Honoring Native Tradition and Community Through Academic Excellence

Native American Studies
Frequently Asked Questions

Does NAS offer courses and the degree programs online?
Yes, Native American Studies currently offers a limited number of courses online. Please see the
UNM Online website for the current course schedule. NAS does not currently offer the major or minor
degrees fully online.

Does NAS offer courses via Distance Education?
Yes, students can take some courses via UNM Online and Interactive Television (ITV). 
NAS does not offer Correspondence courses. Please see the UNM Statewide Online and Distance Education website for current course schedules and program offerings.   
Note: course offerings change each semester.

Does NAS offer a Masters or Doctorate Program?
No, currently NAS does not offer a Masters or Doctorate Program.  A Masters program is in the planning stages. 

Graduate students can take NATV 400 level courses for graduate credit. Please see the Office of Graduate Studies for further information.

I already have an undergraduate degree; can I pursue an NAS degree?
Yes, anyone can return to UNM for a second degree, please see the UNM Catalog  on the Office of the Registrar’s home page for further information.  Click on the "The Undergraduate Program" for details on obtaining a second undergraduate degree.

Does NAS accept transfer credits from Transfer credits? accept?
Transfer students please see the Transfer Admissions Guidelines website or the UNM Catalog  on the Office of the Registrar’s home page for information on transferring to UNM.  Also see the Native American Studies section under University College in the current UNM catalog for information on
transferring from Accredited Universities.  The NATV department will consider only 9 hours of transfer courses toward the NATV major or minor.  Courses are evaluated by the NATV chair and the NATV advisor on a case by case basis.  See the NATV advisor for further information.

What can I do with a degree in NAS?
 Native American Studies graduates have entered the following professional areas:

1. Graduate School:  Public Administration, Law School, Water Resources, Community & Regional Planning, American Studies, Sociology, Museum Studies, Journalism
   2. Native American Community Based Non-profits
   3. Tribal, State and Federal Agencies
   4. Native American Education

What are the NATV admission requirements? 
Effective fall 2006
Admission to the NATV Major Program
* Earned 26 credit hours          
* Earned a 2.0 GPA          
* Satisfied the English Competence Requirement in one of these ways:          
           ~ Completion of English 102 with a grade of C (2.00) or higher
           ~ A score of 29 or better on the English portion of the Enhanced ACT
           ~ A score of 650 or better on the verbal portion of the SAT
           ~ Credits for English 102 through CEEB Advanced Placement program
           ~ Acceptance of the writing proficiency portfolio
* Complete NATV major application form
          
Basic Requirements for Bachelor of Arts          
* Total Credit Hours = 128          
* 300/400 level credit hours = 50          
* Residence Credit          
           ~ Minimum hours = 24
           ~ In Major = one half
           ~ In Minor = one quarter
Minimum graduation GPA in Major = 2.5          
Minimum graduation GPA = 2.0          
Application for degree at 80 hours          
For further details consult the course catalog or meet with the NATV Advisor, Mesa Vista Hall, 3080 or call 505-277-3917

What can I minor in as an NATV major?
NAS accepts all UNM minor degrees. Please see the UNM Catalog  on the Office of the Registrar’s home page for further information.   

Can I add a NATV minor to my current program of study?
If you wish to declare the NATV minor, please see your major department advisor to update your student information, and then see the NATV department for advisement on the minor requirements.

Who should I meet with if I'm interested in the NATV programs?
If you are a current UNM student in the University College, please make an advising appointment with Margaret Lumpmouth in the University Advisement Center. If you are applying to the NATV programs, please make an appointment with the NATV Department Advisor.

Does the NAS department offer scholarship opportunities?
Native American Studies has a limited number of scholarships available. Please see the NAS department directly for current guidelines and deadlines.

Students are encouraged to visit the UNM Student Financial Aid, American Indian Student Services, tribal scholarship offices for information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Can I be an NATV major if I am a UNM branch student?
The Native American Studies majors are housed in University College on the UNM main campus.  UNM Branch Campus students can take the NATV required core: NATV 150, 250, 251, and English competency at their respective branch campus, if offered.  Students must complete the NATV major at the UNM main campus where the department is located.

Why can't I register for a certain course?
There are pre-requisites for certain courses in the NATV major and minor programs.  Please see the UNM Catalog on the Office of the Registrar’s home page for further information.  

Can I raise the minor to a second major if I’m an NATV major?
NAS major degree students can raise their minor to a second major. Please see the Native American Studies section of the UNM Catalog on the Office of the Registrar’s home page for further information.  

Can I raise my NATV minor if I am already in another college?
NAS minor students must follow the rules regarding raising their minor to a second major according to their home college. Please see the UNM Catalog  on the Office of the Registrar’s home page for further information.  

Can I duel degree if I am already in another college?
Students can obtain a Duel Degree, please see the Native American Studies section of the UNM Catalog  on the Office of the Registrar’s home page for further information.  

UNM Student Info - Frequently Asked Questions