Native american studies degree overview

A Native American studies degree is a program that focuses on the history, culture, politics, and contributions of Native American peoples. It explores the diverse traditions, beliefs, and practices of Indigenous communities while examining their resilience and struggles through history. The program also emphasizes the impact of colonization, land rights, and contemporary issues like sovereignty and cultural preservation.

Students in this program take interdisciplinary courses in history, anthropology, political science, and literature, often with a focus on Native American perspectives. Topics might include treaties and laws affecting tribal nations, Indigenous art and literature, and the environmental practices of Native peoples. Many programs encourage engagement with Native communities, offering opportunities for fieldwork or collaboration to gain firsthand experience.

Program options for Native American studies degrees can vary depending on the institution and its offerings. However, here are some common program options you might encounter:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Native American Studies: This undergraduate program typically offers a comprehensive curriculum covering a range of topics related to Indigenous peoples and cultures of North America. Students study Indigenous histories, languages, literatures, arts, politics, and contemporary issues. They may have the opportunity to focus on specific regions, tribes, or thematic areas within Native American studies.
• Minor in Native American Studies: Some colleges and universities offer a minor or concentration in Native American studies as a complement to a major in another field. A minor allows students to explore Indigenous perspectives and issues while pursuing a primary area of study in disciplines such as history, anthropology, sociology, or American studies.
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Native American Studies: Graduate-level programs in Native American studies provide advanced training and research opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in academia, research, advocacy, or community leadership. M.A. programs typically require coursework, a thesis or research project, and may offer opportunities for internships or fieldwork in Indigenous communities.

In a Native American studies degree program, students develop a diverse set of skills that are valuable across various fields and industries. Here are some of the key skills you’ll learn:

• Cultural Competency: Students gain a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and worldviews, developing cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse Indigenous perspectives and experiences.
• Critical Thinking: The program emphasizes critical thinking skills, enabling students to analyze complex issues related to Indigenous peoples, societies, and histories from multiple perspectives and evaluate evidence-based arguments.
• Research Skills: Students learn research methodologies and techniques for conducting scholarly inquiries into Indigenous histories, cultures, languages, and contemporary issues. They develop skills in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting primary and secondary sources of information.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Native American studies programs often draw on interdisciplinary approaches from fields such as anthropology, history, sociology, literature, political science, environmental studies, and Indigenous studies. Students gain interdisciplinary perspectives and learn to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines.

Here are some potential career options for individuals with a Native American studies degree:

• Journalist or Writer: Cover stories related to Native American history, culture, or contemporary issues for media outlets, blogs, or publications.
• Teacher or Professor: Graduates may pursue careers as educators, teachers, or curriculum developers, teaching Native American studies, Indigenous history, or cultural studies at schools, colleges, universities, or tribal education programs.
• Lawyer: Use your knowledge to assist tribes with legal matters involving sovereignty, treaties, and resource management.
• Social Worker: Graduates may work as social workers, counselors, or mental health professionals, providing culturally sensitive services to Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. They may address issues such as trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, or intergenerational trauma within Indigenous populations.
• Policy Analyst or Researcher: Graduates may pursue careers as policy analysts, researchers, or advocates in government agencies, think tanks, research institutes, or advocacy organizations, focusing on Indigenous rights, sovereignty, environmental justice, healthcare disparities, or education equity.
• Curator or Archivist: Graduates may work as museum curators, archivists, or collection managers, preserving and interpreting Indigenous cultural artifacts, artworks, and documents for museums, archives, cultural centers, or tribal heritage organizations.
• Filmmaker: Graduates may pursue careers in media and cultural production, creating films, documentaries, publications, or digital media projects that amplify Indigenous voices, stories, and perspectives in mainstream media and popular culture.
• Cultural Resource Manager: Graduates may work in cultural resource management positions within government agencies, museums, historic preservation organizations, or tribal cultural centers, overseeing the documentation, protection, and promotion of Indigenous cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and traditions.
• Tribal Governance Specialist: Graduates may work in roles related to tribal governance, law, or administration, assisting tribal governments with legal research, policy analysis, program development, and administrative support services. They may also work as tribal court advocates or legal assistants.