2022-2023

Applied Indigenous Studies, Minor

Department of Applied Indigenous Studies

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This minor explores governance, nation-building, and other implementation issues facing indigenous peoples both in the Americas and around the globe. The plan provides an umbrella under which to study tribal histories and cultures, governmental policies, sustainable economic development, and contemporary conditions on native lands and reservations.

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Major GPA C
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional

Purpose Statement

A minor in Applied Indigenous Studies provides students with an overview of Indigenous peoples both in the Americas and around the globe.  Students will be introduced to diverse indigenous cultures and be able to demonstrate the interdependence of social, political, religious, and economic aspects of the Indigenous experience. As an AIS minor, students have the ability to critically approach the study of Federal Indian Law from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Students will survey basic concepts and ideologies surrounding stereotypes, historical controversies, cultural difference, as well as political and practical issues surrounding research within Indigenous communities. Therefore, a minor in AIS will help prepare students to contribute to the sustainability of Indigenous communities into the 21st century.  Our program is globally oriented, traditionally grounded, and 21st century-focused. In line with Native American traditions, we are committed to training professionals prepared to assist Native nations today, tomorrow, and for the next seven generations to come.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • AIS Minors will be able to explain Applied Indigenous Studies as a discipline, including how it reflects the interdependence of the Indigenous experience and contributes to the sustainability of Indigenous communities in the 21st century.
  •  AIS Minors will demonstrate an understanding of the principals of Federal Indian Law and Policy in the United States and in a comparative context with other Indigenous communities around the globe.
  •  AIS Minors will be able to apply basic concepts and ideologies surrounding tribal sovereignty, self-determination, Indigenous knowledge and expressive culture to analyze both the unique and shared experience of Indigenous communities, as well as policy and other practical implications.
  •  AIS Minors will be able to explain the diversity of Indigenous peoples in the United States and around the globe through both a historical and contemporary perspective.

Minor Requirements

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.