American Indian Studies, BS
Program Description
The BS program in American Indian studies provides students with unique opportunities to evaluate issues of American Indian nations within domestic and international contexts.
The American Indian studies program is committed to broadening the knowledge of students interested in the histories, languages, cultures, arts and contemporary situations of American Indian nations and peoples; and it encompasses legal, policy, community and economic development as well as arts, languages and culture.
The program is designed to protect the integrity and identity of the Indigenous populations of North America and to create a learning environment conducive to critical and creative thought.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
American Indian Studies (Tribal Leadership and Governance)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
American Indian Studies (Indigenous Rights and Social Justice)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
Graduates of the American Indian studies program are qualified to fill positions at the tribal, state and federal government levels and in the private sector. They can pursue professional careers in fields such as government service or public service. For example, federally and tribally operated schools located in remote areas within Indian Country have high turnover rates for both teachers and staff. American Indian studies graduates should be available to help fill these positions. Furthermore, the federal government, a major employer on many reservations across the country, is in need of qualified people who are knowledgeable in Indian cultures, laws and policies. Additionally, many American Indian nations' economies and infrastructures are developing at a rapid pace, and they are in continuous need to fill mid-management and management-level positions.
Graduates find positions in many areas, such as:
- community action work
- public administration (tribal or state relations, nonprofit management, education administration, planner)
- public health
- the arts
- tribal employment (political office, tribal management, cultural resource programming, grant writer, cultural specialist, youth services)
This program also provides suitable preparation for the advancement to graduate study or law school.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.9%
- Median Salary*: 80910
Legislators
- Growth: 3.4%
- Median Salary*: 48090
Tutors
- Growth: 3.3%
- Median Salary*: 36680
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
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 over 300 Global Education programs.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- AIS@asu.edu
- 480/965-3634