Arizona State University The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 6 courses 30 total credits
The Master of Science program in American Indian studies is an interdisciplinary program that integrates humanities and social sciences to explore Native American cultures, histories and contemporary issues. Through coursework, research and community engagement, you gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous worldviews, social justice and advocacy while developing critical leadership, research and policy skills. Welcoming all qualified students provides for a supportive, collaborative learning environment where diverse perspectives and experiences are valued. The program's interdisciplinary approach allows you to examine Indigenous governance, sovereignty, environmental justice, education and cultural preservation, while faculty mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities provide you with the tools needed to engage in meaningful scholarship and advocacy. You gain expertise in Indigenous governance, policy research, community development, and cultural resource management, equipping you to take on leadership roles that foster meaningful change. Whether pursuing academic research, public service or community engagement, this program empowers you to make a lasting impact and contribute to the advancement of Indigenous rights, sovereignty and self-determination.
| Required Core | 6 credits |
| Methods Requirement | 3 credits |
| Total Credits | 30 credits |
Required Core
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 501 | Foundations of American Indian and Indigenous Studies | 3 |
| AIS 514 | Indigenous Thinkers and Intellectual Traditions | 3 |
| Total Required Core | 6 credits | |
Methods Requirement
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 525 | Critical Indigenous Research Methodologies | 3 |
| AIS 535 | Indigenous Participatory Action Research | 3 |
| Total Methods Requirement | 3 credits | |
Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 593 | Applied Project | 3 |
| AIS 599 | Thesis | 6 |
Additional Curriculum Information
As a culminating experience, students must complete a thesis or an applied project. The choice between the two typically depends on the student's career goals and interests. A thesis is primarily research-oriented; and it involves formulating a research question, conducting a literature review, and employing rigorous methodologies to gather and analyze data. A thesis aims to demonstrate the student's ability to conduct independent research and provide insights that advance academic knowledge and can serve as a stepping stone for further academic pursuits, such as a PhD. An applied project is just as rigorous as a thesis but more practice-oriented and designed to solve real-world problems or address specific issues within a community, organization or field. It emphasizes the practical application of knowledge rather than purely theoretical research. Applied projects often focus on improving practices, policies or programs within a particular setting.
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