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American Indian Studies (Cultural Resource Revitalization and Sust), MS

American Indian Studies (Cultural Resource Revitalization and Sust), MS

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / American Indian Studies (Cultural Resource Revitalization and Sust), MS

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American Indian, Indigenous Studies, Native Studies

ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.


Your focus through this program on American Indian cultural and funerary patrimony will enable you to analyze policies and laws in culture revitalization and sustainability.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  American Indian Studies (Cultural Resource Revitalization and Sustainability)

This transdisciplinary MS program in American Indian studies provides students with an intellectual and practical understanding of the issues facing American Indian populations, and the ability to apply that knowledge.

Students acquire problem-solving skills that are useful in a range of professional arenas, including government, private and nonprofit agencies. The curriculum's focus is on languages, cultures, arts, activism, histories, legal policy and education from an American Indian studies paradigm perspective. Delivery is mainly through in-person courses.

Through the cultural resource revitalization and sustainability concentration, students explore the development and implementation of American Indian-focused cultural resource management processes and analyze how policies and laws can improve or hinder the protection of American Indian cultural and funerary patrimony.

At a glance
Degree requirements

30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (AIS 580)

Required Core (9 credit hours)
AIS 501 American Indian Studies Paradigms (3)
AIS 502 American Indian Studies Research Methods (3)
AIS 503 Contemporary Issues of American Indian Nations (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours)

Electives (6 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
AIS 580 Practicum (6) or
AIS 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
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. 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.

Admission requirements

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 from a regionally accredited college or university of recognized standing in a related field such as history, justice studies, sociology, ethnic studies, anthropology, political science or education.

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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. 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.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Career opportunities

After leaving ASU, many graduates:

  • conduct research related to Indigenous culture revitalization
  • direct or manage Indigenous culture organizations or companies
  • facilitate Indigenous community partnerships and projects
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

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.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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