College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Borderlands and Ethnic Studies
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Borderlands and Ethnic Studies
Reframe the Future — Learn Through Borderlands & Ethnic Justice
At New Mexico State University, our Graduate Certificate in Borderlands and Ethnic Studies offers a powerful, multidisciplinary approach to critically examining how social constructs like race, gender, and sexual orientation shape lived experiences. Rooted in a place-based and transnational Borderlands imperative, this program dives into the history, cultural production, politics, and systemic consequences of identity formation — providing tools to rethink power, belonging, and belongingness in communities across space and time.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 15
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
With a Graduate Certificate in Borderlands & Ethnic Studies, you’ll be prepared for impactful roles in diverse sectors — from shaping policy and advancing social justice to leading cultural programs and community initiatives.
- Community outreach coordinator
- Policy analyst (focus on social justice, immigration, or equity)
- Cultural program manager
- Public educator or curriculum specialist
- Human rights researcher or advocate
Lead Change Where Cultures Converge
This 15-credit graduate-level certificate equips you with essential cultural competency, equity, and inclusion skills — empowering you to make meaningful contributions in education, policy, public service, environmental justice, communications, and more. Whether you're a teacher seeking to enrich your pedagogy or a professional serving diverse populations, you’ll master decolonial research methods, intersectional analysis, and curriculum design — all guided by critical thinking and rooted in real-world impact.
Just Five Classes
Take your career to the next level with just 15 credits of dynamic courses.
The certificate may be completed as a stand-alone certification or in conjunction with a graduate degree in another field.
Take classes like:
- BEST 510 - Foundations in Borderlands & Ethnic Studies
- BEST 511 - Decolonial Research Methodologies I
- BEST 512 - Theories in Borderlands and Ethnic Studies
- BEST 513 - Capstone in Borderlands and Ethnic Studies
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.