Migration and Global Governance Specialization

Why Become a Migration and Global Governance Specialist?

If you are concerned about the vulnerability and human security problems confronting irregular migrants, migrant workers and their families, refugees, human trafficking victims, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other people around the world and in the U.S., this specialization will help you obtain the key skills and knowledge to promote the rights that protect these vulnerable populations.

You will be prepared for a range of careers, including the following:

• Policy analyst at federal and state government agencies, regional and international organizations, NGOs, and CSOs
• Policy researcher at think tanks, foundations, and nonprofits
• Project manager, information management officer, data coordinator, and program coordinator at regional and international organizations 
• Data and management analyst
• Economic development country specialist

Specialization Overview

• Analyze and develop a clear understanding of institutions, processes, trends, and patterns in global governance. 
• Develop a clear understanding of trends and patterns in international migration, and associated challenges to human rights and all forms of security, including human trafficking.
• Understand the challenges of the existing global rules, norms, and regulations as well as domestic, regional, and international regimes, and legal frames that manage migration flows.
• Understand why governments and international organizations do what they do in global governance, and how they could do better and make it more inclusive, equitable, effective, and development friendly.
• Acquire professional skills in international negotiations, conflict resolution, dispute settlement, public speaking, and policy paper writing.
• Learn to develop and advocate for policies to protect migrants’ rights and improve social and economic conditions.
• Develop independent research and gain a deeper understanding of pressing migration issues.
• Learn and apply qualitative and quantitative research methods training, field research experiences, and data analysis.
• Study the domestic and international regimes that manage migration flows, human trafficking, and human security challenges.
• Learn to develop and advocate for policies to protect the rights of all migrants, trafficking victims, and other populations who experience human security vulnerabilities, and help them improve their social and economic conditions.

Professional Experience

You have several opportunities to gain professional experience and supplement your studies: 

• Enroll in a long-term immersive learning program that involves migration and global governance, such as the International Professional Service Semester.
• Secure a related internship with a nonprofit organization, international organization, or government agency, such as the following:
  • Law firms
  • CSO networks
  • Think tanks such as the Migration Policy Institute
  • Local and state departments and national agencies dealing with migrants and other vulnerable peoples’ needs
  • U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
  • International organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Labor Organization (ILO), Human Rights Watch, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Catholic Relief Services, International Justice Mission (IJM), Amnesty International, and Polaris Project
• Learn analytical and advocacy skills and competencies beyond classes offered at the Institute through active participation or workshops in local, regional, or national organizations, CSO networks, and coalitions dedicated to migration, human trafficking, or human security.
• Develop a professional portfolio including information on your course work, experiential projects (internship, immersive learning trip, and practicum), online courses, workshops, academic or professional conferences, and professional and volunteer work related to this specialization.

Your Network of Support

• Students have direct access to our faculty, who combine academic expertise with years of professional experience. They mentor and guide you through your studies on campus as well as during your immersive learning. 
• Our Center for Advising and Career Services (CACS) provides you with customized advising and professional development services.
• A dedicated staff for immersive learning advises students interested in participating in semester-long immersive learning programs, fellowships, and co-ops, while also building a network of international and U.S.-based internship opportunities at field and headquarters locations.
• Our Alumni Relations Office maintains alumni connections to support your efforts in finding the right connections for your professional future.