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Launched in fall 2009 by what was then called the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the American Indigenous Studies program serves as a foundation for fostering an inclusive campus atmosphere for Native American students and scholars. This initiative collaborates with the American Indian Affairs office, the planned American Indian Cultural Center, and the Native American Student Association.
As an interdisciplinary program spanning multiple Minnesota State Mankato departments primarily within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, American Indigenous Studies offers comprehensive insights into Native American communities, with particular focus on the Dakota people, across historical, contemporary, and future perspectives. The program invites all students—both Native and non-Native—to explore Indigenous cultures, languages, histories, governance systems, media representations, and related subjects. Graduates gain preparation for advanced academic pursuits or professional opportunities within tribal communities and diverse cultural environments.
Minnesota State University, Mankato's American Indigenous Studies program provides both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree options. The program features a core faculty team supplemented by affiliated professors from various departments such as Sociology, Criminal Justice, English, History, Anthropology, and Social Work.