Native American Studies

As an interdisciplinary academic department, Native American Studies is committed to Indigenous academic scholarship and research excellence. The department currently offers a

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and an Accelerated Online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
• A minor degree

Our goal is excellence in educating all students and the public about the Native experience of Indigenous peoples with significant attention given our complex history and intercultural heritage of New Mexico and the United States.

Another goal is to create a department that collaborates with Native communities and engages students in Nation building.

Curriculum Philosophy

1. Interdisciplinary approach
2. Academic component - classroom instruction by Native American faculty, internships, independent study
3. Research component - experiential activity woven into coursework
4. Applied degree - community-based and service learning
5. Degree potential in communities and multiple professional settings
6. Philosophical focus in Self-Determination and Indigenous pedagogy

Native American Studies Degree Skill Base

1. Research skills
2. Communication skills
3. Problem-solving skills
4. Leadership development and community building
5. Baseline knowledge of Indigenous issues valuable to Native communities, leadership, and governmental agencies

NAS Graduates Professional Pursuits

1. UNM Graduate degree programs:  M.A. and Ph.D. in NAS, Public Administration, Law School, Community and Regional Planning, American Studies, Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies, Sociology, Community Health, Communication, Journalism, Museum Studies, Water Resources, Counseling, and Educational Leadership
2. Native American community-based non-profits
3. Tribal, state, and federal agencies
4. Indigenous education

UNM Land Acknowledgement Statement

Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico sits on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. The original peoples of New Mexico – Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache – since time immemorial, have deep connections to the land and have made significant contributions to the broader community statewide. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of this land throughout the generations and also acknowledge our committed relationship to Indigenous peoples. We gratefully recognize our history.

Upcoming Native American Studies Events

4th Ethnic Studies Community Townhall

Sat, Mar 29 2025   Sat, Mar 29 2025 

The Departments of Native American Studies (NAS), Chicana and Chicano Studies (CCS), Africana Studies (AFST), Women's Studies, and Asian American Stud ... [Read More]

CTL Teaching Conference Day1

Wed, Apr 09 2025   Wed, Apr 09 2025 

Join us for the Teaching Conference held by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). Dr. Leola Tsinajinnie Paquin with be this year’s keynote ... [Read More]

CTL Teaching Conference Day2

Thu, Apr 10 2025   Thu, Apr 10 2025 

Join us for the Teaching Conference held by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). Dr. Leola Tsinajinnie Paquin with be this year’s keynote ... [Read More]