Program Overview

M.A. Program

There are two possible areas of concentration, the Hemispheric Study of the Americas, and the Individual Concentration. Both areas have the option of Plan I or Plan II.

Plan I requires 30 units of graduate and upper division courses (the 100 and 200 series only) and, in addition, a thesis or a project in lieu of a thesis. At least 16 of the 30 units must be graduate work in the major field. Students may take up to 8 units of course work in the 100 series (undergraduate upper division).

Core courses required for Plan I (16 units):

  1. NAS 200 (4): Basic Concepts in Native American Studies
  2. NAS 202 (4): Advanced Topics in Native American Studies.
    In addition, choose two of the following
  3. NAS 212 (4): Indigenous Community Development for Autonomy
  4. NAS 220 (4): Colonialism, Racism, and Self-Determination
  5. NAS 280 (4): Ethnohistory

Plan II requires 36 units of graduate and upper division courses (the 100 and 200 series only), of which at least 20 units must be graduate courses in the major field. Not more than 9 units of research (299 or equivalent) may be used to satisfy the 20-unit requirement. Students may take up to 8 units of course work in the 100 series (undergraduate upper division). A comprehensive final examination in the major subject is required of each candidate.

Core courses required for Plan II (20 units):

  1. NAS 200 (4): Basic Concepts in Native American Studies
  2. NAS 202 (4): Advanced Topics in Native American Studies
  3. NAS 212 (4): Indigenous Community Development for Autonomy
  4. NAS 220 (4): Colonialism, Racism, and Self-Determination
  5. NAS 280 (4): Ethnohistory

Ph.D. Program

There are two possible areas of concentration, the Hemispheric Study of the Americas, and the Individual Concentration. Successful completion of the Ph.D. Degree will require coverage of the following subject areas.

  1. Native American history or ethnohistory (North, Central or South America)
  2. Native American religion and philosophy
  3. Native American government, politics and society
  4. Native American art or music
  5. Native American women
  6. Native American literature
  7. Native American language or linguistics.

The Ph.D. Program requires the completion of a twelve course minimum (48 units). Five of the twelve courses are core courses (for a total of 20 units).

  1. NAS 200 (4): Basic Concepts in Native American Studies
  2. NAS 202 (4): Advanced Topics in Native American Studies
  3. NAS 212 (4): Indigenous Community Development for Autonomy
  4. NAS 220 (4): Colonialism, Racism, and Self-Determination
  5. NAS 280 (4): Ethnohistory

In addition to the core courses (20 units), students are required to complete seven electives in related Native American Studies courses (for a total of 28 units).

Eight of the twelve courses must be in the 200 series (graduate level).

Qualifying Examination. In addition to the completion of twelve courses minimum (48 units), students in the Ph.D. Program are required to successfully pass the qualifying exam in Native American Studies. The qualifying exam, which consists of a written exam and an oral exam, is generally taken in the student's ninth quarter.

The Dissertation. Following the successful completion of the qualifying examination, the student will advance to candidacy. After advancing to candidacy, the student must complete a dissertation study.