Graduate Minor in American Indian Studies

The American Indian Program offers American Indian Studies (AIS) as a minor field in graduate studies. Graduate students select a faculty member from the field of AIS to serve as minor member on their special committee. Students must take two courses to qualify for the minor: a one credit colloquium -  offered once a year, in which students and faculty present their research; and a three - credit course in critical approaches to American Indian Studies, also offered once a year.

Faculty expertise spans multiple fields, including anthropology, archaeology, art history, education, history, indigenous human ecology,
literature, law, sociology, horticulture, and natural resources, enabling students to develop programs that meet their specific interests. Faculty with specific expertise in Iroquois (Haudenosaunne) Studies within the disciplines of anthropology and history further broaden opportunities for study.

Director of American Indian Graduate Studies:
Paul Nadasdy
Associate Professor
Anthropology
229 McGraw Hall
Phone: (607) 255-4040
pn79@cornell.edu

Cornell Graduate School

Cornell Graduate School is a centralized unit, formally independent of the various colleges of the university.  The Graduate School awards some 15 different graduate degrees in more than 95 major fields of study; in addition, course can be taken in more than 16 minor fields.  (The J.D., LL.M., M.B.A., D.V.M., and M.D., degrees are offered by their respective colleges.  Contact information is on the Graduate School home page). http://www.gradschool.cornell.edu/

Applying to Cornell's Graduate and Professional Schools

Students interested in Cornell University's graduate and professional schools must apply directly to major fields or programs. Native American applicants are invited to seek additional assistance and information from the American Indian Program. Students are also encouraged to contact the Director of Graduate Studies listed below. Once accepted into graduate or professional school, students will a find a supportive community in the American Indian Program. For students who seek direct experience with American Indian Studies curriculum and who need financial support, the program offers teaching assistantships in our own introductory level courses.

Funding for Graduate Students

The philosophy of the Graduate School is to offer full funding to admitted Ph.D. students.  In the humanities and social sciences, funding packages typically consist of two years of fellowship, two years of teaching or graduate assistantship, and a possible continuation year.  Many students in the sciences are funded by faculty research grants.  Funded students receive a stipend for living expenses and health insurance.  Master’s degree students are typically self- or partially funded.  Check with your field of interest for specific information