American Indian Studies (Visual and Oral Culture), MS
American Indian, Indigenous Studies, Native Studies
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
The Master of Science program in American Indian studies with a concentration in visual and oral culture is a transdisciplinary program that provides students with an intellectual and practical understanding of the issues facing American Indian populations, and the ability to apply that knowledge.
Students gain problem-solving skills in a range of professional arenas, including governmental, private and nonprofit agencies. The program focuses on the languages, cultures, arts, activism, histories, legal policy and education from an American Indian studies perspective. Delivery is through in-person courses.
The visual and oral culture concentration explores and contributes to American Indian culture and history as it exists in visual, material and written forms through creative writing, literature, poetry, film, photography, performing arts, digital arts, oral tradition, history and communication from an American Indian studies paradigm.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
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 503 Contemporary Issues of American Indian Nations (3)
AIS 525 Critical Indigenous Research Methodologies (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
Regarding concentration and electives options, students should see the academic unit for approved courses.
Students select a thesis or nonthesis option. Both are research projects, but the applied project is more applied in nature. Thesis students are involved in a major research project under the direction of their faculty advisors, culminating in a thesis. This is the option students should select 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 a practicum project that identifies and addresses an applied problem or issue relevant to a partner agency or organization under the direction of their faculty advisors. This is the option students should select if they are interested in a leadership or managerial-level position within an organization or agency.
The required core classes emphasize the knowledge and skills all graduates must have. Concentrations and electives are designed so that students can concentrate in the areas of visual and oral culture, Indigenous rights and social justice, cultural resource revitalization and sustainability, or tribal leadership and governance.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must 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 a 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 a 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
- personal essay
- writing sample
- 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.
The personal essay should be three to four pages that indicate the applicant's prior research experience and training, professional goals and research interests, and the fit between their interests and the program's emphases, requirements, current faculty, and coursework.
The writing sample should be 12 to 15 pages and can include a relevant policy paper or report, or a research paper for an academic course.
After completing the program, many graduates:
- conduct academic research
- curate and produce Indigenous festivals and events
- direct or manage Indigenous art companies, studios or dance-related organizations
- facilitate community partnerships and projects with Indigenous communities
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.
