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 NAERCC—a place of community, support, engagement and learning!
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.
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 apply in their work with indigenous peoples or in anthropology, history, education or research-based careers.
- Anthropologist
- Archaeologist
- Archivist
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Community Welfare Worker
- Higher Education Researcher
- Higher Education Lecturer
- Historian
- Historic Site Administrator
- 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
Absolutely! A degree in Native American and Indigenous Studies opens doors to meaningful careers in tribal government and policy. You could help shape education, support cultural preservation or influence policy that makes a real difference in a variety of communities.
Not at all! The program is open to everyone. NAIS centers Indigenous perspectives and supports Native students, and we welcome all who want to learn respectfully about Native American and Indigenous histories, cultures and contemporary issues.
