Indigenous Studies BA at University at Buffalo

Programme overview

If you want to make a change in the world to help dismantle systemic racism, advance social and environmental justice and understand the impacts of colonization, start here. Building on more than 50 years of tradition of Indigenous studies at UB, this interdisciplinary major examines some of the world’s most pressing questions: How can we protect our lands and waters for future generations? What are the most effective ways to build relationships among diverse populations?

Faculty: College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Indigenous Studies | Study mode: full-time | Location: Buffalo, NY, United States

What you will study

As an Indigenous Studies major, you’ll start with core courses that introduce you to languages, arts, literature, history and contemporary studies. Then, you’ll choose from a wide selection of electives as you explore the following areas comprehensively: Addressing environmental concerns related to land (ideal for anyone interested in climate change).

Career pathways

Whether you want to work in government, education, health care, business or nearly any other field, a degree in Indigenous Studies can give you the flexibility you want—and the opportunity to serve communities around the world. Indigenous Studies graduates are in high demand as experts in Indigenous nation governance offices, environmental programs, health care facilities and other areas.

Official programme page

Application information

Domestic applicants: USD 7,070 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for New York State residents, 2026-27 estimate, as listed for undergraduates generally; excludes fees (listed separately at $3,966), housing and related expenses. Rate applies to the undergraduate career, not a programme-specific fee Source

International applicants: USD 29,070 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for F-1/J-1 international students (same figure listed for out-of-state students), 2026-27 estimate, as listed for undergraduates generally; excludes fees ($6,466 for F-1/J-1 including International Student Fee and SUNY health insura Source

Fall entry (classes begin in August) and spring entry (classes begin in January) for first-year and transfer students.

Fall entry, domestic first-year: application opens August 1; Early Action (non-binding) deadline November 1; Honors College priority consideration December 15; Regular Decision deadline February 1; enrollment deposit due May 1 or 10 days after acceptance, whichever is later. Applications may continue to be submitted until capacity is reached.

Fall entry, domestic transfer: application opens August 1; priority scholarship consideration March 15; Regular Decision deadline May 1.

Fall entry, international first-year and transfer: Early Action November 1; Honors College priority consideration December 15; Regular Decision deadline February 1.

Spring entry: recommended application date is October 1 for first-year and international applicants and December 1 for domestic transfer applicants (priority scholarship consideration November 1 for transfer).

The application fee is $50 (non-refundable); applicants submit one of the Common Application, Coalition Application or ApplySUNY. SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission and scholarship consideration and may be submitted optionally. Fee waivers are accepted from SUNY, Common App, Coalition, College Board and NACAC.

Law (JD) application fee is $85; applicants submit the LSAT or GRE.

MD: AMCAS application accepted June 1 to November 15; supplemental application and materials due December 1; supplemental fee $100; Early Decision AMCAS due August 1 and supplemental due August 31.

Apply through the official page: https://www.buffalo.edu/admissions.html

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