The American Indian Studies Department at the University of Washington advances and promotes knowledge integral to Native peoples through research, teaching, and community service. It is the largest and most comprehensive program of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.
American Indian Studies approaches its teaching and research from a decolonized, community based, and global perspective. American Indian Studies faculty and students strive to develop innovative theories and methodologies that increase knowledge about Indigenous Peoples and support the needs of Indigenous communities. The department promotes faculty and student exchange programs with institutions that are committed to a deeper understanding of Indigenous communities and Peoples throughout the world.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in American Indian Studies
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: Completion of AIS 102 and AIS 103. Completion of two courses from AIS 170, AIS 202, AIS 203, HSTAA 209/AIS 209, or HSTAA 210/AIS 210. Courses that sharpen writing and analytical reasoning skills. Exposure to courses in history, environmental studies, sociology, anthropology, ethnic studies, literature, political science, communications, and gender, women, and sexuality studies.
Admission Requirements
Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in American Indian Studies
Credential Overview
The American Indian Studies degree prepares students for a variety of careers, including community-based and university-based research; cultural resource management; education; writing; fundraising; tribal administration; academic advising and administration; museum curation; resource management; and many other careers. The degree also provides a foundation for graduate study in indigenous studies, law, museology, tribal administration, documentary filmmaking, education, history, and other areas of study.
Content courses (10 credits): two courses from AIS 170, AIS 202, AIS 203, HSTAA 209/AIS 209, and HSTAA 210/AIS 210
Concentrations (25 credits): Minimum 5 credits each from governance; environment and health; and culture and history. (See department website for courses that fulfill concentration requirements.)
Electives (10 credits): Any AIS courses not used to satisfy other major requirements; also, approved courses taught by AIS adjunct faculty. (See department website for adjunct faculty courses.)
Minimum 30 credits completed at the 300-level or above
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major
Any undergraduate student with at least sophomore standing may declare this minor with his or her major adviser's permission. Like the major, the minor in AIS prepares students for a variety of careers, including community-based and university-based research; cultural resource management; education; writing; fundraising; tribal administration; academic advising and administration; museum curation; resource management; and many other careers. The AIS minor can be combined with a major in almost any field to complement that degree with additional knowledge integral to Native peoples.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Program of Study: Minor: Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies
Program Overview
The Minor in Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies is designed to enable a transformative academic experience for UW students through the use of collaborative, interdisciplinary, and innovative pedagogical approaches adapted from indigenous knowledges and practices from Oceania. It brings cohesion to the different kinds of courses designed to increase students' critical and transformative thinking about all aspects of knowledge and practice in Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies
Minor in Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies
Completion Requirements
Minimum 25 credits
Required Core Courses (15 credits): AIS 102; one from AAS 206, AAS 210, or ANTH 309; one from AES 494, AIS 497, ANTH 489
Electives (10 credits): two courses from an approved list of courses, including at least one at the 300 or 400 level. Refer to department website for list of approved courses.
Minimum 15 credits of upper-division courses
Minimum 15 credits taken in residence at UW Seattle
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The AIS curriculum prepares students to understand the breadth, key content, methodologies, and theories in American Indian and Indigenous studies, while developing their skills to write and think critically. The degree prepares students to earn advanced degrees in related fields, as well as to pursue careers involving critical thinking and knowledge of American Indian and the Indigenous experiences.
Honors Options Available: College Honors (completion of both Interdisciplinary Honors and Departmental Honors requirements). Departmental Honors. See department website for more information.
Undergraduate Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Contact adviser for internship opportunities
Department Scholarships: None
Student Organizations/Associations:
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES): College of Engineering, 013 Loew Hall