Indigenous Education, MA
Empower Indigenous students and communities using strengths-based, culturally relevant education approaches. You can explore policies, practices and programs while advancing community-centered goals in this fully online master's degree program. Build expertise, engage in dynamic courses, and develop initiatives that elevate Indigenous perspectives and transform education.
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.
Degree description
The Master of Arts program in Indigenous education provides you with advanced training in research, theory and practice focused on Indigenous education and policy, and the complexities of the schooling process. If you work with Indigenous students or in Indigenous education programs and want to advance community-driven goals, this program is for you.
The schooling process, as explored in this program, examines how education systems function, including curriculum design, teaching methodologies and institutional structures, and their intersection with cultural and community contexts. You develop a nuanced understanding of how these elements relate to Indigenous knowledge systems and values, enabling you to identify and address systemic challenges while fostering environments that affirm and uplift Indigenous identities and perspectives.
This fully online program enables you to expand your career opportunities and enhance your impact without interrupting your professional life. Courses promote active engagement, facilitate the formation of educational alliances, and build collaborative relationships that sustain dynamic and innovative learning environments.
Designed to address real-world community needs, the program prepares you to strengthen education and support long-term improvements in Indigenous communities.
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 including the required capstone course (IED 585)
Required Core (9 credit hours) Other Requirements (3 credit hours) Electives (15 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
IED 502 Indigenous Knowledges in Education (3)
IED 510 Indigenous Education and Colonial Histories (3)
IED 530 Indigenous Language Revitalization (3)
IED 501 Critical Indigenous Research Methodologies (3) or
IED 535 Indigenous Participatory Action Research (3)
IED 585 Capstone (3)
Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of electives.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Design and articulate Indigenous knowledge system(s), as it relates to education and schooling in Indian country
- Appraise and compose the parallels of historical Indigenous education and current schooling for American Indian students, using an evidence-based approach to support their case
- Articulate the contradictions and complexities between Western schooling and Indigenous educational processes for Native nations
- Analyze research methods and methodologies through an Indigenous framework and compose their own research methodologies
Design and articulate Indigenous knowledge system(s), as it relates to education and schooling in Indian countryAdmission 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 in a related field, such as history, education, anthropology, sociology, ethnic studies, justice studies or political science, from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information A selection committee comprising faculty members selects candidates based on their application materials and the committee's assessment of their potential to succeed. The two- to three-page personal essay should describe any prior research experience and training in education; the applicant's experience working with or for Indigenous communities; professional goals and research interests; and the fit between their interests and the program's emphases, requirements and coursework. If the applicant knows of any faculty they would like to work with or whose research aligns with their interests, this should be noted in the personal essay. The 12- to 15-page writing sample can be a relevant policy paper or report, or a research paper from an academic course. The letters of recommendation should comment on the applicant's motivation, commitment, achievements, work experience and likely success in the program.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/15 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 12/15 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are well prepared for diverse career opportunities in roles that advance Indigenous education and community goals. Potential career paths include:
- community development: leaders in nonprofits or tribal organizations driving educational initiatives
- curriculum development: specialists designing culturally relevant educational materials and programs
- educational leadership: directors or coordinators in Indigenous-serving schools, organizations or programs
- higher education: instructors, program coordinators or student support roles in colleges and universities
- policy advocacy: policy analysts or advisors focused on education and Indigenous affairs
- research and consulting: experts conducting research or offering consultation on Indigenous education and policy
This program equips graduates with the skills to create meaningful change, enhance educational systems and empower 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.
