Program Overview

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American Indian Studies (Visual and Oral Culture), MS

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.

Program Description

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.

At a Glance

• College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

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 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.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• 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:

1. graduate admission application and application fee
2. official transcripts
3. personal essay
4. writing sample
5. 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.

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 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

Program Details

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of American Indian studies, with a focus on visual and oral culture. The program is transdisciplinary, incorporating courses from various departments and colleges. The program is delivered in-person, allowing students to engage with faculty and peers in a traditional academic setting. The program requires 30 credit hours, which can be completed with a thesis or an applied project. The program also requires a culminating experience, which can be a practicum or a thesis. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, academia, and community engagement.