The Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in American Indian Studies (AIS) seeks to develop, through research and scholarship, a wider scope of understanding of indigenous peoples of the Americas--their languages, culture, traditions, and sovereignty. AIS maintains vigorous scholarly activities and fosters close... Show Full Description

The Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in American Indian Studies (AIS) seeks to develop, through research and scholarship, a wider scope of understanding of indigenous peoples of the Americas--their languages, culture, traditions, and sovereignty. AIS maintains vigorous scholarly activities and fosters close interactions with American Indian nations and communities locally, state-wide, and nationally. The program provides a unique opportunity for students and scholars to explore contemporary issues on Indian reservations, focusing on Indian issues from interdisciplinary points of view. AIS also has strong ties with community outreach programs and promotes Indian self-determination as defined by Indian nations, tribes and communities. Internships are required as part of graduate study, and AIS staff maintain a database of internship opportunities. We also assist students in making contacts to arrange internships. Graduates of the program have assumed leadership and policy-making roles in tribal governments and in state and federal governmental agencies. They have also obtained academic and research positions, and pursued Ph.D. or J.D. degrees. Further opportunities for study are provided by related programs.

Please consult AIS web site http://www.ais.arizona.edu/ for the most up-to-date information on degree programs and requirements.

The Master of Arts (with a major in American Indian studies) consists of 30 units plus a 6 unit thesis report or research project. Each student works closely with three faculty advisors to develop an individual program. In addition to the thesis, a final oral master's examination is required.

Concurrent Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in American Indian Studies degrees can be obtained in four years. Typically, students in this program pursue one year of graduate course work in American Indian Studies, and then start their J.D. coursework. In the J.D. program, students may take a wide range of courses including many with a substantial concentration on Indian legal issues, among them, Federal Indian Law I and II, Indigenous Human Rights Law, Advanced Indian Law seminars, Tribal Law Clinic, Energy and Natural Resources Law, Water Law, and Federal Courts. In American Indian Studies, students can pursue course work in the regular concentrations offered by the program. Graduates of the Concurrent J.D./M.A. Program are qualified to provide legal representation to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Indian individuals in cases involving civil rights, land and water rights litigation, fishing, hunting, treaty rights, religious-cultural resource protection, and taxation on Indian lands. Graduates are also qualified to assist tribal governments and businesses in their efforts to build strong communities governed through self-determination.

The Doctor of Philosophy (with a major in American Indian Studies), is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to prepare individuals for academic careers; conduct basic and applied scholarly research from a cross-cultural perspective; develop innovative theories, methodologies, and research tools appropriate for and useful to sovereign tribes; and educate students to assume leadership and policy-making roles in higher education, tribal communities, the state, and the nation. The Ph.D. in American Indian Studies is designed to be completed in 4-6 years (beyond the master's degree). A master's degree from an accredited institution (or its equivalent) is required for admission. At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, exceptionally qualified applicants who do not hold a Master's degree may be considered for admission.

Applicants for M.A. or Ph.D. degrees must submit an application, statement of purpose, a resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, two writing samples, and the personal and academic data called for on the Graduate College application form. J.D./M.A. applicants must apply to both the AIS M.A. program and the College of Law.