
- College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Degree Requirements
- 84 credit hours
- A foreign language exam
- A written comprehensive exam
- An oral comprehensive exam
- A prospectus
- A dissertation
Required Core
- TSS 502 Foundations of Transborder Studies (3)
- TSS 503 Epistemologies and Transborder Thought (3) or TSS 504 Theories and Methods for Transborder Research (3)
Electives and Research
- 66 credit hours
- Dissertation (12 credit hours): TSS 799 Dissertation (12)
Additional Curriculum Information
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to 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.
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
- U.S. applicants: Must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- International applicants: Must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- English proficiency: An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application Materials
- Graduate admission application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Writing sample
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation (from academicians)
- Proof of English proficiency
Tuition Information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application Deadlines
- Fall:
- Session A/C: In Person, 04/01, Final
- Session A/C: In Person, 01/01, Priority
- Session A/C: In Person, Rolling
Program Learning Outcomes
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
Career Opportunities
Graduates have a number of career options, depending on the 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.