Program Overview

---

American Indian Studies (Cultural Resource Revitalization and Sustainability) Program

The American Indian Studies program with a concentration in Cultural Resource Revitalization and Sustainability is a transdisciplinary Master of Science program. This program 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 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

• 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

Students may select a thesis or non-thesis 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. Non-thesis 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

• 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 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. personal essay
  4. writing sample
  5. proof of English proficiency

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

Program Details

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of American Indian studies and cultural resource revitalization and sustainability. The curriculum is focused on providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a variety of professional arenas, including government, private and nonprofit agencies. The program is delivered mainly through in-person courses, and students have the option to select a thesis or non-thesis track. The program is STEM-OPT extension eligible, and students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.