American Indian Studies ,Minor
Culture, First Nations, Indigenous, Tribal, native, sovereign nations
Explore Indigenous histories, governance and contemporary life through an interdisciplinary lens. You'll build your understanding of complex challenges while strengthening leadership, research and communication skills that enhance any major and prepare you to engage meaningfully with Native nations and Indigenous communities.
The American Indian studies minor program offers an interdisciplinary foundation in Indigenous governance, culture and community life. Students explore sovereignty, law, education, health and environmental stewardship, as well as Indigenous histories, philosophies and cultural expression while learning from faculty who connect academic study to the real-world priorities of Native nations.
Through a flexible and rigorous curriculum, students complete core courses in American Indian studies and choose upper-division electives that reflect their interests in leadership, sustainability, cultural preservation, research methods or community development. The interdisciplinary curriculum brings together ideas and methods from across fields to explore Indigenous histories, cultures, governance and contemporary issues.
Coursework centers Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems, encouraging students to think critically and engage respectfully with diverse communities.
Designed to complement all majors, this minor program deepens understanding of sovereignty, policy and Indigenous governance while strengthening skills in research, communication and critical analysis.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
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The minor in American Indian Studies requires 18 credit hours, of which nine credit hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be completed through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better may be applied toward the minor requirements. |
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AIS 180 Introduction to American Indian Studies
(SOBE)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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AIS 285 Federal Indian Policy
(CIVI)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
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3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
9 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 9 |
|
Not all courses are available every term. Students should consult Class Search prior to each term to confirm course availability. |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
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GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BS in American Indian studies
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major or the minor program. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and the minor.
Graduates are prepared for diverse careers that engage with Native nations and Indigenous communities. Graduates develop cultural understanding, policy insight, and analytical and communication skills that are valued in government, education, public health, environmental management, research and nonprofit sectors. They are prepared to work thoughtfully and collaboratively with Native nations, Indigenous organizations, and related professions committed to Indigenous well-being and self-determination.
Students who pair the minor with majors in fields such as political science, sustainability, social work, public policy, justice studies, education or health sciences are well positioned for roles in tribal government, community development, policy analysis and advocacy. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate or professional study focused on Indigenous governance, law, leadership or social justice.
American Indian Studies Program
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DISCVRY 356
AIS@asu.edu
480-965-3634
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
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ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
