The American Indian Studies major at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire is unique in that it is the only such major in the UW System. The American Indian Studies (AIS) major provides opportunities to study the cultures, values, history, and contemporary life of the different indigenous peoples of North America. Through a wide variety of interdisciplinary courses and interaction with American Indian educators, tribal elders, peers, and scholars, students develop their abilities and enhance their knowledge and understanding of Native American culture in accordance with university- and tribally-defined standards of excellence. The American Indian Studies major minor are designed to allow students to enter a profession related to tribal affairs, have decided to pursue graduate study, are American Indian students who want to learn more about their culture and heritage, and students who are drawn to the major because of its broad interdisciplinary perspective.

What will I learn from studying American Indian Studies?

Knowledge:

The American Indian Studies major provides students with an understanding of the distinctive life-styles, the philosophical and religious systems, and the art and literature developed by American Indian tribes and individuals.

Skills:

• Proficiency in reading and writing comprehension
• Accurately interpret and evaluate events, information, and ideas
• Research and analyze information
• Make keen observations, and solve problems
• Adapt concepts and behaviors to changing conventions and norms

What are some of the interests and values related to American Indian Studies?

• Reading, writing, and research
• Curiosity about other cultures and lifestyles
• A global perspective
• An interest and understanding of social problems and current events
• Intellectual growth
• Resourcefulness
• Integrity

 What are related student and professional organizations?

 Student:

• American Indian Student Association
• MOSAIC

Professional:

• American Indian Heritage Foundation
• Council for Indian Education
• Indian Arts and Crafts Association
• Institute for American Indian Studies

 What career fields are related to an American Indian Studies Degree?

 Potential Employers:

Because of the breadth of the American Indian Studies coursework, students are prepared for a variety of career options. Among the primary employers are governments, schools, and law firms. However, other employers may include public relations firms, private consulting companies, native organizations, or research specialization firms.

Potential Job Titles:

• Teacher
• School Counselor
• Community Outreach Worker
• Literacy Program Coordinator
• Museum Curator
• Lobbyist

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire American Indian Studies graduates?

• Teacher , Hand-In-Hand, Eau Claire, WI
• Campus Staffworker , InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Eau Claire, WI
• Counselor/Instructor for adjudicated youth , Aspen Youth Altern., Boulder, CO
• Continued Education , University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

How can I learn more about American Indian Studies?

Department

• Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s American Indian Studies Program
• Hibbard Humanities Hall 150, 836-6045

Career Services:

• Meet with a career counselor
• Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center :

• Great Jobs for History Majors, Julie DeGalan & Stephen Lambert
• Museum Jobs from A-Z, G.W. Bates
• Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors, Blythe Camenson
• Opportunities in Nonprofit Organization Careers , Adrian A. Paradis
• Careers for Environmental Types & Others Who Respect the Earth , Jane Kinney and Michael Fasulo
• Great Jobs for Anthropology Majors , Blythe Camenson

Internet:

• Native American Indian Chamber of Commerce of North America
• National Museum of the American Indian
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• American Indian Links

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in American Indian Studies?

Internships

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in American Indian Studies that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the American Indian Studiesdepartment chair about enrolling in AIS 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Speak with your advisor about enrolling in AIS 395, 399 or 499.