Examine the history, culture and values of the indigenous tribal nations of the United States with a bachelor's degree in American Indian studies (AIS) from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Designed to offer a range of courses to meet the diverse career goals and needs of students, this interdisciplinary major is an excellent choice for those who wish to enter a profession related to tribal affairs, tribal heritage centers and business enterprises; those looking to pursue graduate study in anthropology, history, museum studies, English or casino management; or those who are American Indian and seek to learn more about their culture and heritage.

While pursuing the AIS major at UW-Eau Claire, you'll quickly find that countless opportunities for real-world learning are available to you. You may choose to connect with American Indian communities and tribal members through practical internships, cultural immersion programs and collaborative research projects. Annual activities during American Indian Heritage Month will enhance your classroom studies and include the opportunity to participate in the annual Spring Celebration Pow Wow or join the Inter-Tribal Student Council. 

Rooted in active discussion and exploration, program curriculum will encourage you to examine historical and contemporary issues and their effects on indigenous peoples — particularly on native peoples of the Great Lakes and across the U.S. A required capstone course will challenge you to produce a research project or creative activity within a seminar format, enhancing your critical thinking, data analysis and problem-solving skills. 

UW-Eau Claire was proud to be the first university in the UW System to offer the American Indian studies major — and is one of only three programs available in the UW System today. Our renowned program focuses on providing a wide breadth of interdisciplinary courses, making it an incredible asset for a variety of career choices. 

The AIS degree offers real-world experience working with Indian professionals and tribal leaders in fields like tribal government, education, human services and healthcare, preparing you well for a career in those areas. The major is also an excellent complement to fields in which workers may have occasion to encounter social issues relevant to indigenous populations, such as nursing, business and history. Pairing an American Indian studies degree with a second major in social work, education or criminal justice opens doors to even more career possibilities.

American Indian studies careers

• Family services specialist
• Race relations specialist
• Community outreach worker
• Teacher
• School counselor
• Literacy program coordinator
• Health educator
• Case worker

Cultural studies, like American Indian studies, are about people — their history, their culture and their language. This interdisciplinary degree spans a number of departments on campus, giving you a comprehensive and diverse education. Designed to educate both American Indian and non-Indian students, you'll gain a broad understanding of the distinctive lifeways, politics and histories of a number of tribal nations.

What classes do American Indian studies majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like:

• American Indian history 
• American Indian literature 
• Cultural anthropology 
• Indigenous religions of the Americas 
• Indigenous theory and methodologies 
• Native geographies 
• Wisconsin Indian history 

Learn more about the American Indian studies major in the UWEC course catalog. 

Learn more about the American Indian studies minor in the UWEC course catalog. 

Learn more about the American Indian studies certificate in the UWEC course catalog. 

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