Liberal Studies, Border Studies BA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Liberal Studies, Border Studies BA at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is designed for students passionate about understanding the complex dynamics of regions where diverse communities intersect. If you are interested in the geopolitical, linguistic, and cultural frontiers that shape border communities, this interdisciplinary program offers a unique academic path. You will explore the multifaceted nature of borders, developing a critical understanding of the social, political, and economic forces at play. This undergraduate degree provides a robust foundation for those aspiring to careers in service professions within these dynamic environments.

This Bachelor of Arts degree is studied full-time on campus over four years, providing you with a comprehensive education. You will engage with core courses in border studies, geography, history, and political science, alongside opportunities to specialise through a wide range of electives. The curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating methodologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical analysis. You will graduate with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary for impactful careers in fields like public policy, education, health professions, and public administration, particularly within border regions.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Liberal Studies, Border Studies BA program offers a comprehensive exploration of border regions through an interdisciplinary lens. Students will engage with topics ranging from geography and history to politics and sociology, examining the complexities of borders and their impact on societies. The curriculum includes preparation for advanced study, core major requirements, research methods, electives, cultural contact, and a capstone experience.

1 Preparation for the BRS Option* (18 Units)

Explorations in Border Studies
World Regional Geography
World Regional Geography: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Enhanced
World Civilizations to Present
U.S. History 1877-Present
U.S. Government and Politics
Introductory Statistics in Psychology
Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences

2 Upper-Division Major Requirements for BRS (38-45 Units)

Borders: Interdisciplinary Perspectives
The U.S.-Mexico Border
Patterns of San Diego County
Diversity and Discrimination in the U.S.
Diversity and Discrimination in the U.S.
Languages in Contact
Language Issues in the United States
Linguistic Anthropology

3 Research Methods (3-4 Units)

Anthropological Research Methods
Research Methods in Border Studies
Historical Methods and Writing
Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative Methods in Sociology
Feminist Perspectives: Theories and Research

4 Electives (20-27 Units)

The American Frontier as Symbol and Myth
Development of the American Frontier
California History
Environment, Population, and Culture
Introduction to Migration Studies
Urban Change and Ethnicity
Immigration and Education
Border Water Conflicts
Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
International Economics: Trade
Economics of Development
International Economics: Money
Gender and Development
Gender and Development
Gender and Development
Nature and Society in California
Globalization and Trade
Dilemmas of Modern Mexico
Ethics and the Environment
World Political Systems
African Politics
Government and Politics of Selected Latin America Nation-State(s)
Introduction to the Politics of the Arab World
Asian Politics
Issues in Latin American Politics
Global Governance
U.S. Foreign Policy
Russia and the World
The United States and the Arab World
U.S.-Latin American Relations
International Relations in a Selected Region
Arab-Israeli Conflict: Origins to 1948
Arab-Israeli Conflict: 1948 to the Present
International Organization and Law
The Search for Peace: The Arab-Israeli Peace Process
Special Topics in Middle East Politics
Contemporary Issues in European Politics
Topics in Comparative Politics
Theories of International Relations
Global Money and Power
International Conflict, War, and Peace
Resource Wars
Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
Topics in International Relations
Health and Society
Social Welfare Policies and Services
Social Change and Social Movements
International Children’s Rights
Inequalities and Health
Women and Health
Social Justice and the Environment
Transnational Feminisms
Sex Work

5 Cultural Contact (6-8 Units)

Culture and Medicine -Healers and Healing Practices
Immigration and Health
Medical Ethnography
Farmworker Health Ethnography
Questioning Cultural Competency
Community Ethnobotany
Modern U.S. Indian Policy
Native Communities in Southern California from Colonization to the 20th Century
Development of the American Frontier
Chicana/o Experience in the Borderlands
Language Issues in the United States
Heritage Languages and Heritage Speakers
Linguistic Anthropology
Race, Ethnicity, Power and Politics in the U.S.
Power and Gender in the Muslim World
Model United Nations
Multicultural Perspectives in Psychology
Inequality
Critical Race/Ethnic Studies
Social Inequality and Civil Rights
Latino Communities
Black Communities
Race and Identity
Racial Profiling
Black/African Roots of Latino Identities
Critical Race Theory
Advanced Spanish for Social Services
Power and Popular Culture
Chicana/o Art of the Border Region
Gender, Race, and Class in Contemporary Societies
Education, Gender and Race
Power and Gender in the Muslim World

6 Planning (6-8 Units)

Coastal Environments
Biogeography
Natural History of Southern California
Principles of Conservation Biology
Geographic Information Systems Applications in Landscape Ecology
Urban Change and Ethnicity
Trade Routes: Pathways Across Borders
Public Choice
Business and Government
Public Policy Issues
Food Systems and Emerging Markets
Children and the Environment
Making Public Policy
Gender and Public Policy
Green Planet Politics
Comparative Social Policy: U.S. and Europe
U.S. Environmental Policy
Comparative Public Policy
Women and Health
Women as Leaders
Women and Health

7 BRS Option Capstone Course (3-5 Units)

Comparative Border Studies
Applied Methodologies for Border Studies

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 68,424.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on San Marcos Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

78%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationAerospace ManufacturingAgricultural Technology & Precision FarmingCrop Production & FarmingCustoms, Trade & ComplianceDefense & Military AviationEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingHealth Technology & Digital HealthSpace Exploration & Satellite TechnologyVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

California State University San Marcos

City of Encinitas

County of San Diego

San Marcos Unified School District

United Nations

United State Army

Vista Unified School District

Why Study Liberal Studies, Border Studies BA at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Fast Application response time

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) typically responds to applications within a week, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Liberal Studies, Border Studies BA at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours a week during terms and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English test requirements, students can choose from several tests. For example, a Duolingo score of 95 or a TOEFL overall score of 61 is needed.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers in city planning, public policy, health professions, or education.

What will I actually study in this course?

The program offers three Options leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree, including the Border Studies Option. This Option focuses on understanding the dynamics in regions where communities overlap and provides interdisciplinary studies in geopolitical and cultural areas.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

Students can start the Liberal Studies, Border Studies BA program in January or August each year.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️