Peter Koehn is the inaugural Director of the Migration Studies program.

The University of Montana launched an interdisciplinary Certificate in Migration Studies (CMS) in fall 2020. Given the relevance of domestic and transnational human migration for students studying many subjects, from politics and public policy, history, sociology, and economics to global health, social-justice work, geography, and natural-resource management, and to Latin American Studies, Asian Studies, International Development Studies, Climate Change Studies, African American Studies, and Native American Studies, the 12-credit Certificate offers a valuable complementary credential to multiple majors and minors across campus.

Migration is one of the defining and challenging issues of the 21st century, greatly affecting countries of origin, transit, and destination. Further, migration provides a valuable lens through which students understand and prepare for the contemporary challenges of globalization posed by climate change, disturbances to population health, political decisions, armed conflict, population dislocation, poverty and inequality, and societal discrimination. The timely cross-campus Certificate enables students enrolled at the University of Montana to intern and collaborate with community actors at the same time that it enhances transnational understanding, empathy, and competence.

The 12-credit multidisciplinary Certificate in Migration Studies prepares students for professional and civic challenges associated with contemporary and future voluntary- and forced-migration dynamics. Students must complete 6 credits of core coursework and 6 credits of electives drawn from four migration-related concentrations: social, political, and economic determinants; regional contexts; environmental contributors; bridging gaps and divisions. Six core courses are available:

• ANTY 122 Race and Minorities (Professor Greg Campbell)
• HSTR 391: Europe and Refugees: A History (Professor Gillian Glaes)
• COMX 415 Intercultural Communication (Professor Phyllis Ngai)
• PSCI 431 Politics of Global Migration
• HSTR 230: Colonial Latin America (on line) (Professor Jodi Pavilack)
• PSCI 398 (3-credit max) Local or International Internship in migrant-related context

The CMS offers a springboard to careers in refugee law and resettlement, journalism, international affairs, public service, climate adaptation, counseling, social-justice positions, and teaching. Civic awareness regarding this defining issue of our times also is enhanced.

Check out the Migration Studies website.

For further information and to register for the CMS, contact Prof. Phyllis Ngai (phyllis.ngai@mso.umt.edu)