Specialization
American Indian Studies
The American Indian Studies specialization draws from Ethnic Studies to examine history, culture, power, and identity from the perspectives of American Indian and other underrepresented peoples. Students explore how power operates through the state, civil society, and individuals, while critically examining social constructions of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, and sexuality.
Within Human and Health Services, this specialization strengthens students’ ability to understand socio-historical and political contexts, apply cross-cultural perspectives, and work more effectively with diverse communities, particularly in settings where race, history, and systemic inequities shape access to services and outcomes. Students who successfully complete the American Indian Studies specialization in HHS will also receive a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies.
Specialization in practice
Graduates with an American Indian Studies specialization often work in roles such as:
Case management and human services support positions
Community outreach or engagement specialist
Education, cultural programming, or community liaison roles
Health or human services support positions serving Indigenous or diverse populations
Nonprofit or government agencies focused on equity and social justice
Policy, advocacy, or research support roles
Program coordination roles in community-based organizations
Tribal or community-based program support roles
Taking your education further
Although students will be career ready upon graduating, the HHS degree with an American Indian Studies specialization is a clear pathway for graduate school in such areas as:
- Public Policy
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Social Work (MSW)
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Health Care Administration
- Collaborative Governance