The Native American Studies Minor and Individualized Major is offered by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Connecticut. The Native American studies offerings fit well with the University’s curricular emphasis on promoting knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity, through classes in Anthropology, History, English, and other disciplines. Your coursework will touch on the experiences of hundreds of distinct tribal nations, including archaeological explorations of the deep past, studies of colonial events, readings in literature and artistic expressions, and understandings of political relations in the present day.

How can I start in Native American Studies?

Advisors and Coordinators are based in the Departments of Anthropology, English, and History, and in American Studies. Your classes can start at the Avery Point campus, where many of the required courses are regularly offered. Courses in each of the special tracks are also offered regularly at either Avery Point or Storrs.

How many different Native American tribes are there?

In the United States alone, there are more than 500 different Native nations. There are hundreds of other tribes and bands of Indigenous people living in Canada, Central America, and South America. Native Studies students will come to appreciate some of the events and processes that have shaped these diverse cultures in North America, Central America, and South America, past and present.

Are there any Native people living in Connecticut?

Yes, there are five tribal nations in Connecticut today: the Eastern Pequot, Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Paugusset, and Schaghticoke. You'll get to learn more about these and other northeastern Native nations by visiting local tribal museums.

Will I learn about contemporary Native Americans?

Yes, the core courses will help you learn about many of the issues that affect modern Native people and Native nations: federal recognition, tribal governance, education, repatriation, ecology, museum representations, etc. By exploring Native cultural traditions, language, arts, literature, and science, you can also learn about ways in which Native American cultures have influenced American culture over time.

Are any special programs or research opportunities available?

Qualified students can undertake research projects with faculty, or internships at regional museums. Native American guest speakers, museum visits, symposia, and special events are available each semester to enrich your learning experiences.

What kind of work can I do with a degree in Native American Studies?

For students who wish to pursue graduate work, the Anthropology Department offers courses in Indigenous Studies and Historical Archaeology, and Native American Studies at the graduate level is also available in English, History, and other Departments. Knowledge about Indigenous histories and cultures can equip students for graduate study in a wide range of disciplines, and for work in museums, tourism, cultural resource management, and other relevant fields. Studies in cultural diversity and cross-cultural relations can also be useful in public service, marketing, the arts, education, and many different careers.

MINOR: A total of 18 credits (6 courses) are required: 3 core courses (Anthropology 3026, English 3210, and History 3570), plus 3 courses from one of the tracks (Archaeology; History & Culture; Native Latin Americans; Gender & Religion; or Ecology, Environment, and Policy).

MAJOR: A total of 36 credits (12 courses) are required: 4 courses (Anthropology 3026, Anthropology 3027, Anthropology 3904, and History 3570), plus 3 core courses (selected from a list of designated courses in Anthropology, English, and Geography), plus 5 related courses in consultation with advisors.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Margaret Bruchac by email at: margaret.bruchac@uconn.edu
Native American Studies Coordinator at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point

Dr. Kevin McBride by email at: kevin.mcbride@uconn.edu
Director of Native American Studies at the University of Connecticut at Storrs