Native American Studies is an academic discipline committed to examining the contemporary and past experiences and life ways of the first Americans from their perspective. The curriculum is designed to provide a study of American Indians from a holistic and humanistic viewpoint by focusing upon their cultures, history, and contemporary life. Courses are designed for both Native American and non-Native American students so they can better understand human similarities and differences, thereby leading to the development of better communications and cross-cultural relationships.
Advising
NAS offers academic advising to all NAS majors and minors in the College of Humanities and Sciences’ Academic Advising Center, found in the Liberal Arts Building.
Please call: (406) 243-4100 or visit the Advising Center in LA 133.
Certificate in Language Rejuvenation and Maintenance
The Certificate in Language Rejuvenation and Maintenance has been broadly designed to meet the needs of students interested in language revitalization, instructors of Native languages seeking to learn of and acquire skills for successful language instruction and acquisition, or administrators involved in language revitalization programs.
Certificate in Native American Studies
The Native American Studies Department Certificate is designed to complement any major or non-degree seeking person interested in acquiring a general knowledge, appreciation and an application of Native American history, policy and culture. The overarching purpose of the certificate is to develop a basic understanding of the historical and current dynamics of Native Americans and their communities.
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Native American Studies degrees can lead to diverse career opportunities, including:
- Tribal government administration
- Nonprofit program leadership
- Tribal leadership
- Policy analyst or legislative staff
- Tribal or grant program manager
- Economic development initiatives
- Federal Indian law specialist
- State or local government representation
- Social services programs management
- Government relations manager
- Federal agency specialist
- K-12 Education programs
- Higher education instructor
- Indigenous rights advocate
- Community development coordinator
- Museum curator or archivist
- Cultural resource specialist
- Historic preservation officer
- Tribal cultural program coordinator
- Tribal environmental management
- Natural resource policy
- Land stewardship programs
- Journalism and public-oriented writing
- Engagement and diversity program manager
- Human resources coordinator
- Sales or corporate relations manager
- Filmmaker or media producer
- Graphic Artist or Photographer
- Research analyst or academic researcher
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Alumni have been employed by different institutions, businesses, and organizations, including:
- Montana state legislature
- Historical Research Associates
- National Indian Health Board
- Blackfeet Community College
- University of Montana
- Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
- Western Montana Area Health Education Center
- Friends of the Children - Western Montana
- Aaniiih Nakoda College
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
- Salish Kootenai College
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
- Cuts Wood School
- Hardin Public Schools
- Opportunity Resources, Inc
- Tribal Energy Alternatives
- Missoula Police Department