Admission to the Indigenous Studies Master’s program requires an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies or related field with an average of at least B+ (equivalent to McMaster 8.5 GPA out of 12) in the final year of studies or better from a recognized university.

In the Indigenous Studies Master’s program, learning may take the form of course work and a Major-Community-Based Research Project (CRP), or course work and Major Research Paper (MRP).

Coursework in both Streams (Major Research Paper and Major Community-Based Research Project)

Students will be required to complete the following: 3 core courses; 3 elective courses, one of which must be an Indigenous Studies course; one non-credit Professional development course; and a Major Research Paper or a Community-Based Research Project.

Courses include:

• INDIGST 701 Theories in Critical Indigenous Studies
• INDIGST 702 Indigenous Studies Research Methods
• INDIGST 704 Indigenous Studies Experiential Learning Course
• INDIGST 725 Professional Development (non-credit)

Three additional elective courses from an approved course list; one of which must be Indigenous Studies.

Students choose to do a Major Research Paper or a Community-Based Research Project.

Students will need to declare which stream they will take by October 15 of the first term of the Program.

Major Research Paper (MRP)

Students who choose to do the Major Research Paper stream will write a major paper. The Major Research Paper stream will take approximately 12 months to complete.

Major Community-Based Research Project (CRP)

Students who choose to do the Major Community-Based Research Project will complete a community-based research project and write a report. Students who declare the community-based research project will complete their ethics application as part of their second term methods course. They will submit their ethics applications once it is approved by their supervisor by the end of term. The CRP will take up to 16 months to complete.

Admission to the Indigenous Studies Master’s program requires an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous studies or related field from a recognized university with at least a B+ average (equivalent to McMaster 8.5 GPA out of 12).

Notes:

• Only completed applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Committee of the Department of Indigenous Studies
• Applicants to the Indigenous Studies Master’s program are strongly encouraged to apply for the SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarships Competition (Scholarship Deadline is December 1st), provided they meet the eligibility requirements. For more information, visit the School of Graduate Studies: Awards & Funding.

Required Application Documents

Graduate Studies Online Application

Applicants to the Indigenous Studies Master’s program are required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens September 15th each year. In addition to the online application, applicants must also submit the required documents listed below. Some required documents must be submitted through the online application.

Statement of Interest

A letter of application (electronic statement of interest, approximately 250-500 words, single or double-spaced, maximum of 1 page). The statement must be uploaded as a PDF attachment only through the online application system on the Upload Document page.

• The statement of interest should clearly describe your reasons for pursuing the Indigenous Studies Master’s program, research interests, previous studies, experience, and your career objectives.
• In the application, applicants should identify 3 potential supervisors to work with and state why they would like to work with them. The department will assign a supervisor who is deemed to fit best with the student’s research interest, which may or may not be who the student identified.
• Curriculum Vitae/Personal Resume
• An electronic copy of your CV/Resume must be uploaded as a PDF attachment through the online application system on the Upload Document page.

Official Academic Transcripts

• Upload a scan of all official university transcripts completed to date to the application system. Remember to include a copy of the transcript key/legend or scale from the transcript.
• Transcripts from institutions where you completed courses on Letter of Permission and/or as part of a Student Exchange Program must also be included.
• If your institution produces official electronic transcripts that can be sent directly to other institutions select this option. The issuing institution must send the official transcript directly to the Indigenous Studies Department by email at isgrad@mcmaster.ca.
• If the official language of instruction at your institution is not English, please include both the original language document and a certified English translation.
• Do not submit an unofficial transcript or a student record print unless the document shows your full name, student number, the university name, and contains all courses completed and in progress with final grades.
• If you receive an offer of admission further instructions will be given on how to submit formal official transcripts.

Letters of References

• Reference letters are required from: One from an academic referee (i.e., professors or research supervisors), and one letter from a professional referee (i.e., employer who can provide a professional reference) or a second academic letter. In addition to these two letters, students may also submit a reference letter from a community member.
• All referees are required to complete the Electronic Referencing System (e-Reference) that is used by McMaster University. You will be required to indicate contact information and an institutional email address for each referee. Your referees will receive an email message asking them to complete an e-Reference.
• Important: The system will send the e-Reference request to your references only after you submit your online application. This means that you will need to have completed and uploaded your Statement of Interest and CV/Resume to your online application before you can click the “submit” button. References may require 2-4 weeks to complete the e-Reference reports. Referees must complete their reference report by the application deadline of February 1. Please keep this in mind when you are working on your application.
• If you need to change your reference or referee email address after submitting your application, you may do so through the Mosaic Applicant Portal.
• If for some reason your referee is unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, you can download the Reference Form and send it to your referees for completion. Downloaded reference forms must be sent by the referee directly to Indigenous Studies Department by e-mail (isgrad@mcmaster.ca ) or the mailing address below.

