American Indian Studies
(Printable version)
Created in 1996, the American Indian Studies major was designed to provide students with a greater understanding of the history, culture and values of the indigenous tribal nations of the United States. The program encompasses several disciplines including anthropology, art, biology, botany, education, geography, healing arts, history, language, law, literature, music and politics.
What you can do
This major prepares you to work in tribal government, education, human services, health care and other areas through interactions with Indian professionals, tribal leaders and peers. The major and minor in American Indian Studies are designed to support degree programs in nursing, education, business and social work.
Unique program
UW-Eau Claire was the first university in the UW System to offer the AIS major, and offers one of only three programs available in the UW System today. Our program is the only one to offer such a breadth of interdisciplinary courses, making it a great complement to many other majors or career choices. The Ojibwe language component of this major is extremely unique; no other school in the world offers Ojibwe classes online. These online courses are also being offered in smaller communities to help continue and preserve their native language. To view online Ojibwe classes live.
Cultural internship experience
There are plenty of internship opportunities through this major. Some recent internships include work with tribal organizations, the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, the American Indian Center in Minneapolis, the Lac De Flambeau tribe, and tutoring for Indian students in the Eau Claire area.
On and off campus
Activities during American Indian Heritage Month enhance classroom studies. Students also participate in the annual Spring Celebration Pow Wow and the Native American Student Association provides you with additional opportunities for social interaction and cultural enrichment. Find out more about the Native American Students Org (NASA).
Flexible and creative minor
The AIS minor has only two required courses, allowing you to choose from the entire list of AIS courses to create a minor that is distinctly yours.
Majors
American Indian Studies
Minors
American Indian Studies
Course Work
Sample course work for major/minor includes:
- Introduction to American
History and Cultures
- Introduction to American
Indian Expressive
Cultures
- Capstone Course
Suggested freshman curriculum
Students majoring in AIS will begin their course of study by taking six credits of required courses in American Indian Studies. A student can easily sign up for Introduction to American History and Cultures in the fall semester, and continue
with Introduction to American Indian Expressive Cultures in the spring semester.
More advising information
Because there are AIS courses in almost every General Education Category, it is possible to earn a minor in AIS simply by choosing AIS courses for several GE categories, and even a second major in AIS can be earned without many additional courses.
Our graduates
Typical positions held by American Indian Studies graduates include family services specialist, race relations specialist, community outreach worker, teacher or school counselor, literacy program coordinator, health educator caseworker, school counselor, work in environmental science or work in tribal law and government.
More career information
Places our grads go:
- Teacher, Hand-in-Hand,
Eau Claire, WI
- Counselor/Instructor for
adjudicated youth, Aspen
Youth Alternative,
Boulder, CO
- Continued Education at
University of Wisconsin-
Eau Claire
Department contact information
Debra Barker
barkerdk@uwec.edu
715-836-6045
