Graduate Program: American Indian Studies (MA)

General Information

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Program/Degree
American Indian Studies (MA)  
Program Description

The University of Arizona's M.A. in American Indian Studies – the first such degree in the U.S. –  is a two year academic degree program that provides a unique opportunity for students and scholars to explore issues critically important to American Indian nations and communities locally, statewide and nationally. The AIS M.A. focuses on three interrelated concepts:

  • Centering Native peoples – The American Indian Studies Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (AIS GIDP) at UA centers Native peoples – their knowledges, worldviews, perspectives, values, histories, experiences, lifeways, and futures – within research, education, and service. The AIS GIDP seeks understanding from an Indigenous perspective, placing Native ontologies, epistemologies, axiologies, methodologies, and pedagogies at the center of the intellectual effort to understand, teach about, and serve Indigenous communities. AIS GIDP seeks to examine the world through an Indigenous perspective, utilizing Peoplehood as a primary disciplinary lens.
  • Peoplehood – Conceptions of Peoplehood serve as a primary lens for understanding the commonalities and diversity of American Indian and Indigenous communities. Originally proposed by faculty and students in the UA Department of American Indian Studies in 2003, the concept of Peoplehood has become a critical lens for “rearticulating indigenous identity,” one that “offers the most promise in terms of its non-Western approach to identity, its flexibility, comprehensiveness, and allowance for cultural continuity and change” (Corntassel, 2003). The “Peoplehood” model represents their understanding of the interrelated components of indigeneity broadly, as well as the specificity and diversity of Indigenous communities in the U.S. and beyond.
  • Community engagement and services – "Relational accountability” sits at the heart of Indigenous research and scholarship. This places an obligation on AIS as a discipline – and the AIS GIDP – to not just center Indigenous knowledges in our research and teaching, but to build relationships with Indigenous communities, to be accountable to those relationships and communities, and to contribute in tangible ways to the continued thriving of Native peoples. What this engagement, accountability, and service will look like will vary greatly as each member of the faculty and each graduate student has a different area of focus and specialization. The diversity of engagement and service only serves to underscore our collective commitment to supporting the many elements of Indigenous Peoplehood.

Taken together, these commitments distinguish M.A. studies in American Indian Studies at UA as a discipline, and provide a theoretical model for the intellectual, pedagogical, and service work of the GIDP’s faculty and students.

 
Department/Academic Unit(s)

The Graduate College sponsors several Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) in addition to the many interdisciplinary possibilities available through regular graduate degree programs. GIDPs transcend departmental boundaries by facilitating cutting edge teaching and research at the nexus of traditional disciplines. The high value placed on interdisciplinary research and education is indicative of The University of Arizona's enthusiasm and commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among its faculty and students.

 

 
College

Graduate College/GIDP

 
Campus where offered

University of Arizona - Main - Tucson

 
Contacts
Admissions Contact
John R Carbajal
520-621-7108
Graduate Program Coordinator
John R Carbajal
520-621-7108
Director of Graduate Studies
Benedict J Colombi
520-621-2269
Graduate College Degree Counselor
Hayley Jean Kral
520-621-3484
 
Tuition and Fees
Please refer to the UA Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator for up-to-date information about tuition and fees. 
Please refer to the UA Registrar's's Office Special Course Fees for up-to-date information about special course fees. 

Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

Checklist for Online Application Material

  • On-line application and fee.
  • A Personal Statement (3 to 5 pages) including your educational goals, professional plans, your interest in our Ph.D. program and your background in American Indian Studies or with American Indian communities.
  • A Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
  • One Writing Sample (between 15 and 20 pages double spaced) of original work that is academic, technical, professional or artistic in nature.
  • Electronic copies of Official Transcripts from all institutions attended, undergraduate and graduate. On acceptance into the program students will need to submit original transcripts.
  • Three Letters of Recommendation from faculty or supervisors who can attest to your achievements and academic potential. Letters from faculty are preferred for applicants currently or recently working in academia.

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution is required for admission to the Master of Arts program in AIS.  The Bachelor’s degree must be completed before the applicant begins in the AIS program, August for fall admissions.  All application materials must be received by January 15th for the following fall semester admissions.  A minimum grade point average of 3.2 is required for admissions.  AIS accepts a limited number of new M.A. students each year.  Student selection is very competitive. The Admissions Committee will not consider incomplete application files.

