American Indian Studies, Minor
Build a competitive advantage by adding knowledge and skills that are increasingly valued across the public, private, nonprofit and Tribal sectors. In this minor, you gain expertise that travels with you and sets you apart wherever your goals lead.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
American Indian Studies minor description
The American Indian studies minor program offers an interdisciplinary foundation in Indigenous governance, culture and community life. You explore sovereignty, law, education, health and environmental stewardship, as well as Indigenous histories, philosophies and cultural expression while learning from faculty who connect academic study to the real-world priorities of Native nations.
Through a flexible and rigorous curriculum, you complete core courses in American Indian studies and choose upper-division electives that reflect your interests in leadership, sustainability, cultural preservation, research methods or community development. The interdisciplinary curriculum brings together ideas and methods from across fields to explore Indigenous histories, cultures, governance and contemporary issues.
Coursework centers Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems, encouraging you to think critically and engage respectfully with diverse communities.
Designed to complement all majors, this minor program deepens your understanding of sovereignty, policy and Indigenous governance while strengthening your skills in research, communication and critical analysis.
Why earn an American Indian studies minor at ASU?
For more than 60 years, ASU's American Indian studies program has helped students make sense of Indigenous histories, cultures and contemporary issues, drawing on interdisciplinary learning and meaningful community partnerships.
Studying in Arizona, home to 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations, places you in a region where Indigenous governance, community leadership and cultural resilience remain vibrant and influential, giving you real settings in which to learn.
Additional details
You're encouraged to get involved through the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and American Indian Student Support Services, along with Indigenous lectures, cultural celebrations, guest speakers, undergraduate research presentations and conferences and community events hosted by American Indian Studies and the Center for Indian Education. You can also volunteer at gatherings such as the Doing Research in Indigenous Communities Conference, building leadership experience while connecting with Tribal leaders, educators, researchers and professionals.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in American Indian Studies requires 18 credit hours, of which nine credit hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be completed through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better may be applied toward the minor requirements. |
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AIS 180 Introduction to American Indian Studies
(SOBE)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
AIS 285 Federal Indian Policy
(CIVI)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
9 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 9 |
|
Not all courses are available every term. Students should consult Class Search prior to each term to confirm course availability. |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
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Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BS in American Indian studies
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Here are the admission and application details
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 estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this American Indian studies minor prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for diverse careers that engage with Native nations and Indigenous communities. Graduates develop cultural understanding, policy insight, and analytical and communication skills that are valued in government, education, public health, environmental management, research and nonprofit sectors. They are prepared to work thoughtfully and collaboratively with Native nations, Indigenous organizations, and related professions committed to Indigenous well-being and self-determination.
Students who pair the minor with majors in fields such as political science, sustainability, social work, public policy, justice studies, education or health sciences are well positioned for roles in tribal government, community development, policy analysis and advocacy. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate or professional study focused on Indigenous governance, law, leadership or social justice.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
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.
