Native American and Indigenous Studies

Students taking Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) courses begin to understand historical and contemporary social issues among indigenous peoples of the Americas, within the global context of settler colonialism and its legacies. 

All students develop an individual certificate plan of study in consultation with the NAIS coordinator. In some cases, students may be able to count certificate courses toward certain GE CLAS Core requirements.

The Native American and Indigenous Studies Program focuses on the histories, cultures, literatures, and contemporary legal and political issues of Native Americans of the United States and other indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Both the certificate and the minor combine well with a variety of undergraduate majors and provide background for jobs involving cross-cultural work that involves ethnic, social, and political diversity. They also help you prepare for advanced study and training in the social sciences, health care, business, social work, and law.

Native American and Indigenous Studies Certificate

The courses required for the certificate help broaden the scope of students' understanding of United States history, with special reference to the role of Native Americans in its founding, its economy, and in contemporary society.

Native American and Indigenous Studies Minor

Students who pursue a minor learn about the origins, academic contributions, and political impact of the interdisciplinary field of Native American and Indigenous Studies.

1. Submit your application.

   You can apply through the University of Iowa application or the Common Application (fall session only). We make admission decisions on a rolling basis beginning October 1 (International Application deadlines vary depending on your area of study).

2. Pay the application fee.

   The $80 application fee is non-refundable. No application fee waivers are available unless you will be graduating from a high school inside the U.S.

3. Upload your academic records.

   Within your Admissions Profile in MyUI, upload copies of all required official transcripts from every secondary school (high school), college, university, technical/vocational institute, or professional institution you have attended.
   
   Examine the Country Specific Admissions Requirement List to learn more about the required credentials and minimum academic standards needed for Admissions. Iowa offers college credit for a variety of exams.

4. Meet our English Proficiency Requirement.

   See details of our English Proficiency Requirements. If applicable, have the testing agency send us your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.

5. Have your ACT or SAT scores sent by the testing agency.

   Our institution code is 1356 for the ACT; 6681 for the SAT.

   ACT or SAT is required if:​
   • You plan to use ACT/SAT to meet the English Proficiency Requirement
   • You plan to apply for scholarships (some awards require an ACT or SAT score)