American Indian Studies (Tribal Leadership and Governance), MS
American Indian, Indigenous Studies, Native Studies
Your focus within this program on the preeminent issues facing Indigenous populations will lead you to new perspectives on a variety of issues pertaining to American Indian life.
The MS program in American Indian studies is a transdisciplinary program that provides students with an intellectual and practical understanding of the issues facing American Indian populations and helps students strengthen their ability to apply that knowledge.
The program focuses on languages, cultures, arts, activism, histories, legal policy and education from an American Indian studies paradigm and perspective. Delivery is through in-person courses.
Within the tribal leadership and governance concentration, students explore traditional and modern concepts of Indian education leadership, tribal government leadership, tribal governments, decision-making and legislation, constitutional reform, planning, economic development, community development, nation-rebuilding, tribal courts, administration and planning.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
Students can choose to create their own concurrent degree combination to match their interests by working with their academic advisor during or after their first semester of study. Some concurrent combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum; students should speak with their academic advisor for more details.
This degree is also offered as a concurrent program with the following:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (AIS 580)
Required Core (9 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Electives (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Nonthesis students complete an applied project that identifies and addresses an applied problem or issue relevant to a partner agency or organization under the direction of their faculty advisors. Students should select this option if they are interested in a leadership or managerial-level position within an organization or agency.
AIS 501 American Indian Studies Paradigms (3)
AIS 502 American Indian Studies Research Methods (3)
AIS 503 Contemporary Issues of American Indian Nations (3)
AIS 580 Practicum (6) or
AIS 599 Thesis (6)
Students may select a thesis or nonthesis option. Thesis students are involved in a major research project under the direction of their faculty advisors, culminating in a thesis. Students should select this option if they have an interest in a research-oriented position within an organization or agency or wish to pursue a doctoral degree.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field such as history, justice studies, sociology, ethnic studies, anthropology, political science or education from a regionally accredited college or university of recognized standing.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Graduates have acquired problem-solving skills useful in a range of professional arenas, including government, private and nonprofit agencies. After leaving ASU, many graduates:
- conduct academic research
- direct or manage performing Indigenous companies or Native-related organizations
- facilitate Indigenous community partnerships and projects
- participate in tribal leadership and government
American Indian Studies Program
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DISCVRY 356
aisgradadvising@asu.edu
480-965-3634
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
