Master of Arts in Indigenous Studies

The Department of Indigenous Studies offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Indigenous Studies. Indigenous Studies is a critical, multidisciplinary area of study. It engages history, art, music, law, philosophy, and language, among other areas, to address decolonization, revitalization, and resurgence through local, national, and global Indigenous perspectives. This program will open doors in a variety of careers, including law, business and entrepreneurship, community development, cultural studies and museums, and education, to name just a few.

Because of the small number of faculty members and graduate students, MA programs are individually created for each graduate student. Students complete between three and six graduate-level courses, usually through independent studies or by sitting in on 4000-level undergraduate courses and completing additional work. Besides the coursework, students must complete a thesis, following the requirements of the School of Graduate Studies.

Because so much of an MA in Indigenous Studies is conducted through independent studies and through the thesis, prospective graduate students must be highly motivated, able to work independently, and have excellent writing skills. Please note that the Department of Indigenous Studies does not accept applications from students who have not lined up the support of a supervisor. Potential supervisors may look for additional background from prospective students beyond those listed in the admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies.

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree (i.e. an undergraduate degree) in a related discipline from a recognized degree-granting institution; Have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (based on 4.00 scale) on the last 20 graded university-level term courses OR calculated on the most recently completed master’s degree if the applicant is applying for another master’s degree.

English Language Requirements:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 86.

Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 6.5, and a minimum score of 6.0 in each band.

Academic Pearson Test of English (PTE), taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 63.

Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment, taken within the last two years, with a minimum overall score of 70.