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Native American & Indigenous Studies

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

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Learn about the history and culture of indigenous peoples with a B.A. in Native American and indigenous studies

The Native American and indigenous studies program provides students with a well-rounded curriculum that allows them to explore many aspects of the Native American experience.

Students learn about the concept of tribal sovereignty, how modern tribal governments function in contemporary society, the significance of Native oral traditions and why stereotypes are sustained in modern society.

Most importantly, graduates will understand historical experiences and contemporary issues in North America from the perspective of indigenous peoples.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Program Requirements

Curriculum & Courses

Department

College of Arts & Sciences
School of Culture, Gender and Social Justice

About the Native American and Indigenous Studies Degree

Students pursuing a degree in Native American studies receive a rich education in the role of history, culture and politics in the development of tribal world views.

The University of Wyoming believes experiential learning is the key to a meaningful education. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad programs and service learning in the local community. Students may join the Keepers of the Fire and American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) to connect with other students pursuing similar careers. 

Students are also encouraged to spend time at The Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center (NAERCC) — a place of community, support, engagement and learning.

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A University of Wyoming student is holding books in the foreground with some other people are sitting at a table in the background

The Native American and Indigenous Studies major consists of core classes, indigenous studies courses and your choice of electives.

Required Core Courses:

  • Communication (I, II and III)
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Physical and Natural World (I and II)
  • Human Culture (I and II)
  • U.S. & WY Constitution
  • FYS or USP Elective
  • Required diversity course
  • Required global studies course

Indigenous Studies Foundational Courses (Choose 3):

  • Foundations in American Indian Studies
  • American Indians in Contemporary Society
  • North American Indians
  • History of North American Indians

Additional Requirements:

  • All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

View the full bachelor of arts in Native American and Indigenous Studies degree program curriculum.

Elective Options (Choose 7):

  • Beginning Indigenous Language
  • Social Justice in the 21st Century
  • Intermediate Indigenous Language
  • Native American Culture and Literature
  • American Indians in Hollywood Film
  • Plains Culture and History
  • Proficient Indigenous Language
  • Tribal Literatures of the Great Plains
  • Indigenous Peoples and the Environment
  • Federal Indian Law
  • Traditional Ecological Knowledge
  • Indians of Wyoming
  • Advanced Indigenous Language
  • Internship
  • Tribal Government
  • Educational Foundations in American Indian Education
  • Indigenous Communities Abroad: International Travel
  • Natural Resource Management on Western Reservations
  • American Indian Literature
  • American Indian Ethnohistory
  • Native American Languages and Cultures
  • Independent Study
  • Special Topics

Additional Requirements:

  • All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

View the full bachelor of arts in Native American and Indigenous Studies degree program curriculum.

A Native American and Indigenous Studies student is smiling and wearing beaded earrings and a tshirt for the March for Justice

What can you do with an indigenous studies degree?

The indigenous studies degree program complements any career path. It provides graduates with additional context and understanding they can in their work with indigenous peoples or in anthropology, history, education or research-based careers.

Here are just a few careers you can pursue with a Native American and Indigenous Studies degree:

Native American and Indigenous Studies Careers

  • Anthropologist
  • Archaeologist
  • Archivist
  • Community Outreach
  • Community Welfare Worker
  • Higher Education
  • Historian
  • Historic Site Administrator

 

Taryn Jim, of the Northern Arapaho tribe, and recent Native American and Indigenous Studies graduate, is standing outside the Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center holding a Governor's Proclamation document and there are placards in the background spreading awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women.

Notable UW Graduate Employers:

  • Northern Arapaho Tribal Historic Preservation Office
  • Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center
  • University of Wyoming
  • Addiction Technology Transfer Center, American Indian and Alaska Natives, University of Iowa
  • Indiana University
  • Museum of the Pawnee Nation
  • Buffalo Bill Center of the West
  • Wyoming Department of Education
  • Laramie County Community College
  • Food Bank of the Rockies
  • Archaeo-Geophysical Associates, LLC
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Native American and Indigenous Studies Degree Highlights

The Native American and Indigenous Studies major is a robust program that encourages students to connect with others and participate in experiential learning opportunities. Here are a few highlights of our program:

Experiential Opportunities

As part of the NAIS program, students are encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad programs, service learning and research opportunities.

Student Organizations

The University of Wyoming is home to many thriving, student-led organizations. As a Native American and indigenous studies major, here are a couple of the organizations you may be interested in:

Native American Education, Research, and Cultural Center

The University of Wyoming understands the importance of having a physical space for indigenous students to gather. The Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center (NAERCC) is a place of community, support, engagement and learning all while assisting students in maintaining their cultural identity.

The NAERCC provides opportunities for Native students including internships, part-time employment, leadership opportunities and more. The facility additionally has a variety of community spaces, including a computer lab, library, classroom, kitchen, study areas and a lounge.

 

 

 

Related Programs

Interested in a Native American and Indigenous Studies degree? These programs may also be of interest to you:

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College of Arts & Sciences

Native American and Indigenous Studies

School of Culture, Gender & Social Justice

Dept. 4297, 1000 E. University Ave.

Phone: (307) 766-6520

Physical Location:

Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center

200 N. 10th Street

Laramie, WY 82071

Email: scgsj@uwyo.edu