Undergraduate Minor in Native American Studies
The non-teaching minor in Native American Studies is designed to enhance the student's major area of study, offering an interdisciplinary program for Indians and non-Indians who wish to concentrate in the study of Native American Life or who are preparing for careers in tribal affairs or other Indian-related professional employment.
Students who declare a minor in Native American Studies must complete 21 credits as outlined below:
| NASX 105D | Introduction to Native American Studies | 3 |
| NASX 232D | MT Indian Culture, History, Current Issues | 3 |
| NASX 476 | Federal Indian Law and Policy | 3 |
| NASX Electives | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
At least 9 credits must be in upper division courses (300 and 400 level), and at least 10 credits must be earned at Montana State University. Electives are to be selected in consultation with the minor adviser. NASX 490R Undergraduate Research, NASX 492 Independent Study and/or NASX 498 Internship/Cooperative Educ may be included among the electives. However, no more than four (4) semester credits (equivalent quarter hours or combination of semester and quarter hours) of NASX 492 Independent Study and/or NASX 290R Undergraduate Research/NASX 490R Undergraduate Research and no more than four (4) semester credits of NASX 498 Internship/Cooperative Educ may be included in the minor program. Transfer credits or credits earned in related courses offered in other departments may be included in the student's program, upon approval of NAS departmental certifying officer.
Any student wishing a minor in Native American Studies must file an "Application for a Non-teaching Minor" with the Registrar's Office a minimum of two terms prior to graduation. Please come to the Department of Native American studies to meet with a minor adviser to complete this form.
Undergraduate Courses
*(Course offerings are subject to change and vary from term to term. Please check the current catalog and schedule of classes for more up-to-date information.)
| Course | Title | Credits |
| NASX 105D | Introduction to Native American Studies | 3 |
| NASX 205D | Native Americans Contemporary Society | 3 |
| NASX 232D | MT Indian Culture, History, Current Issues | 3 |
| NASX 239 | Native North American History through Art and Material Culture | 3 |
| NASX 290R | Undergraduate Research | 1-8 |
| NASX 292 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| NASX 294R | Seminar/Workshop | 1-2 |
| NASX 304 | Native American Belief & Philosophy | 3 |
| NASX 310 | Native Cultures of North America | 3 |
| NASX 340 | Native American Literature | 3 |
| NASX 360 | Native Americans and Cinema | 3 |
| NASX 370 | Alaska Native Perspectives | 3 |
| NASX 405 | Gender Issues in Native American Studies | 3 |
| NASX 415 | Native Food Systems | 3 |
| NASX 430 | American Indian Education | 3 |
| NASX 440 | Montana Indian Literature | 3 |
| NASX 450 | History of American Indians | 3 |
| NASX 471 | Native Grantsmanship | 3 |
| NASX 476 | American Indian Policy & Law | 3 |
| NASX 490R | Undergraduate Research | 1-6 |
| NASX 490Z | Undergraduate Research | 1-6 |
| NASX 491 | Special Topics | 1-4 |
| NASX 492 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| NASX 494 | Seminar | 1 |
| NASX 498 | Internship/Cooperative Education | 2-12 |
Schedule of Classes: Fall 2026
| Course | CRN | Title | Credit | Instructor | Dates | Location |
| NASX 105D | 20751 | Introduction to NAS | 3 | Dr. Meredith Hecker | 8/26 - 12/17 | LJH 339 |
| NASX 205D | 23359 | Native Americans in Contemporary Society | 3 | Twila Yellow Horse | 8/26 - 12/17 | AIH 166 |
| NASX 232D | 23859 | Montana Indians: Cultures, Histories, & Current Issues | 3 | Dr. Matthew Herman | 8/26 - 12/17 | AIH 166 |
| NASX 239 | 24738 | Native North American History through Art & Material Culture | 3 | Dr. Anita Moore-Nall | 8/26 - 12/17 | AIH 102 |
| NASX 340IH | 25791 | Native American Literature | 3 | Dr. Matthew Herman | 8/26 - 12/17 |
AIH 112 |
| NASX 370 | 25792 | Alaska Native Perspectives | 3 | Dr. Anita Moore-Nall | 8/26 - 12/17 |
AIH 102 |
| NASX 415 | 21787 | Native Food Systems | 3 | Dr. Kristin Ruppel | 8/26 - 12/17 |
AIH 102 |
| NASX 476 | 21589 | American Indian Policy & Law | 3 | Dr. Laurie Walker | 8/26 -12/17 |
AIH 102 |
| NASX 491-007 | 25812 | Indigenous Environmental Humanities | 3 | Dr. Matthew Herman | 8/26 - 12/17 |
AIH 102 |
Schedule of Classes: Spring 2027
| Course | CRN | Title | Credit | Instructor | Dates | Location |
| NASX 105D | 30623 | Introduction to Native American Studies | 3 | Dr. Meredith Hecker | 01/12 - 05/06 | LJH 339 |
| NASX 205D | 31767 | Native Americans in Contemporary Society | 3 | Twila Yellow Horse | 01/12- 05/06 | AIH 166 |
| NASX 232D | 33098 | Montana Indian Culture, History, & Current Issues | 3 | Dr. Laurie Walker | 01/12 - 05/06 | AIH 166 |
| NASX 360IH | 34023 | Native Americans and Cinema | 3 | Dr. Anita Moore-Nall | 01/12 - 05/06 | REID 301 |
| NASX 405 | 33058 | Gender Issues in NAS | 3 | Dr. Laurie Walker | 01/12 - 05/06 | AIH 112, Blended |
| NASX 415 | 31944 | Native Food Systems | 3 | Dr. Jennifer Santry | 01/12 - 05/06 | Online |
| NASX 471 | 32741 | Native Grantsmanship | 3 | Dr. Tonya Robinson | 01/12 - 05/06 | Online |
| NASX 476 | 31945 | American Indian Policy and Law | 3 | Kristie Russette | 01/12 - 05/06 | Online |
| NASX 492 | 30005 | Independent Study: Powwow Leadership | 3 | Lisa Perry | 01/12 - 05/06 | AIH 112 |
Contact the Department
For further information regarding the program, contact Native American Studies at (406) 994-3881 or email NAS@montana.edu.
For prerequisites and semester offered, please consult the most current MSU catalog and/or semester schedule of classes. Some courses are offered by restricted entry and require a formal proposal for admission.