American Indian Studies
Major, Double Major, and Minor |
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Located in the heart of Indian
Country, the University of South Dakota's American Indian Studies
Program is an interdisciplinary curriculum of coursework in Anthropology,
Art History, Criminal Justice, Education, English, History, Lakota
Language, pre-law, pre-medicine, American Indian Thought, Philosophy,
Political Science, Siouan Tribal Culture, and Sociology.
- Explore
American Indian culture and the history of Indian and non-Indian
relationships reinforcing knowledge among Indian students about their
historical and contemporary legacies while enhancing understanding among
non-Indian students--the continued presence of Indigenous peoples within
the University of South Dakota and Vermillion communities and the
fourteen nearby Indian nations located in South Dakota, Minnesota,
and Nebraska provides a significant opportunity for study and
understanding of history, languages, land, and vital cultures unique to
the region.
- Prepare students for a wide range of career
opportunities associated with rural and urban American Indian peoples in
South Dakota and the North American continent.
- Enhance the interdisciplinary academic
field of American Indian Studies.
- Offer analytical and philosophical
tools to enable students to interpret American Indian issues including
tribal, state, and federal relationships.
Curriculum
A background in American Indian
Studies is useful for all graduates preparing for careers in education,
pre-law, history, anthropology, English, modern languages, political
science, psychology, philosophy, social work, pre-medicine and other
health sciences.
- The American
Indian Studies major requires
37 hours with 19 credit hours of required courses and 18 hours of
electives. A minimum of 9 hours of elective credits must be taken at the
upper division level.
- The double major program
consists of the required American Indian Studies core courses and
electives for a total of 24 hours plus the capstone or research methods
course of the other major degree program for a total of 27 hours.
- The American Indian Studies
minor is a minimum
18 hour program comprised of course selections in at least three different
disciplines and no more than two Independent Study courses.
- Graduate work in Indian Studies may
be
arranged through the Master of
Interdisciplinary Studies degree. This program is designed
primarily for mature, non-traditional students who have completed
undergraduate degree requirements and who demonstrate an interest in
American Indian Studies either by formal course work, independent studies,
or practical experience.
Campus Visits
We welcome all prospective students
and their families to visit us at the offices of the Institute of American
Indian Studies. University staff can arrange campus tours and, academic
schedules permitting, visits with professors, students, financial aid
advisors, and admissions counselors. Please call 605.677.5209 to make arrangements.
Admission
Students must meet general admission
requirements of the University of South Dakota. Please contact us
at the address found on our homepage, email, or call to receive undergraduate
and graduate catalogs, admission applications, and schedule of course
offerings. Please also check the University's Admissions or Student Services websites for
further information.
Financial Assistance
All students are eligible to apply
for financial aid and are encouraged to do so at the time of application.
Financial assistance is awarded in the form of loans, grants,
scholarships, and work-study. Please contact us to receive a financial
aid application.
[Information regarding major requirements are unofficial until published
in the current Undergraduate Catalog. All courses are offered
on-campus only, we do not offer the American Indian Studies program by
correspondence. Classes are offered according to the current Schedule
of Classes published each semester. lrb]
Some Useful Links
Return to American Indian
Studies Index
Return to Institute mainpage
Return to University of South
Dakota mainpage
12 September 2001, th