The Center for Inter-American and Border Studies at the University of Texas at El Paso offers an online Border Studies Certificate program consisting of three courses that can be taken for undergraduate academic credit, or for non-credit, professional development. The courses provide an integrating view of the US - Mexico border, along with an emphasis on border culture and on the institutions, mechanisms, problems, and solutions of border governance. Students who wish to pursue the non-credit option should link on Professional Development Online (PDO) for application, registration, cost, and payment instructions. Information listed within these UTTC pages is for academic students and may vary from the professional development offering.
The program is designed for working professionals in fields in which knowledge of the border is desirable, including business, political science, criminal justice / law enforcement, education, health, environmental studies, social work, and public administration. The program is also beneficial to undergraduate students enrolled in these same areas, particularly those with aspirations in professional or graduate programs in law, medicine and health, industry and business.
Students completing the program will possess useful knowledge concerning the history of many border problems as well as knowledge of the institutional means for dealing with them. The program develops practical knowledge of the workings of cross-border interactions, as well as strategies that can be used to improve professional (commercial and public) interactions.
COURSES
Link to a listing of the courses required for the program. To find out when the courses will be offered, link to the course catalog, select the program and click search. Catalog search results will return the schedules for at least two semesters, but not all programs are scheduled that far in advance.
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTION, ADVISOR, AND ASSISTANT
Ricardo Blázquez, Director
Center for Inter-American and Border Studies
The University of Texas at El Paso
500 West University Avenue
El Paso, Texas 79968
Phone: (915) 747-5196
Email: rrblazquez@utep.edu
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How do I apply to the program if I wish to receive academic credit, and what are the general admission criteria? Please refer to the Getting Started section below.
- If I do not wish to receive academic credit, how do I apply? Students who wish to pursue the non-credit option should link on Professional Development Online (PDO) for application, registration, cost, and payment instructions.
- How much will the academic program cost? Students are billed for tuition and fees by UTEP. Links to campus tuition and fee information can be found on the cost & financial information page.
- How much will the non-credit program cost? Students who wish to pursue the non-credit option should link on Professional Development Online (PDO) for cost information.
- What are the technological requirements for participating? Click here for a listing of computer requirements.
- How many courses are required to complete the program? Three courses comprise the Certificate program.
- Will I have to visit UTEP at any point? The program will be offered predominantly using the Internet, but may include supplemental materials such as video/audio tapes and CD-ROM. Students will not be required to attend the campus at any time.
- How will I have access to the courses in which I am enrolled? Students can access their courses through the Course Login located at the top of any UT TeleCampus page.
GETTING STARTED
To participate in this program, please contact the Advisor or Assistant listed above. The program can be taken for undergraduate academic credit or for non-credit, professional development. Different admission procedures, registration instructions, and support services will apply depending upon which path is chosen.
Receiving Academic Credit for the Border Studies Certificate Program
To participate in the online Border Studies Certificate program, you must apply to and be accepted by the UT El Paso. Criteria and procedures for admission are the same as the traditional residence program. For specific details regarding this process please refer to the UT El Paso - Admission Standards & Requirements. Application materials are available through the UT El Paso - Admissions Application Login. Please refer to the UT El Paso - Calendar for a schedule of admissions and registration deadlines.Information on registration and course access procedures for academic courses can be found in Enrollment Services.
Taking the Border Studies Certificate Program for Professional Development
The Border Studies Certificate program for professional development includes the core material for the standard credit course. It is designed for working professionals who need the knowledge but not the academic credit. In order to facilitate the course for such persons, it omits some of the daily activities and discussions.For more information concerning registration payment, and support services please proceed to Professional Development Online (PDO).