English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

For applicants to the Indigenous Studies Master’s program whose first language is not English and who did not attend an English-speaking University for their undergraduate degree, a test of English Language Proficiency is required. Minimal scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are written score (600) or computer (250), or internet-based test (iBT = 92; reading = 22, speaking = 24, listening = 24, and writing = 22).

This requirement must be met prior to an offer of admission. There will be no exceptions to the language requirement.

NOTE: Foreign students wishing to enter Canada on a student visa should also contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for visa information.

Writing Sample

Please also upload within the application a sample of written academic work that demonstrates your ability to do research and your ability to write. This sample should be at least 10 pages in length, with one-inch margins and 12-point type. It may be a course paper or part of a course paper.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

McMaster Indigenous Studies Department is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Please review the Equity and Inclusion Office website and submit a one-paragraph description of your background and experience with EDI and/or how you could contribute to EDI initiatives. This paragraph can be added directly into the space provided on the application or it can be uploaded as a separate document.

Application Fee

The system will charge a $110.00 (Canadian) application fee. This fee is non-refundable and payable by credit card only. Once you have paid the application fee, please remember to return to the online application to click the “Submit” button. The application fee will not be waived.

How to Apply

Each applicant to the Indigenous Studies Master’s program is required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens September 15th each year and submit the required application documents listed above to complete the application.

Please note that all application supporting documentation must be received no later than February 1 of the year in which you are applying.

If required, send all official documents (hard copy) to:

Department of Indigenous Studies
L.R. Wilson Hall, room 1811
c/o Indigenous Studies Graduate Program
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4

Application Deadline

For September 2025 admission to the Indigenous Studies Master’s program: January 15, 2025

The majority of graduate students at McMaster receive competitive funding packages that may include financial support such as teaching assistantships, university graduate scholarships, as well as external scholarships and bursaries.

• Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool
• DeGroote School of Business Graduate Award for Indigenous Learners
• Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Students
• Health Sciences Graduate Scholarship for Indigenous Scholars
• Indigenous Mentorship Network of Ontario
• INDSPIRE Bursary and scholarships

External Scholarship Competitions

Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) for Indigenous Graduate Students

Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s (CGS-M) Competition (harmonized SSHRC Master’s, CIHR Master’s and NSERC Master’s)

To see additional information regarding awards and funding, please visit the Awards & Funding page.

Refer to the School of Graduate Studies website: How To Apply

When does the application portal open – when does the program start?

The application portal will open September 15th (to start the following fall semester) and interested/prospective applicants will be informed well in advance.

What is required for the application – what can I do in advance of the application portal opening?

Statement of Interest

A statement of interest (electronic statement of interest, approximately 250-500 words, single or double-spaced, maximum of 1 page). The statement must be uploaded as a PDF attachment only through the online application system on the Upload Document page.

The statement of interest should clearly describe your reasons for pursuing an MA in Indigenous Studies degree, research interests, previous studies, experience, and your career objectives.
In the application, applicants should identify 3 potential supervisors to work with and state why they would like to work with them.

Applicants are asked to identify three potential supervisors. The Graduate Committee will assign a supervisor who is deemed to fit best with the student’s research interest, which may or may not be who the student identified. Please review the list of Graduate Supervisors for Indigenous Studies.

See Tip Sheet, Student Success Centre, and Personal Statements-Letters of Intent 2024

Curriculum Vitae/Personal Resume

An electronic copy of your CV/Resume must be uploaded as a PDF attachment through the online application system on the Upload Document page.

See Tip Sheet, Student Success Centre, and Curriculum Vitae (CV) Writing 2024

Official Academic Transcripts

Upload a scan of all official university transcripts completed to date to the application system. Remember to include a copy of the transcript key/legend or scale from the transcript. Transcripts from institutions where you completed courses on Letter of Permission and/or as part of a Student Exchange Program must also be included. If your institution produces official electronic transcripts that can be sent directly to other institutions select this option.

The issuing institution must send the official transcript directly to the Indigenous Studies Department by email at isgrad@mcmaster.ca. If the official language of instruction at your institution is not English, please include both the original language document and a certified English translation. Do not submit an unofficial transcript or a student record print unless the document shows your full name, student number, the university name, and contains all courses completed and in progress with final grades. If you receive an offer of admission further instructions will be given on how to submit formal official transcripts.

Letters of References

Reference letters are required from: One from an academic referee (i.e., professors or research supervisors), and one letter from a professional referee (i.e., employer who can provide a professional reference) or a second academic letter. In addition to these two letters, students may also submit a reference letter from a community member. All referees are required to complete the Electronic Referencing System (e-Reference) that is used by McMaster University. You will be required to indicate contact information and an institutional email address for each referee. Your referees will receive an email message asking them to complete an e-Reference.

