BA in Native American Studies in Vermillion United States | University of South Dakota

As a Native American Studies major at USD, you'll explore the rich histories, languages, cultures, arts, sovereignty, and modern realities of Indigenous nations and communities. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on community engagement and research projects, helping you build strong communication and analytical abilities - essential tools for fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections throughout your professional and personal life.
USD's Native American Studies program offers distinctive preparation for students pursuing careers with tribal nations while complementing fields like anthropology, art history, English, health sciences, history, Lakota language studies, and psychology. This versatile degree opens doors to diverse career paths in tribal government, non-profits, public service, education, healthcare, journalism, and private sector roles. It also provides excellent preparation for advanced studies in law, education, public policy, and other graduate programs.
The interdisciplinary Native American Studies curriculum draws from anthropology, art history, health sciences, Lakota language studies, and other fields. Course offerings span from Lakota Culture and Traditions to Federal Indian Policy, giving students comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous histories, languages, cultural expressions, governance systems, and contemporary issues. This program works particularly well for students considering a dual major.