 
Standardized Tests

Required test(s): Optional

Minimum TOEFL: 550
 

 
Funding Opportunities

AIS GIDP strives to assist all students accpeted into the M.A. program meet the financial demands of their studies through a variety of sources. Internal funding sources include:

  • Graduate Teaching Assistantships – A limited humber of GTA positions are made available to AIS PhD students each semester. These GTA positions are for classes both taught within the AIS Department and in other areas of the UA where the student's skill can be effectively utilized. To be considered, a short application is required. GTA positions require the student to have completed or currently be enrolled in AIS679A – College Teaching Methods.
  • Graduate Tuition Scholarships – The AIS GIDP has a significant budget available to provide scholarships to assist students cover the costs of their tuition. 
  • Graduate College Fellowships – The UA Graduate College provides a limited budget for the AIS GIDP to provide select students with fellowship funds.

See American Indian Studies website at http://www.ais.arizona.edu/content/financial-aid-resources for more funding opportunities. All students are encouraged to seek outside sources of funding such as scholarships, fellowships and/or tribal financial aid.

 
Admissions Deadlines

Domestic Applicants:

  • Fall: January 15

International Applicants:

  • Fall: January 15
 
International Conditional Admission

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.

Other Information
The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832

Completion Requirements

Minimum Credit Units

36 

Core Coursework Requirements

M.A. PROGRAM GUIDELINES

DEGREE OPTIONS: Thesis, Report, Exam (36 Units required for each)

The CORE COURSE Requirements for the MA in American Indian Studies Include:

The CORE COURSE Requirements for the MA in American Indian Studies Include:

Students must maintain a minimum of 3.0 (B) grade point average/GPA for all coursework to remain in good academic standing. A student must earn a minimum of 3.0 in all courses in order for the courses to count toward the degree.

AIS 502 *
AIS 548
One of the following: AIS 577/596M/646/696F
AIS 584
One of the following: AIS 565/677/678/679/696E/697A AIS 593

Dynamics of Indian Society (3)

MA Research Methods (3)

Literature (3)

Policy (3)

Education (3)

Students must maintain a minimum of 3.0 (B) grade point average/GPA for all coursework to remain in good academic standing.  A student must earn a minimum of 3.0 in all courses in order for the courses to count toward the degree.

 

DEGREE OPTIONS:
Thesis Option Requirements

  1. A Human Subjects Form, if applicable, must be submitted and approved. Submit a copy of your CITI score, Project Review Form, and approval letter to the Graduate Program Coordinator.

  2. A total of thirty-six (36) units are required to complete the program: Eighteen (18) units of required core courses; twelve (12) units of elective (within AIS, or an area outside AIS with the approval of the student’s major professor); and six (6) hours of Thesis units are required.

  3. A comprehensive oral examination must be satisfactorily completed prior to graduation (See Examination Process: Oral).

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4. A thesis is defined as original research that makes a contribution to American Indian Studies scholarship; or creative work such as poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction writing, or other media.

The defining characteristic of a thesis is that it is based on original work, either creative or based on research. Research entails data collection and data analysis. A research-based thesis is based on a research question(s), appropriate methodology is then designed to answer your question(s) data collection, and data analysis. Depending on the character of the research question(s), the appropriate methodology might be quantitative (e.g. statistical analysis of census data), or qualitative (e.g. based on interview or field research), or archival.

Proposals for Thesis Research must be discussed with and approved by your Faculty Committee by the end of the second semester in residence. The Thesis Proposal form is available on the American Indian Studies website. Thesis formatting guidelines are available on the Graduate College website.

Thesis Option: Requires submission of a written thesis, an oral defense of the thesis, and a general oral examination:

18 Core Course Units

12 Elective Units (3 units max AIS 599/699-independent study) ___6 Thesis Units (AIS 910)*

36 TOTAL units

* Web Reg is not available for 900 level courses. The committee chair must e-mail registration permission to the Graduate Program Coordinator each semester.

Master’s Report Option Requirements

  1. Submit a copy of your CITI score, Project Review Form, and approval letter to the Graduate Program Coordinator.

  2. A total of thirty-six (36) units are required to complete the program: Eighteen (18) units of required core courses; twelve (12) units of elective (within AIS, or an area outside AIS with the approval of the student’s major professor); and six (6) hours of Master’s Report units are required.

  3. A comprehensive oral examination must be satisfactorily completed prior to graduation (See Examination Process: Oral).

