M.A.
The ISP master’s requires 30 credit hours to complete.
This degree enables you to become an innovative and capable scholar and leader who brings Indigenous perspectives to academic settings, government and other public service, and the private sector. ISP equips you with the knowledge and skills to conduct theoretical and applied research and to develop innovative solutions to issues facing Indigenous communities.
You’ll take courses from across KU to create an individualized program of study. Our affiliate faculty members teach in the humanities, social sciences, arts and professional schools.
To graduate, you’ll complete either a thesis or portfolio of your work.
- ISP 800 Indigenous Issues in the United States (3 credits; offered each fall)
- 18 hours of coursework with content relevant to the field of Indigenous studies approved by your faculty advisor in consultation with the ISP director. Courses are selected from the below list of options based on the student's research and professional interests.
- To take courses not on the approved list, you’ll need to demonstrate how the course will advance your understanding of Indigenous perspectives and/or methodologies. Additional information on the course approval process can be found in the Graduate Student Handbook.
- 9 hours of electives selected from the above list of courses
- An M.A. examination: an oral exam in which you defend your portfolio, which consists of 3 deliverables, developed through coursework, research, and/or other creative activities that make a meaningful contribution to the field of Indigenous Studies.
- ISP 800 Indigenous Issues in the United States (3 credits; offered each fall.
- 18 hours of coursework with content relevant to the field of Indigenous studies approved by your faculty advisor in consultation with the ISP director. Courses are selected from the below list of options based on the student's research and professional interests.
- To take courses not on the approved list, you’ll need to demonstrate how the course will advance your understanding of Indigenous perspectives and/or methodologies. Additional information on the course approval process can be found in the Graduate Student Handbook.
- 6 hours of electives selected from the above list of courses
- 3 hours of ISP 899 Thesis with your faculty advisor
- An M.A. examination: an oral exam in which you defend your thesis. A thesis identifies and analyzes an original issue, question or problem of importance in the field of Indigenous studies. You’ll conduct original research and use appropriate methodologies to generate new knowledge in the form of data, ideas and opinions that withstand careful scrutiny.