Program Overview

M.A./J.D. Joint Degree

The UCLA School of Law and UCLA’s Interdepartmental Program in American Indian Studies offer a concurrent plan of study over four years leading to both a J.D. and an M.A. This integrated program of study is designed to produce law graduates with a rich understanding of tribal cultures that will increase their legal understanding, facilitate their practice in the field of Indian law, and enhance their service to Indian nations.

Program Description

Legal study will include relevant tribal, United States, and international law. Courses in American Indian Studies will address the diverse histories, worldviews, values, languages, and practices of North American tribes.

Degree Requirements

Satisfactory completion of:

• at least eighty-seven (87) Law School semester units, including:
  • the first year curriculum
  • specified Indian Law courses
  • elective courses
• at least twenty-eight (28) non-law American Indian Studies quarter units, including:
  • certain required courses
  • a thesis

Program Details

The JURIS DOCTOR/MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES (M.A.) is offered by the School of Law and American Indian Studies (Interdepartmental). For more detailed information about Joint Degree Requirements, please refer to the Summary of Academic Standards. Information about the American Indian Studies portion of the Joint Degree Program is also available.

Relevant Disciplines

The program is part of the Social Sciences Division, which includes departments such as:

• Aerospace Studies
• African American Studies
• American Indian Studies
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Asian American Studies
• César E. Chávez Department of Chicana & Chicano Studies
• Communication
• Conservation
• Economics
• Gender Studies
• Geography
• History
• Military Science
• Naval Science
• Political Science
• Sociology