American Indian Student in Class

American Indian Studies Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Explore the cultures and experiences of Indigenous peoples, and prepare to thrive in a diverse world.

Build your skills as a critical thinker and effective communicator as you learn about the Native American experience. With an American Indian Studies degree, you’ll explore a variety of Indigenous perspectives and cultures, histories and contemporary experiences.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a bachelor's in American Indian studies?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

As an American Indian Studies major at UND, you'll learn to think critically, communicate effectively and apply your knowledge in complex situations — skills that are essential in nearly every career today. You'll gain a critical understanding of:

  • Native cultures, experiences and histories
  • The importance of Indigenous voices and perspectives
  • The wide variety of Native experiences through history and today

You'll join a close-knit group of students and faculty who are deeply engaged in research and service to the community — and you'll prepare for a dynamic career in a diverse world.

A bachelor's in American Indian Studies pairs well with a Certificate in Native Health and the Humanities.

American Indian Studies at UND

  • Engage in research through independent study courses.

  • Take on a real-world internships and get involved in service learning.

  • Join the UND Indian Association and participate in activities like a film festival and an annual week-long series of events centering on the American Indian experience.

  • Form connections with dedicated faculty and receive guidance to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.

  • Learn to promote and encourage communication about culture as a member of the Indian Studies Association.

  • UND is the only school in North Dakota's University System to offer a bachelor's degree in American Indian/Native American studies.

What can you do with an American Indian Studies degree?

8%

Projected job growth for postsecondary teachers through 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

64k

Median annual pay for social workers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A degree in American Indian Studies prepares you for any career that relies on strong communication skills and the ability to appreciate diverse cultural values and perspectives. Many of our students pair a major or minor in American Indian Studies with majors in the social and physical sciences.

Graduates of the University of North Dakota's American Indian Studies program go on to graduate and professional schools in areas such as:

  • Law and Law Advocacy
  • Counseling
  • Social work
  • Public Health
  • Education
  • Government
  • Anthropology
  • History
  • Business and entrepreneurship
  • Health careers

American Indian Studies Degree Courses

IS 201. History of the Lakota. 3 Credits.

This course explores the history of the Siouan speakers, predominantly the Dakota and Lakota nations, from their origins to today. It focuses primarily on the last two hundred years. The course gives a timeline for this history, explores the context of events, and discusses appropriate methodologies. S.

IS 262. Indigenous Art. 3 Credits.

Examines Native American art and architectural history from ancient to modern contexts and discusses contemporary Native artists. Student coursework includes a creative element. F, even years.

IS 368. Issues in Native Health. 3 Credits.

This course addresses one or more currently relevant topics in Native health or healthcare through the lens of the humanities. These topics may include mental health, reproductive health, health in law and policy, comparative study of Indigenous health in the United States and elsewhere, or others. S, odd years.

IS 375. Health and Food Sovereignty. 3 Credits.

This course addresses Native communities' self-determination over food as a matter of community and environmental health. It covers the history of food and colonialism and the modern struggles for food security, land sovereignty, and revitalization of food traditions. F, odd years.

IS 121. Introduction to American Indian Studies. 3 Credits.

Introduction to main concepts, methods, and theories in American Indian Studies, designed to provide a background for further studies. This course approaches American Indian Studies from a perspective grounded in the humanities. F,S,SS.

IS 370. Native Civil Rights. 3 Credits.

History of civil rights activism by Indigenous peoples in the United States, addressing the unique needs and goals of Native peoples within diverse political movements. S, even years.

Lead Your Way

Learn to promote cultural diversity and traditions through coursework and campus events.

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