Overview

The Master of Arts in Native American Studies at Montana State University offers a comprehensive academic exploration of Indigenous histories, legal frameworks, and contemporary social issues. This programme is designed for scholars seeking to deepen their understanding of sovereign nations through a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum and direct community involvement.

Students benefit from a vibrant academic environment located in the heart of Montana, home to twelve tribes and seven tribal colleges. This unique geographical position allows for unparalleled research opportunities and daily interaction with a dedicated faculty and a large, active Native American student population. The curriculum emphasises a rich on-campus experience that fosters meaningful professional and cultural connections.

Why Native American Studies at Montana State University?

Montana State University is one of only a few institutions in the United States to house this specific Master of Arts within a dedicated Department of Native American Studies. The university provides exceptional facilities, including the American Indian Hall, which serves as a hub for academic and community life. Students have the rare opportunity to engage in original research projects in collaboration with sovereign Indigenous nations.

The department maintains strong ties with local tribal communities and hosts significant cultural events, such as the annual AIC Powwow and various international conferences. These partnerships ensure that students are immersed in a supportive and inclusive environment that values Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. The faculty expertise spans diverse fields, from federal Indian law to Native humanities and environmental studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 21098 per year
National fee: USD 21098 per year
Local fee: USD 6542 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 30 to 31 credits, including core courses and a final thesis or professional paper. Modules may include:

Proseminar in Native American Studies
Federal Indian Law and Policy
Theoretical Positions in Native American Studies
Critical Approach to Methodologies in Native American Studies
Native America: Dispelling the Myth
Indigenous Planning
Feminism and Gender Theories in NAS
Native Food Systems
Indigenous Literature and the West
Native Grantsmanship
Powwow Leadership

Careers with Native American Studies

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for diverse professional paths, including roles in tribal government, higher education, and federal policy. The degree provides the necessary research skills for those intending to pursue doctoral studies in related fields such as anthropology, history, or land resources. Many alumni find success in sectors focused on environmental studies, community advocacy, and the preservation of Native American literature and art.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History, theory, and methodology

Anthropology

Native food systems

Federal Indian law and policy

Contemporary issues

Native American Literature, Film and Art

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 SCH

30-31

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bozeman, United States

Disciplines

American and Australasian studies View 131 other Masters in American and Australasian studies in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A bachelor's degree (or higher) or the equivalent from an accredited, government-recognized university. These degrees are generally four-year-long programs.

B average or higher from your undergraduate study (3.0/4.0 GPA, or equivalent).

Evidence of English language proficiency.

3 letters of recommendation.

A personal statement.

Official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework completed.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21098 USD / year

≈ 21098 USD / year
Out-of-State

21098 USD / year

≈ 21098 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6542 USD / year

≈ 6542 USD / year

Living costs

Bozeman

United States

1099 - 2275 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Native American Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bozeman

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners