M.A. in AIS

A masters program with a concentration in American Indian Policy was inaugurated in 1979 in the Political Sciences Department and subsequently, an interdisciplinary Master's Degree in American Indian Studies, the first of its kind in the nation, was formally approved in 1982.

The master's program offers opportunities for advanced study in multiple interdisciplinary areas, for example:

• American Indian societies and cultures
• American Indian literature
• American Indian education
• American Indian natural resources

Read the M.A. Guidelines to learn more.

American Indian Studies GIDP

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the Graduate College online application. Follow these steps:

1. Create a GradApp account https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/gradapp

2. Complete your GradApp profile under "My Account"

3. Select "Apply to a Program" from the sidebar

4. Choose "Degree Seeking" under application type and "American Indian Studies (M.A.)" under program of study.

5. Choose the Fall semester during which you wish to enter the program.

6. Your application should now be initiated under "My Active Applications"

AIS M.A. admissions guide: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions-guides/#program/AISMA

Required Application Materials

The following application components are also required for the M.A.:

- Online application fee of $90.00.

- A personal statement (3 to 5 pages) including your educational goals, professional plans, and your interest in our M.A. program and your background in American Indian Studies or with American Indian communities.

- A current resume or curriculum vitae.

- One writing sample (15 to 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 or 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 the AIS program, August for fall admissions. All application materials must be received by the appropriate date 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.