How to Apply

• 2-page personal statement explaining how a master's degree in Indigenous Studies will benefit you and why you will successfully complete the degree. The personal statement should answer:
  • Why Indigenous Studies is the right fit for your interests.
  • Who among our affiliate faculty would you like to work with on your research?
  • What you would like to do with your master’s degree?
• Resume or curriculum vitae listing your educational and employment history, any scholarships/fellowships, internships, awards, etc.
• Writing sample of at least 10 pages
  • ​Choose your best academic work. We're looking for your ability to communicate clearly, think critically and perform research.
• Three letters of recommendation
  • The Letter of Recommendation system works on the contact information you provide when you apply.
  • Be sure your recommenders can speak to your ability to handle the rigors of academia. 
    • We suggest at least two of your recommenders come from professors you've taken courses from.
  • These letters should help us understand why Indigenous Studies fits your research and career goals.
• Transcript(s) from undergraduate or graduate institution(s) you have attended
  • Current and former KU students: Upload a copy of your KU Advising Report from the "My Progress" section of the myKU portal OR a copy of your KU academic summary, available in Enroll & Pay.
  • Non-KU students: You must include official transcripts from each college attended.
    • You may attach scanned versions of official transcripts. If you're admitted to ISP and accept our admissions offer, you'll be required to submit an official, final transcript that shows your degree has been conferred.
    • Instructions for submitting transcripts via mail, electronically or Certifile
• Application fee: $65 for domestic, $85 for international applicants

Minimum admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Current KU Students

Current graduate students complete the online application and submit these required materials:

• a letter stating your interest in Indigenous studies and its relationship to your graduate course of study;
• a current advising report;
• a letter of support from your graduate degree program.

You must be in good standing with your graduate degree program to participate in the certificate program. 

Non-KU Students

If you aren't currently enrolled at KU, you’ll complete an online application, pay a $30 application fee and submit these required materials:

• a letter stating your interest in the Indigenous Studies graduate certificate;
• an official copy of your college transcript;
• two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic work or potential for graduate study.

Letters of recommendation:

• We encourage you to schedule a brief meeting with each recommender to talk about what your plans are for graduate school and your career goals. Provide them with a copy of your CV or resume as well as your personal statement, if you have those ready. Doing this can help them craft stronger letters of recommendation on your behalf.
• If possible, give your recommenders plenty of time – a month is common – to write and submit their letters.

Any part of the application:

• Share your materials with others for feedback prior to submitting your application.
• You don't have to submit all materials at once. You can upload and save the application as many times as you need to prior to submitting it.

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency in areas of reading, writing and listening to gain admission.

This can be done by:

• taking an English proficiency standardized test
• completing KU's Applied English Center curriculum
• graduating from an English-medium university
• showing proof of U.S. military employment
• providing an alternative proficiency documentation