The Minor in American Indian and Indigenous Studies (AIIS) is available as an elective to students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. The minor explores American Indian and Indigenous cultures and identities and the place of Indigenous peoples and knowledge, historically and today, as well as to pursue cross-cultural diversity. We draw on interdisciplinary research, teaching, and community engagement to examine complex concepts and to respond to them thoughtfully.
Students interested in humanities, social sciences, education, social work, government, public health, law, non-profit management, museums, and cultural or business organizations that serve diverse populations, will find the minor engaging.
enroll in the minor
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To enroll in the American Indian & Indigenous Studies Minor, please contact Advisor Patricia Walters (walter31@msu.edu).
For questions about the minor, please contact aiis@msu.edu.
Discover fall 2025 course offerings
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Find a full list of fall 2025 course offerings on the American Indian and Indigenous Program website.
minor REQUIREMENTS
The student must complete a minimum of 15 credits from the following 3 requirements:
REQUIREMENT #1: Introduction to American Indian & Indigenous Studies
3 Credits. Complete AIIS 201 | Introduction to American Indian & Indigenous Studies. Offered every Spring semester.
REQUIREMENT #2: ARTS & LETTERS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES COURSES
9 Credits. Complete at least three courses from two colleges, including at least one course each from the College of Arts & Letters and the College of Social Science.
ARTS AND LETTERS COURSES
| ENG 354 | Readings in Native American Literature | 3 |
| HA 253 | Native North American Art | 3 |
| HA 254 | Latin American Art | 3 |
| LL 151 | First-Year Less Commonly Taught Language I | 4 |
| LL 152 | First-Year Less Commonly Taught Language II | 4 |
| LL 251 | Second-Year Less Commonly Taught Language I | 4 |
| LL 252 | Second-Year Less Commonly Taught Language II | 4 |
| REL 306 | Native American Religions | 3 |
SOCIAL SCIENCES COURSES
| ANP 411 | North American Indian Ethnography | 3 |
| ANP 432 | American Indian Women | 3 |
| ANP 433 | Contemporary American Indian Communities | 3 |
| ANP 452 | North American Archaeology | 3 |
| HST 378 | Native Americans in North American History to 1830 | 3 |
| HST 379 | Native Americans in North American History from 1830 | 3 |
REQUIREMENT #3: INTERNSHIP OR INDEPENDENT STUDY
3 Credits. Complete either A) an approved Indigenous-focused internship OR B) an approved Indigenous-focused independent study project.
A) INTERNSHIP
Complete a 3-credit internship by enrollment in AIIS 493 American Indian and Indigenous Studies Internship.
Students will work on a semester project with or for a tribal community, with an off-reservation Indigenous organization, or engage in an approved activity in consultation with a supervising faculty member.
B) INDEPENDENT STUDY
Complete a 3-credit independent study by enrollment in AIIS 490 Independent Study.
Students will complete a capstone project through directed readings, or research with a supervising faculty member.