  4. Master’s Reports require presentation of a substantial written report on a project performed as part of a faculty supervised clinical or internship project. This report shall be orally presented to the approved Faculty Committee. Examples of such a project might include but are not limited to the following:

    a. A business plan developed for a tribally owned business or Indian entrepreneur.
    b. A program evaluation for a tribal government or organization, such as a tribal court evaluation, or

    evaluation of an educational or outreach program.
    c. Development of a mission statement and strategic plan for a tribal or other organization, such as a

    tribal economic development initiative
    d. Curriculum plan and material for a tribal community college.
    e. Amicus brief submitted to an appellate court in an Indian rights case.

Proposal for a Master’s Report must be discussed with and approved by your Faculty Committee by the end of the second semester in residence. The Master’s Report Proposal form is available on the American Indian Studies website. Formatting guidelines are available on the Graduate College website.

18 Core Course Units
12 Elective Units (3 units max AIS 599/699-independent study)

6 Master’s Report Units (AIS 909) 36 TOTAL units

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7/30/2012

* Web Reg is not available for 900 level courses. The committee chair must e-mail registration permission to the Graduate Education Program Facilitator each semester.

Master’s Examination Option

1. A total of thirty-six (36) units are required to complete the program: Eighteen (18) units of required core courses; eighteen (18) units of elective (within AIS, or an area outside AIS with the approval of the student’s major advisor).
2. Students must pass a take-home examination administered by a three-member faculty committee. The exam will be comprised of three questions; each question must be answered in not more than ten and not less than seven pages, using 10 or 12 size font, 1” margins, and double spacing. Students have one week to complete the exam (i.e. if the student receives the exam at 9:00am on Monday, it is due by 9:00am the following Monday). Each question will be graded “pass” or “fail” by each faculty member. Two “fail” votes on a single question results in an overall “fail” grade for the question. One failed question results in a failed examination. In the event of a failed examination, the committee will decide if the student will be permitted a second examination; if a second examination is granted, it may not take place until four months after the initial examination. In the event that a committee member is unable to grade the exam, a substitute committee member shall be chosen at the discretion of the program head in consultation with the student’s committee chair. Students who complete the Master’s program with an examination rather than a Thesis or MA Report are ineligible to apply for the Doctorate Program in American Indian Studies at the University of Arizona. The examination must be completed by April 15 for May graduation or November 15 for December graduation. No examinations may occur during summer or winter breaks.

18 Core Course Units
18 Elective Units (3 units max AIS 599/699-independent study) 36 Total Units

 

 
Elective Coursework

M.A. PROGRAM GUIDELINES

DEGREE OPTIONS: Thesis, Report, Exam (36 Units required for each)

The CORE COURSE Requirements for the MA in American Indian Studies Include:

Please NOTE: The AIS GIDP is currently re-organizing the MA and PhD programs to offer students more options and the ability to take advantage of the fact that the AIS GIDP consists of more than 40 faculty members from colleges and departments across campus. We hope to have the new structures announced by the end of 2020. In the interim, we are encouraging students to work closely with their advisor to customize a plan of study. Students are still required to complete the minimum number of credit hours, as well as a methods course, but pending re-organization, we are permitting flexibility regarding the other requirements. Students are also required to complete the teaching methods course prior to serving as a Teaching Assistant.

Students must maintain a minimum of 3.0 (B) grade point average/GPA for all coursework to remain in good academic standing.  A student must earn a minimum of 3.0 in all courses in order for the courses to count toward the degree

 
Additional Requirements

M.A. PROGRAM GUIDELINES

DEGREE OPTIONS: Thesis, Report, Exam (36 Units required for each)

The CORE COURSE Requirements for the MA in American Indian Studies Include:

Please NOTE: The AIS GIDP is currently re-organizing the MA and PhD programs to offer students more options and the ability to take advantage of the fact that the AIS GIDP consists of more than 40 faculty members from colleges and departments across campus. We hope to have the new structures announced by the end of 2020. In the interim, we are encouraging students to work closely with their advisor to customize a plan of study. Students are still required to complete the minimum number of credit hours, as well as a methods course, but pending re-organization, we are permitting flexibility regarding the other requirements. Students are also required to complete the teaching methods course prior to serving as a Teaching Assistant.

Students must maintain a minimum of 3.0 (B) grade point average/GPA for all coursework to remain in good academic standing.  A student must earn a minimum of 3.0 in all courses in order for the courses to count toward the degree

 
Student Handbook

Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.

 

Program StatisticsInformation about these numbers

Program-level Information
Application Acceptance Rate 0%
Avg. Time-to-degree (years) 5.65
 
Department-level Information
Enrollment Percent Male 26.09%
Enrollment Percent Female 73.91%
Enrollment Percent International 13.04%
Enrollment Percent URM 65.22%

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Last revised 30 Apr 2021