What can you do with a degree in AIS?
Graduates of American Indian Studies possess an advanced understanding of how to work with and support Indigenous communities. In addition, they have in-demand skills that can help them find success in any field. They are critical thinkers, persuasive communicators across diverse media, creative solution builders, and thoughtful collaborators who bring valued perspectives to their work.
Many of our alumni find work and go on to leadership positions with the vibrant and politically influential Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest. Others pursue graduate school or careers in public affairs, education, law, filmmaking, the sciences, and more.
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Alumni Profiles
- Alumni News — Read the latest news from our AIS alumni.
- There's a Job for That! - Take a quick quiz to learn what College of Arts & Sciences alumni with similar interests have done since graduating.
- UW LinkedIn — See career trajectories of UW graduates who studied American Indian Studies as well as other fields.
Internships
Our department works with Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, Pyramid Communications, and Partnerships for Native Health to offer regular internship opportunities for our students, and we are able to support students in other internship opportunities in Seattle and beyond. Learn more about AIS internships.
Graduate Study
Recent students of the American Indian Studies Department have gone on to graduate studies in such fields as law, linguistics, literature, and documentary filmmaking. Learn more about pursuing a graduate degree.
Career & Job Resources
University of Washington offers diverse resources to help students build the skills to launch their careers. Visit these great campus resources before you graduate to get the most out of the services offered:
- C21: Center for 21st Century Liberal Learning — Offers immersive learning experiences, partnerships both on campus and in the community, and a network of mentors to help guide students in the College of Arts & Sciences on the pathway toward selecting a major and preparing for a career after college.
- Career & Internship Center — Supports students as they explore and choose academic majors and career options, obtain and reflect upon career-related experiences, and develop professional presence and essential skills for workplace success. Check out their Social Justice community page for a great place to start looking at jobs that might interest you now.
- Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center — Coordinates and connects students to community-based experiences in and around Seattle.