American Indian Studies

The University of California offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary American Indian Studies program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the histories, cultures, governments, and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous peoples of North America. This program aims to foster critical awareness of the diverse experiences and contributions of American Indian communities, emphasizing both traditional knowledge and modern perspectives. Through a combination of coursework, research opportunities, and community engagement, students gain a nuanced appreciation of the social, political, and economic factors shaping Indigenous life today.

The curriculum includes courses in anthropology, history, political science, literature, and cultural studies, allowing students to explore topics such as tribal sovereignty, Native arts and literature, language revitalization, and Indigenous rights movements. Students are encouraged to critically analyze historical and contemporary narratives surrounding American Indians, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more accurate and respectful understanding of their societies. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, offering internships, fieldwork, and collaborations with Indigenous communities, which enrich students’ academic experience and foster meaningful relationships with Native peoples.

Graduates of the American Indian Studies program are prepared for a variety of career paths, including roles in education, public policy, social services, advocacy, and cultural preservation. Many students pursue advanced degrees in related fields such as law, anthropology, or Indigenous studies, continuing their commitment to Indigenous issues and community empowerment. The University’s program is committed to promoting social justice, fostering partnerships with Indigenous organizations, and supporting Native students through dedicated resources and academic advising. Overall, the American Indian Studies program provides a rigorous and inclusive education that honors Indigenous voices and prepares students to contribute positively to society and Indigenous communities alike.

• A minimum of ten courses is required, at least seven of which must be at the graduate level. Four required courses:
  American Indian Studies M200A, M200B, M200C, M200D (which must be taken in the first year) and one of the linguistics requirement options which must be fulfilled by the end of the second year. In addition, one of the remaining six courses must be a graduate course concerned with research methodology.

• Students can petition for combinations of interdisciplinary work to the chair of the program. In addition to the four required courses, students must complete a minimum of four courses in their chosen area of concentration. Three of these must be graduate level courses. Two additional courses are to be chosen from other areas of concentration. Courses must be selected from an approved list maintained by the program.
• Two courses in the 500 series may be applied toward the course requirement. However, only one 596 course may be counted toward the minimum graduate course requirement. The 500 series courses are individualized, independent study courses which permit students to pursue topics that are not available in conventional lecture courses or seminars. They may be used to make guided progress in writing the thesis or preparing for the comprehensive examination.
• Students in the Master of Arts program must successfully complete one of the following linguistics requirements: (a) Linguistics 114, (b) Anthropology 243P, or (c) for native speakers of an American Indian language, an independent study course approved by the instructor in either Linguistics or Anthropology in which a structural knowledge of the student’s language is learned. The courses are designed to show how American Indian languages and communicative norms are primary vehicles for the transmission and understanding of American Indian cultures.

Thesis or Comprehensive Examination

Students may select either a thesis plan or a comprehensive examination plan to complete the program. The committee members supervising the thesis or administering the comprehensive examination are selected by the student with the consent of the program committee after submitting a formal thesis proposal early in the fourth quarter of residence. Copies of the thesis must be submitted to each member of the committee by the fifth week of the quarter of expected graduation. Students choosing the comprehensive examination plan must demonstrate competency in the major and minor areas of study in a written and/or oral examination.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution is required for admission to the Master of Arts program in American Indian Studies. Ideally, students will demonstrate an interest in American Indian studies through formal course work, independent study, or practical experience. In addition to the application, students must submit an essay which includes a detailed account of their academic background, a statement of research interests, and potential career plans. Preference is given to individuals with undergraduate majors relevant to the proposed areas of concentration within the Master of Arts degree: Anthropology, Art History, English, Ethnomusicology, History, Linguistics, Literature, Sociology, or Theater.
• Entering students must meet the university’s minimum admission requirement of a 3.0 grade-point average in all course work completed during the last two undergraduate years and in all prior graduate work.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but students are encouraged to take the examination and submit test results to be considered for fellowship programs.
• At least three letters of recommendation should be submitted, ideally from faculty members who know your work.
• Students should submit a writing sample, usually a copy of a term paper (or some approximation thereof) that has been completed for a course. 
• If you achieved a score of 100 or higher on the TOEFL iBT, or 7.5 or higher on the IELTS, the ESLPE requirement is waived.
• If you scored below 100 on the TOEFL iBT, or below 7.5 on the IELTS, you mustsit for the ESLPE upon arrival at UCLA and immediately enroll in any assigned English as a Second Language courses.

The American Indian Studies program at the University of California offers a variety of financing options to support enrolled students throughout their academic journey. Funding opportunities include federal and state financial aid programs, institutional scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study opportunities. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine their eligibility for financial assistance such as Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study awards. The university also provides department-specific scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, which are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific eligibility criteria related to American Indian or Indigenous identities. Additionally, students may qualify for external scholarships and fellowships from tribal organizations, foundations, and federal agencies aimed at supporting Native American students pursuing higher education. The university's financial aid office offers counseling services to help students navigate their options, complete necessary applications, and plan their finances effectively. Payment plans are available to facilitate tuition payments over time, and some students may be eligible for tuition waivers or reductions, particularly those with demonstrated financial need. Graduate students in the program can also explore assistantship opportunities, which provide stipends and tuition remission in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the department. To ensure comprehensive financial support, prospective and current students should review the university's official financial aid webpage and consult with financial advisors. Overall, the program's funding structure prioritizes accessibility and support for Native American students, enabling them to pursue their academic and research goals without undue financial hardship.

The American Indian Studies program at the University of California offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum dedicated to exploring the histories, cultures, languages, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples of North America. The program aims to foster a deeper understanding of Native American communities, their sovereignty, and their contributions to society. Students engaged in this program have the opportunity to study in various fields including history, anthropology, political science, arts, and cultural studies, providing a well-rounded perspective on Indigenous issues.

The curriculum often includes courses that examine Native American philosophies, art, literature, and political movements, alongside studies of specific tribes and regions. Students can participate in community-based research projects, internships, and cultural exchanges, which enhance practical understanding and foster respectful collaborations with Indigenous communities. The program also emphasizes the importance of language preservation and revitalization efforts, encouraging students to learn Native languages and support cultural resilience.

Through faculty expertise and resources, students gain a nuanced appreciation for the diversity among Indigenous peoples and the systemic challenges they face, such as land rights, environmental justice, and representation in media and government. The program prepares students for careers in academia, public policy, advocacy, education, and cultural preservation, among others, equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to Indigenous communities and broader societal dialogues.

The university often partners with local tribal nations and Indigenous organizations to enhance educational outcomes and community engagement. Graduates of the American Indian Studies program are well-positioned to become leaders and advocates working toward social justice, cultural preservation, and policy change. The program underscores a commitment to decolonization, self-determination, and respecting Indigenous sovereignty, fostering a campus environment that values diversity, inclusion, and respect for Native peoples’ rights and narratives.