The American Indian studies graduate degree with a concentration in indigenous rights and social justice offers students a deeper understanding of complex issues facing Indigenous communities. Students will learn how to apply their expertise and advocate for social justice in a variety of careers in government, nonprofit agencies and more.
The MS in American Indian studies is a transdisciplinary program that provides students with an intellectual and practical understanding of the issues facing American Indian populations and the ability to apply that knowledge. Students acquire problem-solving skills in a range of professional arenas, including governmental, private and nonprofit agencies. The program focuses on languages, cultures, the arts, activism, histories, legal policies and education from an American Indian studies paradigm and perspective. Delivery is in-person courses.

The indigenous rights and social justice concentration explores the historical dimensions of colonization on American Indian political, economic and cultural institutions. Students will analyze the legal, political and social implications of American Indian relationships with federal, state and local governments and investigate processes that American Indian nations and community members use to strategize and work toward social justice and Indigenous rights.

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