American Indian Studies, BS

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Explore Indigenous governance, culture and community through an interdisciplinary program that connects learning with meaningful action. Gain the practical tools, cultural understanding and professional preparation needed to work alongside Native nations and advance Indigenous self-determination.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science program in American Indian studies offers an interdisciplinary, community-engaged study of Indigenous governance, culture and leadership. Students examine sovereignty, law, education, health, environmental stewardship, communication and literature while exploring Indigenous histories, philosophies and cultural expression that connect the past to present challenges and future possibilities.

Grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and ethical engagement, the program emphasizes research that responds to community priorities and supports Indigenous futures. Students build critical thinking, communication and leadership skills through coursework that links policy, culture and sustainability to real-world applications. Flexible options enable students to customize their studies with electives in areas such as entrepreneurship, research methods, cultural preservation and data sovereignty.

Faculty bring wide-ranging expertise and strong partnerships with Indigenous communities, creating opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration. Students are prepared to address complex issues in governance, health and education --- advancing Indigenous leadership, communication and community well-being.

Learning Outcomes

  • Conduct research in the histories, cultures, political issues, or contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches from fields like anthropology, history, sociology, political science, and literature.
  • Critically analyze a historical and contemporary issue related to American Indian nations & American Indian populations.
  • Evaluate how sovereign powers are exerted through policy, law, and action by American Indian nations.

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: General
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

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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)
Become a leader who empowers Indigenous communities and drives meaningful change in tribal nations.

American Indian Studies (Tribal Leadership and Governance) Program Website | Locations: TEMPE

American Indian Studies (Indigenous Rights and Social Justice)
Build on your commitment to advocacy while gaining advanced skills to support Indigenous rights. You'll be prepared to make a meaningful contribution to Indigenous communities.

American Indian Studies (Indigenous Rights and Social Justice) Program 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 are prepared for diverse careers that advance Indigenous leadership, community well-being, and self-determination. They have the analytical, communication and problem-solving skills valued in tribal governance, education, public policy, health and environmental management.

Graduates have the cultural understanding and practical experience to work effectively with Native nations, Indigenous organizations, and public or nonprofit institutions. Many pursue roles in policy analysis, research, advocacy and community engagement or continue to graduate school or professional study in law, education or public health. Graduates are equipped to collaborate across sectors and lead initiatives that promote equity, sustainability and Indigenous futures.

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:

Social and Human Service Assistants

  • Growth: 6.4%
  • Median Salary*: $45,120.00
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Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

  • Growth: 2.4%
  • Median Salary*: $84,290.00

General and Operations Managers

  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: $102,950.00
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Curators

  • Growth: 7%
  • Median Salary*: $61,770.00
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Legislators

  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: $44,810.00

Recreation Workers

  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: $35,380.00

Security Managers

  • Growth: 3.8%
  • Median Salary*: $104,690.00

Social and Community Service Managers

  • Growth: 6.4%
  • Median Salary*: $78,240.00
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Travel Guides

  • Growth: 8.1%
  • Median Salary*: $36,660.00
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Tutors

  • Growth: 0.6%
  • Median Salary*: $40,090.00

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Sun Icon Bright Outlook | Leaf Icon Green Occupation


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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 more than 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.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-3634


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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