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Bachelor of Arts Indigenous Studies (3 year)

The three-year Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies brings the richness and depth of Indigenous knowledge and cultures to the classroom. The program, designed for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, allows students to explore the intellectual traditions of many Indigenous peoples, with an emphasis on the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe of southern Ontario.

Students will increase their understanding, awareness, and respect for Indigenous knowledge, spirituality and socio-political experience.

Students will not only expand their awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures through interdisciplinary research and study, they will also engage with innovative approaches to learning and scholarship through experiential educational opportunities as a means to develop professional skills to work with Indigenous communities, both reserve and urban.

Program Details

Typical Entry Term

Fall (September)

Program Options

Full-time or part-time

Program Length

Three years (full-time)

Program Format

Course-based

Expandable List

Completion of any Level I program, with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 and a grade of C in three units of INDIG ST 1A03, INDIG ST 1AA3, or 1B03* (*formerly RECONCIL 1A03). Satisfaction of the admission requirements for the Honours program in the other B.A. subject

Learn more about Level II Selection

The Academic Calendar lists course requirements and minimum grade requirements for entry to and continuance in the Combined Honours in Indigenous Studies and Another Subject (BA).

View the Academic Calendar

Sample Courses By Year (Not All Required)

Level I Courses

  • INDIGST 1A03: Introduction to Indigenous Studies
  • INDIGST 1AA3: Introduction to Contemporary Indigenous Studies
  • INDIGST 1B03: Reconciling What? Indigenous Relations in Canada

Level II Courses

  • INDIGST 2A03: Indigenous Peoples’ Spirituality
  • INDIGST 2H03: Indigenous Celebrity
  • INDIGST 2K03: Indigenous Futurisms and Wonderworks

Level III Courses

  • INDIGST 3EE3: Indigenous Representations in Film
  • INDIGST 3Q03: Histories of Indigenous Sport and Recreation
  • INDIGST 3VV3: The Indian Act: A Social Problem

BA Honours Indigenous Studies graduates enjoy success beyond the classroom

Based on aggregated Social Sciences data from the Ontario University Graduate Survey from 2017-2021.

70% Employed in 6 months
12% Graduates pursuing additional schooling

Customize Your Studies

Our flexible degrees let you study your way.

Study Abroad STUDY ABROAD

Take your studies beyond Canada. McMaster has exchange agreements with 100+ universities.

Internships Learn More

Apply to an internship and begin building your professional network.

Student Research Learn More

Apply for an Undergraduate Student Research Award and get paid to conduct research.

Minors View Minors

Add a minor to your studies to differentiate yourself in the workplace.

Questions about the Bachelor of Arts Indigenous Studies (3 year)?

Contact Us

Undergraduate Studies and General Inquiries
Enrolment, course permissions, general inquiries
Email: indigenous.admin@mcmaster.ca

Academic Advising Office
Goals, program changes, academic support
Email: socscfac@mcmaster.ca
Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23613

Office Location

Indigenous Studies Department
L.R. Wilson Hall (LRW), 1811
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4

Campus Map & Driving Directions

Office Hours

Monday – Friday:
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM