MA in Indigenous Studies
Indigenous students at the Indigenous Studies ribbon cutting event for the newly renovated space in Clemens Hall.
A master's degree in Indigenous Studies prepares students with the theoretical and practical foundations for advanced graduate work and careers in diverse fields, including teaching, government, and community and non-governmental organizations.
Degree Requirements
The MA in Indigenous Studies degree is based on graduate coursework and original scholarship in the form of a master's thesis paper or creative project under the supervision of at least two faculty members.
Coursework
A total of 32 credits are required for the MA degree in Indigenous Studies, most of which are satisfied through graduate seminars and master's thesis guidance. It includes four core courses which are required for all students:
- IDS 501 - Key Theories and Concepts in Indigenous Studies
- IDS 502 - Indigenous Historiographies
- IDS 503 - Methods in Global Indigenous Studies
- IDS 504 - Professional Seminar
MA Thesis or Project
The master's thesis or project is written and completed under the direction of at minimum two faculty members: one serves as the committee chair (major professor), and the other serves as a committee member. If the student chooses the thesis option, the thesis should be based on original research and analysis of a topic of substance in the discipline. If the student chooses a project, the project should be a new creative endeavor. Either has to be cogently defended to the satisfaction of the student's MA committee.
Thesis/Project Defense
When completed, master's theses/projects must be defended orally by the student at a public meeting. Furthermore, theses must be submitted electronically to the Graduate School and meet other university requirements. For further details, please see the graduate student handbook.
Admissions Information
Master's applications will be considered on a rolling basis for Fall admission. For priority consideration, applicants should submit all application materials by the first Friday in January.
Application Instructions
Applicants must gather and submit the following materials with the online application:
- Curriculum vitae (resume)
- Personal statement of 2-3 pages outlining Indigenous Studies experience, research skills, and project goals
- Academic writing sample of 10-20 pages
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic record
- Unofficial transcript(s) from every institution the applicant has previously attended, to include all undergraduate coursework (official transcripts required upon admission)
- $75.00 (USD) non-refundable application fee (unless otherwise noted) which may be paid online with a credit card
Note: Official results of the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are optional. Official scores should be sent directly from ETS to the University at Buffalo (institutional code is 2925).