American Indian Studies Minor
American Indian Studies is a cross-disciplinary minor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences that allows students to learn more about the contemporary and historical realities of native communities in North America, to appreciate the variety of native cultures and experiences, and to be prepared for an attentive lifelong learning experience in a diverse world.
Courses focus on critical thinking and the application of knowledge in complex, diverse situations. Courses in American Indian Studies thus not only provide knowledge on specific native issues, but also prepare students for careers and further studies in fields such as community development and planning, social work, law, sociology, education, history, anthropology, agriculture, resource extraction, literature, policy, engineering, or environmental issues.
Today, 80% of American Indians live outside of reservation communities. American Indian Studies students will gain the knowledge and skills they need for living and working with, in, and around native communities and people who live everywhere in North America, and, increasingly, the world.
For students who are interested in deeper knowledge on the issues, a major can be pursued through the Interdisciplinary Studies major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Faculty members also are available to provide expertise to graduate students working on specific issues that involve American Indian themes.