Department of Applied Indigenous Studies

Shaping the future through Indigenous knowledge

Applied Indigenous Studies (AIS) is where tradition meets transformation. You’ll study Indigenous histories, cultures, and governance while exploring how these systems of knowledge inform today’s most pressing issues. You’ll learn to ask meaningful questions about policy and advocacy, health, economic development, and environmental sustainability as you think across cultures and apply what you learn in ways that strengthen Indigenous communities and nations.

Because Indigenous nations span the globe, your education can truly take you anywhere. Explore a range of career paths as you gain a foundation in Applied Indigenous Studies and develop practical skills in law and policy, community planning, and cultural and environmental advocacy.

Why study Applied Indigenous Studies at NAU

At NAU, guided by faculty mentors, you’ll move from learning to action through a curriculum-to-community approach. Grounded in Native ways of knowing and guided by a commitment to benefit Indigenous peoples locally and globally, the program balances tradition and future so you’re prepared to serve today’s communities, and the generations to come. You’ll gain a foundation in Indigenous knowledge and governance with the option to specialize in a minor like Indigenous Health Studies, governance, law, or environmental science.

Learning outcomes

As an Applied Indigenous Studies major at NAU, you will:

• demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on the intersections between global Indigenous experiences, governments, histories, and contemporary challenges. 
• apply and extend historical and theoretical knowledge on the ground in Indigenous government and policy settings. 
• develop an appreciation and understanding of the rich variety of Indigenous expression rooted in cultural lifeways, including music, film, dance, art, literature, language, and spiritual practices. 
• gain field experience on Indigenous nation territories, engage with designing, planning and implementing sustainable economic development strategies that respect Indigenous cultural values. 

On-the-ground experience

You’ll get hands-on experience through partnerships and travel opportunities that bring Indigenous studies to life. Strong relationships with Indigenous nations and community organizations will provide you with opportunities to apply learning in meaningful, real-world contexts. AIS has also offered cultural and language immersion in Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico recently and continues to explore new collaborations for research and study.

Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Nation Building

This unique graduate certificate program is designed for professionals strengthening tribal and community leadership while continuing their careers. This fully online program will guide you through an examination of how sovereignty, economic development, health, land rights, and culture all intersect in practice.

Dedicated support

AIS supports students with a network of faculty mentors, scholarships and funding, and an interdisciplinary approach that prepares you for your career and real-world challenges.

Career readiness

You’ll be required to complete a 100-hour internship as part of an AIS program to ensure you gain real-world experience specific to your career goals. AIS faculty will help you find a placement that aligns with your passions whether that’s tribal government, nonprofit advocacy, environmental work, or something else related to Indigenous studies. Writing-intensive courses and a senior capstone project also serve as career preparation with the communication and presentation skills employers seek.

The interdisciplinary difference

AIS partners with the Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures and collaborates with Ethnic Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies to connect students with groundbreaking research and community-based projects and expand perspectives even further. Through this focus on interdisciplinary education, you’ll gain a rich foundation rooted in justice, sustainability, and determination.