Students should choose from the two course modules, that is, the module of law, politics and economics, or that of cultures and communication as their majors. Each student has to take at least three courses from the chosen module. With permission, courses of other graduate institutes of the National Dong Hwa University or of other universities can be taken up to sic credits. After completing the 34 credits, students can submit their research proposals and start the theses. Students also require participating in the monthly academic Indigenous Forum.

        For the development of the indigenous peoples, the program is aimed at the integration of theories and practices in the hope of serving as the cradle for the quality talents of the indigenous society. The courses are designed to enhance student’s thorough and deep understanding of the ethnic situations and development. Through the complete academic training, students are expected to be able to plan, execute, and evaluate the indigenous development. The principles of the design of the courses are:

1.      Theory and Practice：

  Through the educational activities held by the Center for Indigenous Research and Education and the practical trainings in tribes during summer vacations, the course design is meant to integrate theories and practices.

2.      Refined Learnedness and Professional Knowledge：

  Aimed at cultivation the environment for ethnic studies and developments, the program emphasizes not only the professional knowledge and ability, but also broad understanding of social sciences and cultural consciousness and virtues.

3.      The Humanistic and the Social：

  Since the ethnic development is a complicated process of social engineering, the course emphasizes trainings from both the humanistic and social sciences. The students are expected to be well equipped with the knowledge and skills of ethnic development and related research, without neglecting their humanistic consciousness and concern.

4.      The International and the Local：