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American Indian Studies

The United States is home to more than four million American Indian peoples, and more than 10 percent of South Dakota's population is American Indian. Within this historically rich and culturally relevant setting, The U provides a unique environment for students to learn about American Indian society, tradition, history and opportunities for the future.

The U's Department of American Indian Studies provides access to the education, research and experience to prepare you for living and working in a multicultural world. The program's dynamic interdisciplinary curriculum includes American Indian philosophy, anthropology, art history, criminal justice, education, literature, history, Lakota language, law, political science, sociology, psychology and Native women's studies.

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The Program  
 
  • Major
    • American Indian Studies
      Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
       
  • Minor
    • American Indian Studies
       
  • Graduate Programs
    • American Indian Studies
      Master of Arts (M.A.) - Interdisciplinary Studies
Beyond the Classroom

The U offers the region's most comprehensive collection of resources and organizations related to American Indian history, culture and tradition:

  • The Institute of American Indian Studies
  • Native American Culture Center
  • Tiopaye U. Student Council
  • American Indian Studies Club
  • South Dakota Oral History Center's American Indian Research Project
  • Annual American Indian Cultural Awareness Activities and Wacipi
  • Indian Law Fellow Program
  • Native American Law Student's Association
  • INMED Satellite Office and Native American Scholars Program, School of Medicine
  • American Indian Journalism Institute
  • Native American Journalists' Association
  • Annual Red Road Healing Gathering
  • Annual Building Bridges Conference
Careers

The Department of American Indian Studies program provides an excellent background for students preparing to work in a wide variety of careers:

  • Anthropology
  • Criminal Justice
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Political science
  • Psychology
  • Public Relations
  • Business
  • Education
  • Law
  • Alcohol & Drug Studies
  • Social work
  • Nursing
Just the Facts

Siouan people make up the fourth largest group of American Indians in the United States, and they comprise 10 percent of South Dakota's population.

Scholarship Opportunities

The U awards numerous scholarships each year. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

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