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American Indian Studies (Indigenous Rights and Social Justice), MS

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  3. American Indian Studies (Indigenous Rights and Social Justice)

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Strengthen your passion for change, and equip yourself with advanced skills to advocate for Indigenous rights, challenge systemic injustices and promote equity. You'll be empowered to make a meaningful impact in, with and for Indigenous communities. Join us in making a difference.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS American Indian Studies (Indigenous Rights and Social Justice)

The Master of Science program in American Indian studies with a concentration in Indigenous rights and social justice is a transformative program designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance the rights of Indigenous peoples and their communities. Students are equipped to promote social justice in various contexts, including community-serving organizations, tribal agencies and nonprofit agencies. The interdisciplinary program draws on insights from law, sociology, anthropology, history and cultural studies, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities around the world.

Students in this program study the historical and contemporary injustices that have impacted Indigenous peoples, including colonialism, land dispossession, cultural erasure and social inequities. Courses critically engage these issues, exploring how legal frameworks, social movements and grassroots activism intersect to shape, protect and advance Indigenous rights today. Courses cover a wide variety of topics, including Indigenous legal systems; human rights law; environmental justice; and the role of international organizations in protecting, defending and promoting Indigenous rights.

This program specifically focuses on decolonization and the reclamation of Indigenous knowledge systems, leadership and justice. Students learn from Indigenous scholars and community leaders, gaining insights into traditional governance structures, cultural practices and contemporary strategies for resistance and revitalization. This approach enriches the academic experience and fosters meaningful relationships between students and Indigenous communities.

In addition to theoretical foundations, the program emphasizes practical skills through experiential learning opportunities. Students may participate in fieldwork, internships or community projects that enable them to apply their knowledge in practical settings. These experiences provide students with valuable opportunities to engage with Indigenous organizations, governmental bodies and advocacy groups, enhancing their understanding of the complexities involved in promoting social justice.

The program fosters a collaborative learning environment that encourages critical dialogue and diverse perspectives. Students are invited to discuss the ethical implications of their work, reflecting on the responsibilities of advocating for marginalized communities. This focus on ethics and accountability ensures that students have the necessary knowledge and understand the importance of respect, reciprocity and solidarity in their professional endeavors.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours and a thesis
  • 30 credit hours including the required applied project course (AIS 580)

Required Core (9 credit hours)
AIS 501 American Indian Studies Paradigms (3)
AIS 503 Contemporary Issues of American Indian Nations (3)
AIS 525 Critical Indigenous Research Methodologies (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours)

Electives (6 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
AIS 580 Practicum (6) or
AIS 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students may select a thesis or nonthesis option. Thesis students are involved in a major research project under the direction of their faculty advisors, culminating in a thesis; students should select this option if they have an interest in a research-oriented position within an organization or agency, or they wish to pursue a doctoral degree. Nonthesis students complete an applied project, under the direction of their faculty advisors, that identifies and addresses an applied problem or issue relevant to a partner agency or organization; students who are interested in a leadership or managerial position within an organization or agency should select this option.

Admission Requirements

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, justice studies, sociology, ethnic studies, anthropology, political science or education from a regionally accredited college or university of recognized standing.

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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal essay
  4. writing sample
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The personal essay should be three to four pages and indicate the applicant's 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; relevant policy papers or reports, and research papers for an academic course are examples of acceptable types of writing samples.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - American Indian Studies

BS - American Indian Studies

Explore the rich histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples, delving into topics such as sovereignty and identity, while developing your skills in research and advocacy. Prepare for an impactful career that champions Indigenous rights and promotes cultural understanding.

Website | Locations: TEMPE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

Concurrent degree program

Students can choose to create their own concurrent degree combination to match their interests by working with their academic advisor during or after their first semester of study. Some concurrent combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum; students should speak with their academic advisor for more details.

This degree is also offered as a concurrent program with the following:

Social Work, MSW

Social Work, MSW

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Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers in various fields, including law, policy development, community organizing, education and international relations, and as community liaisons. They emerge as informed advocates, capable of navigating the intricate legal and social landscapes that affect Indigenous peoples. With a commitment to equity, diversity and cultural sensitivity, graduates are prepared to challenge systemic injustices and contribute to empowering Indigenous communities.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • aisgradadvising@asu.edu
  • 480/965-3634


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions 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.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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