Master of Arts - Native American Studies

Explore Native American Studies at Montana State University! Tailor your degree with interdisciplinary options and scholarships for international students. Apply now!

Program Description Native American Studies offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Native American Studies with an inter-disciplinary approach which makes the best possible use of university resources. The program allows each graduate student the opportunity to select a course of study that combines Native American Studies and a student's particular area of interest (e.g., history, business, literature, political science). The 30/31-credit program is designed so that each graduate student could complete the program within three to four semesters of concentrated work. Students will be expected to attend at least two full semesters on campus. Students who have completed the graduate certificate in Native American Studies may transfer 9 credits of classwork to the Master's degree. The program's mission, purpose, and objective emphasis is to graduate, in a timely manner, knowledgeable professionals and academicians well grounded in Native American issues and scholarship. The Master's program offers two plans: Plan A – Thesis Option or Plan B –Professional Paper/Project Option. Plan A requires course work, oral defense of a research prospectus, a written thesis, and an oral defense of the thesis. This option is preparation for doctoral work in Native American Studies or a related field of study. Plan B requires course work, oral defense of a research prospectus, and completion of a professional paper or project. The non-thesis option is preparation for employment in tribal, state, or federal government, a small or large business, and/or a tribal college.