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Graduate Application

WIYOHPIYATA (West)

Wiyohpiyata meaning the cardinal direction of west is represented by the color black. The cycle begins in the west and continues clockwise. This direction is also known as the Wakinyan Oyate meaning Thunder Nation who teaches us that we must be courageous to overcome obstacles and difficulties in life (Bear Shield, et al, 2000). Graduate Students are required to demonstrate Wowacin Tanka meaning fortitude, Wohitika meaning courage and bravery, as well as Woksape meaning wisdom. Entering graduate students must endure and balance day-to-day obstacles of a family, geographical location, financial and personal responsibilities. The completion of the necessary core requirements for Graduate Studies Program(s) requires fortitude, courage and wisdom. Therefore, this is the starting point and the first stage of the entering graduate students' educational journey toward becoming a "Masters Candidate" and program completion.

Admission/Entrance Requirements

The Oglala Lakota College Graduate Studies Department accepts applications from new entering students one time per year for fall entry. Applications are due each spring semester, usually the last Friday of April. Applications must be complete. All late applications will be reviewed for entry into the next academic year. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned as incomplete. All new entering students must meet the admission requirements listed below in order to be accepted into one of the degree programs. Students must be accepted into the graduate program and attend the Annual Graduate Studies Orientation, before registering for fall courses. The Graduate Studies Orientation is held in August of each year. All LMEA students must attend portfolio orientation. All graduate students must attend seminars as scheduled.

Admission Process

The following form is offered as an aid to ensure complete applications are submitted. Please submit application materials in one submission, either by email, by USPS or in person, with the exception of OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS and Letters of Recommendation, which may be submitted by college routing, email or by USPS directly from an institution or author. Late Submissions will not be accepted and incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Student Admissions Check List

Entering students must apply for acceptance into one of the degree programs by completing and submitting the following:

Degree Program Requirements

Each degree program has the following additional requirements:

Lakota Leadership and Management (LAKM)

Two Writing Samples

1) An autobiography which includes an answer to the question, “What distinguishes you as an excellent candidate for the Lakota Leadership and Management graduate program?”.

The following link will give information on the scoring benchmarks: Scoring Rubric

2) A statement of personal philosophy and vision of leadership emphasizing current issues in native communities or communities serving native population.

The following link will give information on the scoring benchmarks: Scoring Rubric

Reference Letters

Three (3) reference letters from employers, community members, or colleagues, etc. Reference letters cannot be from immediate family members.

Reference letter criteria:

  • Reference letters must explain why the student is an excellent candidate for the Masters of Arts degree in Lakota Leadership and Management.
  • Distinguish the students' Lakota Leadership professional and personal disposition.
  • Explain student professional and personal ethics.
  • Elaborate on the student's civic engagement within the workplace and/or community.

Students must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution matching the admission requirements for the degree in which they are applying. A complete application, with official documents must be mailed directly to: Graduate Studies Department: Attention Graduate Studies Admissions, P.O. Box 490, Kyle, SD 57752.

Applicants must meet the following entrance requirements before being accepted as pre admission status.

  • Must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Must have a 2.50 cumulative GPA
  • Must have a 3.00 GPA in undergraduate major field in 300 or higher level course work
  • Must have a 3.00 GPA in all undergraduate Language Arts course work.
  • Receive a rating of 8 or equivalent to .42 or higher on each writing sample: Autobiography and Philosophy of leadership.
  • Score as intermediate in the Technology Assessment

Lakota Leadership and Management: Education Administration (LMEA)

Two Writing Samples

1) An autobiography which includes an answer to the question, “What distinguishes you as an excellent candidate for the Lakota Leadership and Management: Education Administration graduate program?”.

The following link will give information on the scoring benchmarks: Scoring Rubric

2) A philosophy of education, including an answer to the questions: a) “How does your philosophy of education incorporate the mission and vision of the graduate program at Oglala Lakota College?” and b) “What is your vision of the way schools should be regarding the following:

  • Administration
  • Curriculum
  • Communication
  • Instruction
  • Community

The following link will give information on the scoring benchmarks: Scoring Rubric

Teaching Certificate

For LMEA degree only, a copy of current and valid teaching certificate in elementary or secondary education.

Reference Letters

Three (3) reference letters from employers, community members, or colleagues, etc. Reference letters cannot be from immediate family members.

Reference letter criteria:

  • Reference letters must explain why the student is an excellent candidate for the Masters of Arts degree in Lakota Leadership and Management: Education Administration.
  • Distinguish the students' Lakota Leadership professional and personal disposition.
  • Explain student professional and personal ethics
  • Elaborate on the student's civic engagement within schools and community.

Students must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution matching the admission requirements for the degree in which they are applying. A complete application, with official documents must be mailed directly to: Graduate Studies Department: Attention Graduate Studies Admissions, P.O. Box 490, Kyle, SD 57752.

Applicants must meet the following entrance requirements before being accepted as pre admission status.

  • Must have a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Must have received their undergraduate educational bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
  • Three years of verified teaching experience at the elementary level and/or secondary level on a valid elementary and/or secondary teachers certification or another endorsement which includes elementary and/or secondary grades. Two years must include classroom teaching.
  • Must have a current and valid teaching certificate in elementary or secondary education
  • Must have a 2.50 cumulative GPA
  • Must have a 3.00 GPA in undergraduate major field in 300 or higher level course work
  • Must have a 3.00 GPA in all undergraduate Language Arts course work.
  • Submit and receive a rating of 8 equivalent to .42 or higher on each writing sample: Autobiography and Philosophy of Leadership.
  • Score as intermediate in the Technology Assessment

Students must meet all graduate entrance requirements to gain full admission to the program. Students may be admitted on conditional status dependent on assessment scoring. Students who did not meet graduate entrance requirements are welcome to reapply. Students will not be considered for enrollment into any of the courses as a degree seeking student until they have meet entrance requirements and have been officially accepted into the program. Students may enroll in graduate core courses LAKM 603, LAKM 613, LAKM 633 after acceptance. Course work is to be taken sequentially.