Migration Challenges

People in detention center along U.S.-Mexico border

The challenges of migration take many forms. Here, we highlight connections with climate change, economic migration, refugees and asylum seekers, and historical perspectives.

  • an aerial view of a town underwater with only roof tops showing

    Climate Change

    Climate change is rapidly becoming the leading cause of human displacement worldwide. While we often tend to think of displaced people fleeing conflict zones and persecution, the reality is that far more people are at threat of being displaced from natural disasters, shifting agricultural conditions, and sea-level rise due to climate change. Many of these conflict zones are ultimately the result of the scarcity of resources, which is integrally linked to climate change. For this reason, and many others, the students participating in the Certificate of Migration Studies will leave the program with an in-depth understanding of how climate change drives global human migration trends.

  • Hundreds of people in front of a rusty wall with border officers facing them

    Economic Migrants

    Economic migrants are essential to the functioning of the global economy. Ensuring students who complete the Certificate of Migration Studies glean the magnitude of the contributions of people on the move and the challenges involved in securing livelihoods for themselves and their family members is a program goal. Students in the program will develop skills which enable macro and micro analysis of the implications of public policy, healthcare, and advocacy related to the multifaceted issues associated with economic migration.

  • an aerial view of a boat full of people

    Refuge and Asylum Seekers

    Refugees and asylum seekers comprise a particular category of migrants. Often, they face stringent barriers to accessing asylum by being burdened not only with the trauma and persecution faced in their countries of origin and transit, but also the responsibility of proving persecution occurred. The Certificate of Migration Studies provides students with a comprehensive look into the challenging and mutable aspects of asylum and refugee status on a local and global scale.

  • black and white photo of a woman looking into the distance  with two kids one on each shoulder faces down

    Historical Perspectives

    Analyzing current migration trends, patterns, and broader societal structures which affect immigration and emigration is enhanced by understanding human migration through a historical lens. The University of Montana is dedicated to ensuring the historical foundation necessary to inspire our student body to develop such analyses. At UM, we understand the interdependence of history and current events. We are committed to cultivating this understanding in the study of human migration.