Major

Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to introduce students to the basic factors which underlie the distinct differences between Native societies and the larger American society. In addition, the degree provides students with the opportunity to examine the differences which continue to exist between Native and non-Native societies through multi-contextual learning activities which include experiential or service learning opportunities. The following objectives are presented as a way to satisfy the broader goals:

  • ground students in the concepts and applications of methodologies from relevant disciplines focused on Native issues related to education, economics, law, philosophy, psychology, arts and media;
  • provide students with relevant learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom;
  • assist students in integrating theory and practice through field and/or research experience; and
  • encourage dialogue and collaboration among students, faculty, and the Native community in the on-going development of the Native Studies curriculum.

Pre-major to Major Transition Process

To be officially admitted into the Native American Studies major, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Completion of General Education Curriculum: Communication, which includes ENGL 1120 and one additional Writing & Speaking Course Required (with a grade of C or better)
  • Completion of General Education Curriculum: Mathematics & Statistics (with a grade of C or better)
  • Completion of General Education Curriculum: Second Language
  • Completion of NAS Core Courses:  NATV 1150 and NATV  2110 (with a grade of C or better)

Major Requirements (36 Credit Hours)

Core Courses (18 Credit Hours)
  • NATV 1150 - Introduction to Native American Studies
  • NATV 2110 - Sociopolitical Concepts in Native America
  • NATV 2140 - Research Issues in Native America ( pre- or corequisites: NATV 1150 or 2110)
  • NATV 300 - Research Methods in Native American Contexts ( pre-requisite: NATV 2140)
  • NATV 351 - Individual Study  OR NATV 352 - Internship ( pre-requisite: NATV 300)
  • NATV 474 - Seminar: Applying Traditions of Native American Philosophy
Concentration Area (12 Credit Hours) choose 1 option
  • Leadership and Building Native Nations courses
  • Indigenous Learning Communities courses
Additional Upper-Division courses (6 Credit Hours)
  • NATV 300- or 400-level
  • NATV 300- or 400-level

IMPORTANT: As a College of Arts & Sciences requirement, students majoring in Native American Studies must declare a minor (double-majors are also welcome).

For additional programs (major, minors, and certificates) in the College of Arts & Sciences, please visit -  https://ascas.unm.edu/academics/majors-minors-certificates.html. 

2ND MAJOR IN NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES: Native American Studies can also be declared as a second major program (30 Credit Hours total). In this case, students are still required to complete all Core Course requirements (18 Credit Hours), and Concentration Course requirements (12 Credit Hours). Please schedule an appointment with our Student and Graduate Services Coordinator in LoboAchieve (loboachieve.unm.edu) to discuss further. 

NATV Major Required Core Courses

This course surveys the significance of Native American Studies through an interdisciplinary approach to two areas of academic concentration: Indigenous Learning Communities, and Leadership and Building Native Nations.
Regional, national, and international laws and policies impacting sovereign Native American nations and communities are analyzed. Concepts such as colonization, nationalism, and globalization’s impact on Native American peoples are considered from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Critically examines research theories, methodologies, and practices used by academic disciplines to study Native Americans. Research databases and collections and their impact and value for Native communities are considered from an inter-disciplinary perspective. Pre- or corequisite: 1150 or 2110.
Examination of the research processes and techniques involving various methodological designs. Emphasizes attention to culturally appropriate research and protocols for conducting research in Native communities. Includes practical experience conducting a research project involving Native American issues. Prerequisite: NATV 2140.

Directed topics related to Native American Studies.

NATV 351 Individual Study Guidelines
This course is restricted to NATV majors and minors and the permission of the instructor is required before registering. Directed study of Native American Studies topics of personal interest by the student. Student must approach the NAS Faculty the semester before enrollment to develop a plan of study. A formal presentation and paper are required.
Prerequisite: 300. 

Download NATV 351 Individual Study Guidelines (PDF)

Internships in off-campus learning experiences related to the study of Native American cultures. Students, in collaboration with NAS Faculty, may select a sponsoring institution or program to oversee internship.  A formal presentation is required.

An examination of philosophical thought by Native peoples in both historic and modern context in science, government, law, education, psychology, and cosmology. Native social systems and Native philosophical contributions to the world’s societies are examined.

For further information please see the current UNM Catalog.

NAS Departmental Honors

Students who have earned a 3.90 GPA in Native American Studies coursework graduate with summa cum laude departmental honors. Students who have earned a 3.75 GPA in Native American Studies coursework graduate with magna cum laude departmental honors. A notation of honors is made on the student's academic record.

Eligibility for the departmental honors program is automatically considered, thus no application is necessary.

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies from the College of Arts & Sciences is awarded upon completion or accomplishment of the following:

  • A total of 120 acceptable credit hours to graduate
  • A total of 48 Upper Division credit hours
  • A total of 90 hours taught by Arts & Sciences
  • A completion of UNM General Education
  • 36 credit hours of NAS major degree
  • 18-24 credit hours of a selected minor degree
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 as defined in the Graduation Requirements section of the UNM Catalog and a major specific cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater.

All graduation degree requirements are noted in the UNM Catalog (Programs > Native American Studies) and available to view in your Lobotrax Degree Audit (MY.UNM.EDU > LoboWeb > Student Tab > Registration & Records > Submit or View LOBO Trax degree audits).