The Center for American Indian Studies at Black Hills State University offers numerous courses across disciplines to help students fully understand the experiences of American Indians across the Northern Plains and the United States as a whole. In addition to promoting awareness of American Indian cultures, values, and social concerns, the Center for American Indian Studies also helps facilitate the academic programs for the American Indian Studies major and minor.
South Dakota and the Black Hills themselves are rich in Native American history and culture, and a degree in American Indian Studies from BHSU will give you deep understanding of this dynamic and exciting world.
American Indian Studies graduates often find careers with tribal, state, and federal governments, as well as in education, cultural resource management and tourism.
Major in American Indian Studies (37 hours)
Minor in American Indian Studies (21 hours)
Minor in American Indian Studies - Communications Emphasis (24 hours)
Minor in American Indian Studies - Teaching Emphasis(21 hours)
* This is required only for those taking Secondary Education. Those taking Elementary Education should replace this with an additional three hours in Indian Studies courses. Also LAKL 101 and ENGL 214 are required for a teaching endorsement. EPSY 428 is required for the K-12 endorsement.
*Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.
Lakota Omniciye strives to develop and augment the Black Hills State University educational system to meet and specialize in the unique needs of American Indian students, and will take all appropriate and necessary steps within its prescribed power to plan for such programs. This student organization also plans and hosts the Lakota Omniciye Wacipi (Pow-wow) every April.
AMERICAN INDIAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (AISES)The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national non-profit organization which nurtures building of community by bridging science and technology with traditional Native values. The goal of AISES is to serve as a catalyst for the advancement of American Indians and Alaska Natives as they seek to become self-reliant members of society. AISES also provides many students with valuable scholarships for college.
Member of the Yankton Sioux tribe from Lake Andes, Jacey Garcia has already felt an impact from BHSU. Garcia is double majoring in American Indian Studies and Social Science and is a member of the National Guard’s 155th Engineer Company.
“The American Indian Studies program has helped me learn more about the history of my heritage and who I am.”