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Graduate Degree Programs

OU NAS offers two graduate degree programs and two graduate certificates all of which use distinctly Indigenous perspectives to place the sovereignty of Native nations and the cultures of Native peoples at the center of academic study.

  • Master of Arts in Native American Studies
  • MA/JD dual degree in Native American Studies and OU College of Law
  • Graduate Certificate in Native American Studies
  • Social Work with American Indians Graduate Certificate

        Visit our Graduate Certificate Programs page for more information. 

How do I Apply?

Prospective students for the MA degree program apply by completing the OU Graduate Application. NAS has a biannual deadline for admission for Fall and Spring semesters. The deadline for Spring semester admission is 10/15 and for Fall it is 2/15. The GRE is not required.

Required Materials for the Application

  • Statement of purpose
    Your statement of purpose should be 750-1000 words in which you introduce yourself and your academic interests and communicate your motivation for pursuing an MA in Native American Studies. You might expand on which area(s) of emphasis that you are interested in and list any faculty members with whom you would like to work.

  • Resume/CV
    Provide information on your educational and professional background such as positions held, honors & awards, presentation and publications.

  • Three letters of recommendation 
    At least two letters should be from academic sources, i.e. faculty. Applicants will enter names and email addresses of each recommender. Recommenders will receive an email to upload a letter of recommendation.

  • Writing sample
    A sample of your scholarly writing, representing your best writing and research skills. It should be at least five pages long, but no longer than 25 pages, and preferrably not more than three years old. Examples include an undergraduate paper, publication, thesis or major research paper.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

GTA appointments in Native American Studies are primarily offered to incoming students. Applicants interested in a Graduate Teaching Assistantship should apply for admission by the priority deadline of February 1st and express interest within the first paragraph of their Statement of purpose.

NAS Graduate Teaching Assistants each teach one online section of our Introduction to Native American Studies course each semester during their appointment. NAS GTAs receive a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend.

For more information about Graduate Teaching Assistantships, visit the OU Graduate College.

Helpful Links

Contacts

A picture of Lewis Borck, holding his hand up while speaking.

Lewis Borck 
Assistant Professor
Graduate Liaison and Advisor 

Horizon Endowed Chair of
Native American History and Culture
 

Copeland Hall 207
lsborck@ou.edu


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