Honoring Native Tradition and Community Through Academic Excellence

Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies
Requirements

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies from University Studies is designed to give students a relatively broad background while allowing concentrated study in one of the four areas of concentration.  Students formally declare both a major and minor when they enter University Studies.  They must file a degree application with the Department Advisor upon completion of 80 hours.  A list of courses required for graduation is then sent to the student.  The student is solely responsible for being familiar with and completing all graduation requirements.

Download NATV Major Program Requirements and Application (pdf)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies from University College is awarded upon completion or accomplishment of the following: 

  • NATV Major Required Core Courses:         18 credit hrs or 6 courses
  • Required from NATV concentration:          12 credit hrs or 4 courses
  • Remaining upper division courses:             6  credit hrs or 2 courses
  • Completion of UNM CORE
  • A total of 128 acceptable hours to graduate
  • A grade point average of at least 2.00 as defined in the General Academic Regulations section of the catalog and a Major specific Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5
  • Fifty hours of upper-division course work (courses numbered 300 or 400) with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 on all upper-division hours accepted

NATV Major Required Core Courses

NATV 150. Introduction to Native American Studies. (3)
This course surveys the significance of Native American Studies through an inter-disciplinary approach to four major areas of academic concentrations; Arts and Literature, Education and Language, Cultural Studies and Environment, and Leadership and Self-determination.

NATV 250. Sociopolitical Concepts in Native America. (3)
Regional, national, and international laws and policies impacting sovereign Native American nations and communities are analyzed. Concepts such as colonization, nationalism, and globalization’s impact on Native American peoples are considered from an inter-disciplinary perspective. Prerequisite: 150.

NATV 251. Research Issues in Native America. (3)
Critically examines research theories, methodologies, and practices used by academic disciplines to study Native Americans. Research databases and collections and their impact and value for Native communities are considered from an inter-disciplinary perspective. Prerequisites: 150 or 250.

NATV 351. Individual Study (1-6)
Directed topics related to Native American Studies.

NATV 351 Individual Study Guidelines
This course is restricted to NATV majors and minors and the permission of the instructor is required before registering. This course is a directed study of Native American Studies topics not covered in regular courses. The student must approach the instructor the semester before they plan to take the Individual Study. The student will develop a plan of study with the instructor. A formal presentation or paper will be required.

NATV 352. Internship (1-6)
Internships in off-campus learning experiences related to the study of Native American cultures. Students, in collaboration with NAS Senior Academic Advisor, may select a sponsoring institution or program to oversee internship.

Download NATV Undergraduate Internship Guidelines (pdf)

NATV 300. Research Methods in Native American Contexts. (3)
Examination of the research processes and techniques involving various methodological designs. Emphasizes attention to culturally appropriate research and protocols for conducting research in Native communities. Includes practical experience conducting a research project involving Native American issues.  Prerequisite: NATV 251.

NATV 474. Traditions of Native American Philosophy. (3)
An examination of philosophical thought by Native peoples in
both historic and modern context in science, government, law, education, psychology, and cosmology. Native social systems and Native philosophical contributions to the world’s societies are examined.

NATV Concentration Areas (click on link to go to each)

For further information please see the current UNM Catalog available online via the Registrar’s homepage.

If you are a current UNM student in the University College (UC), please make an advising appointment with Margaret Lumpmouth in the University Advisement Center. If you are a current UNM student and ready to apply to the NATV programs, please make an appointment with the NATV Department Advisor.

If you are interested in attending the University of New Mexico, please
see the Admissions & Recruitment services website for further information on admissions, financial aid, transferring, and visiting the campus.