Native American Studies The University of New Mexico

Overview

The Native American Studies programme at The University of New Mexico provides a transformative academic experience rooted in the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. This interdisciplinary degree empowers students to honour Indigenous experiences while strengthening Native Nations through academic excellence and community engagement.

Students explore a curriculum that centralises self-determination, Indigenous pedagogy, and leadership. The department fosters a committed relationship with Indigenous peoples, ensuring that the educational journey is both culturally respectful and intellectually rigorous for those seeking to serve tribal entities and global communities.

Why Native American Studies at The University of New Mexico?

The University of New Mexico sits at the heart of a region with deep connections to the Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache peoples. This unique geographic and cultural position allows the department to offer distinctive teaching features, including service-learning projects and individual studies with expert faculty members.

The institution provides exceptional facilities and resources, such as the Projects of Excellence and the Wicazo Sa Review publication opportunities. Students benefit from a curriculum philosophy that integrates field trips and internships, allowing for the practical application of knowledge in professional and community settings.

The department is dedicated to developing a versatile skill base in research, ethics, and critical thinking. By focusing on sustainable communities and Indigenous educational curriculum, the university prepares graduates to address complex challenges within New Mexico, the United States, and the international arena.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 29146 per year
• National fee: USD 29146 per year
• Local fee: USD 10084 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to Indigenous issues. Modules may include:

• Leadership
• Self-Determination
• Indigenous Pedagogy
• Sustainability
• Indigenous Community/Native Nation Building
• Indigenous Thought
• Decolonization
• Indigenous Learning Communities

Careers with Native American Studies

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for leadership opportunities at tribal, state, and federal agencies. Many alumni pursue careers within community-based non-profits and various spheres of Indigenous education, applying their problem-solving and communication skills to advocate for Native American interests.

The degree also serves as a robust foundation for postgraduate study in diverse fields. Former students have successfully transitioned into advanced roles or further research in Public Policy, Community and Regional Planning, Law, Sociology, Museum Studies, Water Resources, and Educational Leadership.

Industries such as journalism, community health, and counseling also value the baseline knowledge of Indigenous issues provided by the department. Whether working in urban enclaves or on reservations, graduates remain vital stewards of Indigenous knowledge and community development.