Law and American Indian Studies
A four-year program leading to a J.D. in Law and an M.A. in American Indian Studies.
UCLA Law and UCLA’s Interdepartmental Program in American Indian Studies offer an integrated program of study is designed to produce law graduates with a rich understanding of tribal cultures that will increase their legal understanding, facilitate their practice in the field of Indian law and enhance their service to Indian nations. Legal study will include relevant tribal, United States and international law. Courses in American Indian Studies will address the diverse histories, worldviews, values, languages and practices of North American tribes. The program requires satisfactory completion of at least eighty-seven (87) Law School semester units, including the first-year curriculum, specified Indian Law courses and elective courses, and at least twenty-eight (28) non-law American Indian Studies quarter units, including certain required courses and a thesis.
More Info about American Indian Studies
For more detailed information about the American Indian Studies portion of the Joint Degree Program, contact the Interdepartmental Program in American Indian Studies at 310.825.7315 or aisc@ucla.edu.
FAQ About the Joint Degree Program in Law & American Indian Studies
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What is the joint degree program in Law and American Indian Studies?
The American Indian Studies program and the School of Law offer a concurrent degree program whereby students may pursue the Master of Arts and the Juris Doctor degrees at the same time, thus completing both degrees in 4 years. Please note: The Law School is on a semester basis and the MA program is on a quarter basis.
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How do I apply to the program?
Students must apply both to UCLA School of Law and directly to the UCLA Graduate Division for American Indian Studies. Applicants must meet the law school and department's requirements and deadlines.
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How many students are accepted each year?
Admission is based on successful entrance into each program and varies year to year.
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How long is the program?
4 years on a full-time basis.
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Are there evening classes?
Degree programs at UCLA School of Law are offered on a full-time basis only. There are no evening or summer study programs available.
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What classes do I have to take?
Satisfactory completion of (i) at least eighty-seven (87) Law School semester units, (including the first-year curriculum, specified Indian Law courses and elective courses), and (ii) at least twenty-eight (28) non-law American Indian Studies quarter units (including certain required courses and a thesis) is required.
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How will I know when I have satisfied all the requirements?
Law students are responsible for tracking their own degree progress; however, you will have a faculty advisor for American Indian Studies.
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Will I be able to join this program if I am already in law school?
Yes, you can apply to enter the MA in AIS as a law student. You may also apply to enter the JD program as an MA student.