American Indian Studies

OFFICE: Arts and Letters 331
TELEPHONE: 619-594-6991 / FAX: 619-594-2646
WEBSITE: http://ais.sdsu.edu

Faculty

Emeritus: Kilpatrick, Locklear
Chair: Kamper
Professor: Field
Associate Professor: Kamper
Assistant Professors: Chilcote, Nelson
Lecturers: Carrico, Cornell

The Major

A major in American Indian studies provides students with a liberal arts education focused on cultural diversity. The American Indian studies program takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Native American peoples. Using literature, art, history, and politics as touchstones, students come to understand the individual, as well as tribal character of Indian people. Special emphasis is given to the tribes of Southern California. Courses also draw comparisons between American Indian life and the life of other members of American society. A degree in American Indian studies prepares students for various careers both in and outside Indian country. Many of our majors find employment with tribal education programs, social and human services programs, and cultural preservation divisions. Employment opportunities are available with the various federal agencies that work with Native American communities, to include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, and National Indian Gaming Commission. Majors are qualified to work in a wide range of non-Indian fields that serve Native communities, to include engineering/architectural consulting, entrepreneurship, environmental planning, financial services, and hospitality.

Advising

All College of Arts and Letters majors are urged to consult with their department adviser as soon as possible; they are required to meet with their department adviser within the first two semesters after declaration or change of major.

Impacted Program

The American Indian studies major is an impacted program. To be admitted to the American Indian studies major, students must meet the following criteria:

Complete preparation for the major;
Complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units;
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

To complete the major, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the premajor at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)