Going back to school for a master’s degree is a commitment, and the rewards can
be more than worth it. For Marissa Bennett (Seneca Nation of Indians), her Master of Science in Native American Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University online began to pay off well before her 2021 graduation.
“When I was in school, I was applying for the job I have now,” said Marissa. “During the interview process, they knew that I was pursuing my master’s and that I’d have it soon. I think that was a big draw when I got hired.”
Now a patient navigator at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, she is confident her degree can continue to provide a valuable return on her investment. “If I ever want to look for a new job, having this degree on my resume is going to give me a big leg up over other candidates.”
While earning her degree, Marissa also worked full time and coached high school lacrosse. Even with all of that on her plate, she said the online format made it easy for her to manage her time. Unsure of what to expect from her first experience with an online program, Marissa was happily surprised it amounted to more than reading and writing papers.
“There was a lot of interaction between my fellow students and my professors,” she said. “It was a good mix, because not everyone worked in the same field. There [were] people in social services, education, all different things.”
She found the faculty to be impressively experienced as well as supportive.
“The professors were Native, and they’ve been working in Indian Country doing great work for years,” Marissa said. “They had so much experience, and they knew a lot about what we wanted to learn.”
When exploring the online programs at SE, Marissa ultimately chose the M.S. in Native American Leadership because it blended personal and professional interests: Native American studies and public health. Cost was also a determining factor.
“I had a lot of scholarships that I applied for, and they covered a lot of the costs,” Marissa said. “But then I saw that this was a really affordable program, so I was like, ‘That’s great, because if there’s anything that’s not covered by scholarship, I wouldn’t have to pay a lot.’ That was something I was looking for.”
Marissa is glad she chose an SE online program and would recommend it to others.
“I would say if you’re thinking about it, just go ahead and do it,” she said. “[The program] goes by so fast, and you’re learning a lot.”
Gain Specialized Management Skills With an Online Native American Leadership Program
Southeastern Oklahoma State University proudly offers several flexible, 100% online pathways for aspiring leaders to prepare to join the rich tradition of Native American leadership, including the online Master of Science in Native American Leadership. This program emphasizes strong leadership skills in communication, presentation, critical thinking and problem-solving and will give you a deeper understanding of the complex culture and history that shapes modern Native American communities.
Curriculum is designed by tribal leaders and covers historical, cultural and regulatory factors affecting business and leadership within the Native community. Along with the general leadership program, we offer specializations in education and healthcare information.
Whether or not you identify as Native American, a master’s in Native American leadership can equip you for top roles in a variety of industries and organizations including education, IT, business, the nonprofit sector, government and beyond. In fact, SE was ranked No. 1 in “Highest Paid Master’s Degree Native American Studies Graduates,” by CollegeFactual.com in 2023.
Our experienced and supportive professors have extensive knowledge of Native American history, traditions and culture as well as deep subject-matter expertise and understanding of the modern business world. Better still, our 100% online programs make earning your MBA or Master of Science online affordable and convenient, with pay-as-you-go tuition, multiple start dates and 24/7 access to coursework.
What Can You Do With a Native American Leadership Degree?
As a graduate of our online Master of Science in Native American Leadership program, you will be prepared for higher-level career paths and roles including:
- Corporate Compliance
- Gaming Manager or Supervisor
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resources Management
- Industrial Services
- Nonprofit Program Management
- Technology Industry
- Tribal Affairs
- Tribal Government Roles