UMass Boston

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Native American and Indigenous Studies Program (NAIS) is an undergraduate interdisciplinary program, currently offering a minor that is open to all students at UMass Boston. Successful completion of the minor is recorded on a student’s official university transcript.

Requirements

The minor in Native American and Indigenous studies requires the completion of 3 required courses and 3 elective courses for a total of 18 credits.

Goals of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program

• to add complexity to “history” through teaching about diverse Native American and Indigenous histories and experiences
• to explore social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental issues affecting Indigenous people, communities, and nations in the United States and around the world, both past and present
• to equip students with methodological and theoretical tools for living in our complex and interconnected world
• to engage with Indigenous peoples, communities and issues in local, global, and transnational perspectives
• to engage the University of Massachusetts Boston’s urban mission by attracting, supporting and retaining Indigenous students, and working with local community partners to establish a strong presence and support for Native students and NAIS academic studies

Additionally, students will have opportunities to partner with Indigenous communities and organizations in a service learning and research capacity through the semester-long practicum designed to be done toward the end of their career at UMass Boston.

Where Do I Go for Additional Information?

To receive additional information about the program or to enroll in the minor, you can contact us by phone at 617.287.6860 or via email at Maria.John@umb.edu.