American Indian Studies (Visual and Oral Culture), MS
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
Degree description
The Master of Science program in American Indian studies with a concentration in visual and oral culture is a transdisciplinary program that provides you with an intellectual and practical understanding of the issues facing American Indian populations, and the ability to apply that knowledge.
You gain problem-solving skills in a range of professional arenas, including governmental, private and nonprofit agencies. The program focuses on the languages, cultures, arts, activism, histories, legal policy and education from an American Indian studies perspective. Delivery is through in-person courses.
The visual and oral culture concentration explores and contributes to American Indian culture and history as it exists in visual, material and written forms through creative writing, literature, poetry, film, photography, performing arts, digital arts, oral tradition, history and communication from an American Indian studies paradigm.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (AIS 593)
Required Core (6 credit hours) Methods Requirement (3 credit hours) Concentration (6 or 9 credit hours) Electives (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
AIS 501 Foundations of American Indian and Indigenous Studies (3)
AIS 514 Indigenous Thinkers and Intellectual Traditions (3)
AIS 525 Critical Indigenous Research Methodologies (3) or
AIS 535 Indigenous Participatory Action Research (3)
AIS 593 Applied Project (3) or
AIS 599 Thesis (6)
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 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 Doctor of Philosophy. 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.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
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 a 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 a 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The personal essay should be three to four pages that indicate the applicant's prior research experience and training, professional goals and research interests, and the fit between their interests and the program's emphases, requirements, current faculty, and coursework. The writing sample should be 12 to 15 pages and can include a relevant policy paper or report, or a research paper for an academic course.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
After completing the program, many graduates:
- conduct academic research
- curate and produce Indigenous festivals and events
- direct or manage Indigenous art companies, studios or dance-related organizations
- facilitate community partnerships and projects with Indigenous communities
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
American Indian Studies Program
|
DISCVRY 356
aisgradadvising@asu.edu
480-965-3634
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