See Tip Sheet, Student Success Centre, and How to Ask for Grad School References 2024

Important

The system will send the e-Reference request to your references only after you submit your online application. This means that you will need to have completed and uploaded your Statement of Interest and CV/Resume to your online application before you can click the “submit” button. References may require 2-4 weeks to complete the e-Reference reports. Referees must complete their reference report by the application deadline.

Please keep this in mind when you are working on your application. If you need to change your reference or referee email address after submitting your application, you may do so through the Mosaic Applicant Portal. If for some reason your referee is unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, you can download the Reference Form and send it to your referees for completion. Downloaded reference forms must be sent by the referee directly to Indigenous Studies Department by e-mail (isgrad@mcmaster.ca) or the mailing address below.

English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

For applicants whose first language is not English and who did not attend an English-speaking University for their undergraduate degree, a test of English Language Proficiency is required. Minimal scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are written score (600) or computer (250), or internet-based test (iBT = 92; reading = 22, speaking = 24, listening = 24, and writing = 22). This requirement must be met prior to an offer of admission. There will be no exceptions to the language requirement.
NOTE: Foreign students wishing to enter Canada on a student visa should also contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for visa information.

Writing Sample

Please also upload a sample of written academic work that demonstrates your ability to do research and your ability to write. This sample should be at least 10 pages in length, with one-inch margins and 12-point type. It may be a course paper or part of a course paper.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

McMaster Indigenous Studies Department is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Please review the Equity and Inclusion Office website and submit a one-paragraph description of your background and experience with EDI and/or how you could contribute to EDI initiatives. This paragraph can be added directly into the space provided on the application or it can be uploaded as a separate document.

Application Fee

The system will charge a $110 (Canadian) application fee. This fee is non-refundable and payable by credit card only. Once you have paid the application fee, please remember to return to the online application to click the “Submit” button. The application fee will not be waived.

How to Apply

Graduate Studies Online Application
Applicants are required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application and submit the required documents listed above to complete the application. Review the School of Graduate Studies website for complete information regarding the application process.

Application Deadline

For September 2025 admission: January 15, 2025

What courses are required and when are they offered?

The MA in Indigenous Studies takes the form of course work and a Major-Community-Based Research Project (CRP), or course work and Major Research Paper (MRP).
Coursework in both Streams (Major Research Paper and Major Community-Based Research Project)
Students will be required to complete the following: 3 core courses; 3 elective courses, one of which must be an Indigenous Studies course; one non-credit Professional development course; and a Major Research Paper or a Community-Based Research Project.
Courses include:

• INDIGST 701 Theories in Critical Indigenous Studies offered in Fall 2024
• INDIGST 702 Indigenous Studies Research Methods offered in Winter 2025
• INDIGST 704 Indigenous Studies Experiential Learning Course offered in Fall 2024
• INDIGST 725 Professional Development (non-credit) offered in Fall 2024
• Three additional elective courses from an approved course list; one of which must be Indigenous Studies.
• Indigenous Studies electives:
• INDIGST 6HH3 Indigenous Determinants of Health and Well-being offered in Fall 2024
• INDIGST Queer, Two-Spirit, and Trans-World Making offered in Winter 2025
• INDIGST 705 Indigenous Studies Graduate Reading Course offered in Winter 2025
• Other possible electives are chosen from a selection of courses offered in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Humanities. The offerings on the list are being confirmed.
• Students choose to do a Major Research Paper or a Community-Based Research Project.

Major Research Paper (MRP)

Students who choose to do the Major Research Paper stream will write a major paper. The Major Research Paper stream will take approximately 12 months to complete.

Major Community-Based Research Project (CRP)

Students who choose to do the Major Community-Based Research Project will complete a community-based research project and write a report. Students who declare the community-based research project will complete their ethics application as part of their second term methods course. They will submit their ethics applications once it is approved by their supervisor by the end of term. The CRP will take up to 16 months to complete.

How much is tuition and what is the funding for students?

Course-based program fees for full-time students 2024-2025 were $2,815.83 per term with $1,193.74 annual supplemental fees. Fees have not been confirmed for 2025-2026 yet.

What funding is available for MA students?

In the offer of admission, students will be offered a competitive scholarship and a full Teaching Assistantship (value $14,884).

Are students eligible for OSAP?

The Master of Arts in Indigenous Studies is an approved publicly-funded program, subject to Ontario’s Tuition Fee Framework, students in this program are eligible to apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Where can I access additional supports with application?

In addition to Indigenous Studies staff and faculty, the McMaster Indigenous Graduate Students (MIGS) – was formed to support Indigenous graduate students who are attending McMaster, and to create opportunities for scholarly dialogue and collaboration regarding research interests and shared common experiences related to graduate-level education. Contact migs@mcmaster.ca for more information.

Student Success Centre, McMaster

For prospective applicants, the Student Success Centre offers an array of information on their site, how to ask for references, how to write a personal statement or letter of intent, how to prepare a curriculum vitae and many other valuable resources.