Minor in American Indian Studies

AIS graduates Abraham White and Kimberly Richardson, UW Commencement, June 2013

The minor in American Indian Studies provides students with powerful tools for understanding and supporting Indigenous communities in North America and around the globe. In addition to a variety of unique classes led by internationally recognized faculty, students learn from hands-on experiences with Indigenous community partners and meaningful research opportunities. Students who minor find that American Indian Studies provides crucial context to their major, whether it is in a professional field, the sciences, social sciences, or liberal arts. Graduates use their expertise for diverse careers in the public and private sectors, as well as in leading graduate programs.

Declaring a Minor in American Indian Studies

Students in good academic standing may declare the minor at any time by meeting with their major adviser. Please see Undergraduate Advising’s Minor page for additional considerations about earning a minor.

Minor Requirements

For additional help planning, refer to our Planning Worksheet or contact our adviser Kai Wise.

1. Introductory courses

10 credits:

  • AIS 102 Introduction to American Indian Studies (taught every Autumn)
  • AIS 103 The Indigenous Pacific Northwest (taught every Winter)

2. Content course

5 credits, at least one course from: 

  • AIS 170 American Indian Art and Aesthetics
  • AIS 202 Intro to American Indian Contemporary and Social Issues
  • AIS 203 Introduction to Indigenous Knowledges
  • AIS/HSTAA 209 Unsettling of the Red Continent: History to 1815
  • AIS/HSTAA 210 Inconvenient Indians and the “American Problem”: History since 1815

3. Electives

15 credits total: 3 courses in AIS or approved courses taught by AIS Adjunct Faculty. At least 5 credits must be at the 300 level or higher. 

How does the minor differ from the major?

The AIS minor requires 25 credits fewer than the AIS major, successful completion of which results in the awarding of a B.A. in American Indian Studies. In the AIS major, these credits must be completed at the 300-level or above.

Students are free to transition between the minor and the major, as long as they have satisfied the basic entry requirements.

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