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Migration Studies Minor

Do you want to understand how human migration shapes our world on the move? In the Einaudi Center’s migration studies minor, you explore the factors that influence migrants’ decisions to migrate and drive their departure, arrival, and integration into new societies. The minor is open to all Cornell undergraduates and includes courses from across the university. 

About the Minor

African person walking in a field

The migration studies minor is a university-wide, interdisciplinary undergraduate minor focused on the historical and contemporary contexts and factors that drive international migration and shape migrant experiences around the globe. The minor dovetails with Migrations: A Global Grand Challenge, part of Global Cornell

You’ll have the opportunity to investigate the complex global issue of migration from multiple perspectives and disciplinary lenses and participate in migration-themed events and opportunities at the Einaudi Center and across campus.


Migration Studies Minor: Vanessa Olguín '22


Course Requirements 

You must complete five courses (15 credits minimum) and attend at least five migration-related campus events. An introductory course introduces you to international migration and provides an interdisciplinary foundation for understanding migration flows and migrant experiences. Your other courses will be electives of your choosing from across the university. All courses for the minor must be taken for a letter grade and completed with a letter grade of C or higher. 

See the Registrar's full description of requirements and courses that qualify for the minor.

Required Introductory Course 

ILRLR 2810/LSP 2810/SOC 2810—Migrations: Histories, Controversies, and Perspectives

Four Elective Courses 

  • Three courses must be taken at the advanced (3000–4000) level. 
  • Courses must be taken in at least two different departments. 
  • At least one course must include substantial focus on migration outside the United States.   

Migration-Related Events

You must attend at least five migration-themed events on campus to complete the minor. Please report your attendance during the semester in which the event takes place. You must complete all email fields to receive attendance credit. 

Office Hours

To meet with the migration studies minor administrative coordinator, please stop by 140A Uris Hall during the following hours:

  • Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  • Friday, by appointment

How to Apply

Please submit a declaration of intent form (below) to enroll in the migration studies minor.  

You may complete the form as early as your sophomore year, but you must declare your intent to participate by the end of your sixth semester in order to qualify. There is no GPA requirement for admission to the minor, but you must be in good academic standing.  

Contact the administrative coordinator if you have further questions. Faculty advisor Debra Castillo is an additional resource for migration studies minors.  

Declaration of Intent 

Month and Year
Have you completed the Migration Studies Minor introductory course: "Migration: Histories, Controversies, and Perspectives"?
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