American Indian Studies, BS
Study in one of the nation's longest-standing American Indian studies programs, where Indigenous perspectives and community partnerships shape learning in and out of the classroom. Customize your path with interdisciplinary coursework for careers in law, education and beyond.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
American Indian Studies degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in American Indian studies offers you an interdisciplinary, community-engaged study of Indigenous governance, culture and leadership. You examine sovereignty, law, education, health, environmental stewardship, communication and literature while exploring Indigenous histories, philosophies and cultural expression that connect the past to present challenges and future possibilities.
Grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and ethical engagement, the program emphasizes research that responds to community priorities and supports Indigenous futures. You build critical thinking, communication and leadership skills through coursework that links policy, culture and sustainability to real-world applications. Flexible options enable you to customize your studies with electives in areas such as entrepreneurship, research methods, cultural preservation and data sovereignty.
Faculty bring wide-ranging expertise and strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, creating opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration. You prepare to address complex issues in governance, health and education --- advancing Indigenous leadership, communication and community well-being.
Why study American Indian studies at ASU?
As an American Indian studies student, you join one of ASU's most vibrant Indigenous communities, where classroom learning is deepened through mentorship, cultural engagement and student leadership.
Located in Arizona, home to 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations, ASU immerses you in an exceptional environment where nearby Indigenous governance, cultures and community partnerships are woven into everyday life.
Additional details
You're encouraged to get involved with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples, American Indian Student Support Services, cultural celebrations and community events, guest lectures featuring Indigenous leaders, artists and scholars, and undergraduate research presentations and student conferences. Beyond campus, you can volunteer and take on leadership roles in conferences, community gatherings and public events, building valuable experience in event planning, public engagement and professional networking.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| AIS 180 Introduction to American Indian Studies |
| AIS 285 Federal Indian Policy |
| AIS 330 Tribal Sovereignty and U.S. Courts |
| AIS 420 Indigenous Research Methods and Ethical Inquiry |
| AIS 394 Special Topics |
| AIS 194 Special Topics |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Critically analyze a historical and contemporary issue related to American Indian nations & American Indian populations.
- Evaluate how sovereign powers are exerted through policy, law, and action by American Indian nations.
- Conduct research in the histories, cultures, political issues, or contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches from fields like anthropology, history, sociology, political science, and literature.
Critically analyze a historical and contemporary issue related to American Indian nations & American Indian populations.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Through study abroad, students can connect with Indigenous cultures around the world and expand the lens through which they view North American Indigenous populations. They can learn alongside peers from other countries and develop professional skills that include teamwork and cross-cultural communication. Students can stay on track academically by completing courses while they are in one of more than 300 Global Education programs.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate | 7.4% | $45,930 | Learn more |
| Cultural Studies Professor | 2.7% | $85,020 | Learn more |
| General Manager (GM) | 5.0% | $105,770 | Learn more |
| Museum Curator | 4.9% | $63,420 | Learn more |
| Politician | Not available | Not available | Learn more |
| Recreation Coordinator | 4.3% | $36,560 | Learn more |
| Security Manager | 4.6% | $106,660 | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
| Tour Guide | 6.3% | $38,120 | Learn more |
| Tutor | -0.2% | $43,350 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this American Indian studies degree prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for diverse careers that advance Indigenous leadership, community well-being, and self-determination. They have the analytical, communication and problem-solving skills valued in tribal governance, education, public policy, health and environmental management.
Graduates have the cultural understanding and practical experience to work effectively with Native nations, Indigenous organizations, and public or nonprofit institutions. Many pursue roles in policy analysis, research, advocacy and community engagement or continue to graduate school or professional study in law, education or public health. Graduates are equipped to collaborate across sectors and lead initiatives that promote equity, sustainability and Indigenous futures.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
American Indian Studies Program
|
DISCVRY 356
AIS@asu.edu
480-965-3634
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
