MA program in Latin American and Border Studies (LABS) focuses on the study of the US-Mexico border and the broader study of Latin America in the context of increasing hemispheric integration seen most obviously in the border region. The program brings together the study of the U.S.-Mexico border and Latin America, rather than treat the two separately, as other programs do. It will emphasize the U.S.-Mexico border region, Mexico and Mesoamerica, border phenomena and analogous situations in Latin America.   The curriculum provides students with comprehensive training in Latin American and Border issues, and in relating those to larger hemispheric phenomena. The program includes three core courses, but also requires specialization in a single discipline, topic, or region of interest. Students will enter the program with the minimum of a BA degree. For students with a MA in a discipline of relevance to LABS, a separate Certificate in LABS is offered after the completion of 12 credit hours in LABS courses. The full program includes both thesis and non–thesis options. A limited number of teaching and research assistantships are available on a competitive basis. The program is designed to train two types of students: those who wish to earn a terminal M.A. and those who wish to prepare for Ph.D. programs. It is intended to train a new generation of professionals in many areas (government service, community/NGO service work, commerce, education) who can contribute to the creation of a model border zone of economic development and life-quality. It is also intended to train a new generation of students who will approach a PhD and subsequent research and teaching with the idea that just as the border zone and national boundaries show increasing integration, so should academic areas of knowledge and methodologies. There is evidence of significant need in private and public employment sectors for specialists in such integrating academic programs.                           Thesis              Non-Thesis Core                  9 hrs                     9 hrs Discipline           9 hrs                   12 hrs Free Electives     6 hrs                     9 hrs Thesis                6 hrs                     0 hrs        Total Hours       30 hrs                   30 hrs The Core Courses are: LABS 5301  Issues in Border Studies An analysis of selected aspects of culture, society, politics, government, environment, and economy of the U.S.-Mexico border region. An interdisciplinary academic experience will be conducted through reading and an exploration of data sets available on the region. Students will become familiarized with interaction patterns between Northern Mexico and the U.S. Southwest. LABS 5302 Issues in Latin American Studies The course will acquaint students with key dynamics and problems in contemporary Latin America. It examines the historic roots and possible outcomes of these trends, including social structures and institutions, such as government, religion, family, education, stratification, urban and rural development, economics, and migration. LABS 5390  Research Seminar in LABS  A seminar designed to teach research methodology, emphasizing the integration of techniques of different disciplines, based on the study of a specific theme germane to the study of Latin American and/or the U.S.-Mexico border region. Research and writing of a substantial paper on a special topic is required. For courses offered in the current semester, click here. The MA progam in LABS is designed to be interdisciplinary.  It requires a core of courses dealing with Border-Latin American issues, a disciplinary component focusing on the Border/Latin America and a set of electives.  It has thesis and non-thesis options. A wide range of complementary disciplines includes the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, education, health, business/economics and some technical areas. Application to the MA program in Latin American & Border Studies requires the following materials and steps. More detailed information on application to graduate programs at the University of Texas at El Paso can be found at:   www.utep.edu/graduate   Deadlines                                                             Application Deadline                      Notification Fall Admission                             March 1                                       April 15 Spring Admission                          Oct. 1                                        Nov. 1   Application Materials ·  Application for Admission (may be completed on-line at www.utep.edu/graduate) ·  Undergraduate Transcripts ·  Tests: The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) must be taken and the score submitted to the Graduate School. The TOEFL     is required for international students who are not graduates of universities in the US or other English-speaking     countries. ·  Statement of Purpose and resume   ·  3 letters of recommendation ·  Application for financial assitance if desired (click here to download)     All materials are reviewed by a committee, which considers all elements in the applicant’s packet in determining admission.