South Dakota and the Black Hills are rich in Native American history and culture, and a degree in American Indian Studies from BHSU will give you deep understanding of this dynamic and exciting world.

American Indian Studies graduates often find careers with tribal, state, and federal governments, as well as in education, cultural resource management and tourism.

The AIS Program at BHSU offers:

• A diverse faculty, with knowledge about Native peoples from and around the country.
• The opportunity to explore many challenging contemporary issues.
• Many extra-curricular activities, such as the annual powwow.
• A welcoming environment in the Center for American Indian Studies
  

American Indian Studies Course Requirements

Minor in American Indian Studies (21 hours)

• 3 AIS/HIST 257 Early American Indian History & Culture (gen ed)
• 3 AIS/HIST 369 Modern American Indian History & Culture
• 3 AIS/SOC 422 Issues in Contemporary Indian Life
• 3 AIS/SOC 444 Siouan Tribal Culture
• 9 AIS Electives

Minor in American Indian Studies - Communications Emphasis (24 hours)

• 3 AIS 115 (ENGL) American Indian Oral Lit
• 3 AIS 214 (ENGL) Intro to American Indian Lit
• 3 AIS 257 (HIST) Early Am. Indian Hist/Culture
• 3 AIS 369 (HIST) Modern Am. Indian Hist/Culture
• 3 AIS 444 Siouan Tribal Culture
• 6 AIS Electives
• 3 AIS 256 (ENGL) Literature of American West

Minor in American Indian Studies - Teaching Emphasis(21 hours)

• 3 AIS 257 (HIST) Early Am. Indian Hist. & Culture
• 3 AIS 369 (HIST) Modern Am. Indian Hist/Culture
• 3 AIS 422 Issues in Contemporary Indian Life
• 3 AIS 444 (SOC) Siouan Tribal Culture
• 6 AIS Electives
• 3 SEED 415 (SS 300) 7-12 Social Science Methods *

* This is required only for those taking Secondary Education. Those taking Elementary Education should replace this with an additional three hours in Indian Studies courses. Also LAKL 101 and ENGL 214 are required for a teaching endorsement. EPSY 428 is required for the K-12 endorsement.