Native American Studies
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- Flexible online degree
- Local and regional tribal partnerships
- Immersive, real-world experience
Program Details
- Next Start Date
- January 21st
- Est. Program Length
- 2-4 years
- Course Length
- 8 weeks
- Cost per Credit
- $321.80*
- Credit Hours
- 120
- Credits Accepted
- 90
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $638.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees.
Request InfoMake a Positive Impact in Tribal Communities and Beyond
East Central University’s online B.A. in Native American Studies provides deep insight into the cultures and issues of contemporary Native American communities from a range of contexts and perspectives. It features interdisciplinary coursework, a real-world internship and partnerships with the local Choctaw and Chickasaw nations.
As a student, you will learn to work with and for tribal organizations through a combination of fully online coursework and hands-on learning opportunities. ECU Online faculty bring expertise in fields ranging from anthropology to law and environmental studies to the classroom, preparing you for success. The online format of the bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies program gives you the flexibility to take courses full- or part-time to balance work and life commitments.
After graduation, you will have the academic knowledge and applied science skills to pursue professional roles or graduate study in a wide range of fields. Earn your degree at a highly competitive tuition rate and transfer up to 94 credits to finish your online degree in as few as two years.
Topics of Study
ECU Online’s bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies offers a comprehensive curriculum that explores topic areas like:
- History
- Archeology
- Cultural anthropology
- Political science
- Business
- Legal studies
- Communications
- Human services
Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you will be able to:
- Think critically, analyze information from a variety of sources and communicate clearly to solve problems.
- Utilize proven methods in applied social sciences.
- Work with and for tribal entities in a variety of contexts.
- Explain the role of native peoples in American history.
- Understand the public policymaking process.
- Engage with historical and contemporary Native American issues.
- Research relevant issues and effectively present your work.
- Understand the sociology of North American native cultures.
- Discuss the multiplicity of Native American cultures from a variety of academic perspectives.
Courses & Requirements
Our online B.A. in Native American Studies requires a total of 120 credit hours. Students must take 40 credit hours in general education and 36 major credits (6 hours of major count towards general education requirements). In addition, 46 hours of electives are required to complete the degree. In the process of earning a degree, students can complete an internship in Native American Studies, cultural preservation, environmental work, tribal business, legislation, or the humanities. Typically, students spend five to six hours per week on coursework.
ECU requires all students to take general education courses. For this program, 6 hours (ANTH 2523 and ANTH 2713) are counted toward the major.
- NAS 1113
- NAS 4113
- NAS 4223
- Internship in Native American Studies*
- NAS 3003
- NAS 3013
- NAS 4983
- Indigenous Representations in Film and Documentaries
- ANTH 2523
- ANTH 2713
Introduction to Native American Studies*
3 Credits
This course introduces students to the field of Native American studies, to historical and contemporary Indian issues, to potential career opportunities with Indian nations and helps prepare students for coursework in the Native American studies major and minor. The course includes guest presenters, films, lectures and discussions.
Research in Native American Studies*
3 Credits
Prerequisite: 12 hours completed in the NAS program. Capstone seminar in Native American Studies. Students develop a research project on an issue in Native American Studies and develop a written and oral presentation of their work.
Tribal Sovereignty & Federal Indian Policy
3 Credits
This course is formulated and structured as a general introduction for students to Tribal Sovereignty and federal Indian Policy using a combination of online lectures, presentation slides, and readings.
Intro to Native American Language
3 Credits
General linguistic survey of the indigenous languages of North America through the use of readings, in class discussions, videos, audio, and completion of a written language sketch.
Native Peoples of North America
3 Credits
Introduction to the Native peoples, societies, and cultures north of Mexico from pre-Columbian times to the present.
Intro to Cultural Anthropology
3 Credits
An examination of human cultural diversity.
*Internship is required to complete core course for degree but internships can be guided through working with mentors on research projects via video conferencing. On-site experience is not mandatory.
- BUS 3013
- LS 4143
- NAS 2113
- NAS 2123
- NAS 2884
- Special Studies-Potawatomi I
- NAS 4981-4
- PS 3193
- SOC 3003
- SOWK 4113
- CHI 1113
- CHI 2113
- CHI 3113
- CHI 4113
- CHO 1113
- ENG 3123
- Introduction to Linguistics
- ANTH 2003
- ANTH 3003
- ANTH 4503
- ANTH 4981-4
- NAS 2883
- Special Studies-Muskogee Creek I
Native American Economic Development
3 Credits
This course will provide an overview of the three primary methods utilized in Indian Country by tribal leadership to effect economic development for their sovereign nations. The course will examine the history of the economic development in Indian Country, the purposes behind each of the three development methods and will utilize three Native American Nations (Chickasaw, Cheyenne-Arapaho and Lakota Sioux).
Introduction to Native American Law
3 Credits
An introduction and study of issues related to Native Americans and the law. Emphasis on the analysis of sovereignty issues, treaties, and Native American courts.
Chickasaw Humanities: Comparing Cultures
3 Credits
A study of the thought and culture of the Chickasaw Nation (and other relevant southeastern nations) using oral tradition, written studies, works of art, and musical and dramatic performances. These approaches will be compared to “western humanities.”
Chickasaw Hum: Chickasaw Culture
3 Credits
A study of the thought and culture of the Chickasaw Nation (and other relevant southeastern nations) using oral tradition, written studies, works of art, and musical and dramatic performances. These approaches will be compared to other Native American tribes.
Seminar in Native American Studies
3 Credits
Directed group study on a special subject or problem.
Tribal Politics
3 Credits
This course will survey tribal government and politics in the United States with a special emphasis on the intergovernmental relationships among tribal, local, state and federal governments.
Native American Sociology
3 Credits
In this class students will examine the sociology of (North American) Native American cultures. Topics and themes will explore the diversity of Native American cultures, their past and their place in current social contexts including cities.
The Indian Child Welfare Act
3 Credits
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) will be introduced to students with focus on understanding the Act, its historical context, and application in today’s social welfare system. Development of knowledge and appreciation for Native American Indian culture in U.S. society and in Oklahoma will also be a course goal. This course will encourage student participation in a culturally diverse learning environment.
Chickasaw I
3 Credits
Introduction to elements of grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary building skills, conversation, and easy reading activities of the Chickasaw language. The history and culture of the Chickasaw Nation will also be emphasized.
Chickasaw II
3 Credits
Prereq.: 1113. Continuation of the elements of grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary-building skills, conversation, and reading activities of the Chickasaw language within its everyday contexts. The history and culture of the Chickasaw Nation will continue to be emphasized.
Chickasaw III
3 Credits
Prereq.: 2113. Continuation of the structure of the Chickasaw language with increased attention to its phonology, morphology and syntax. Vocabulary expansion and conversational practice will continue to be emphasized as well as the history and culture of the native speech community.
Chickasaw IV
3 Credits
Prereq.: 3113. A systematic review of the Chickasaw language. Vocabulary expansion and conversational practice will be emphasized as well as the history and culture of the native speech community.
Choctaw I
3 Credits
Introduction to elements of grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary-building skills, conversation, and easy reading activities of the Choctaw language. The history and culture of the Choctaw Nation will also be emphasized.
Intro to Cultural Resource Management
3 Credits
This course introduces students to the laws and practice of Cultural Resource Management with an emphasis on Native American cultural resources.
Archaeological Theory and Methods
3 Credits
This course provides students with the tools they will need to conduct archaeological research along with an understanding of the historical, theoretical, and methodological underpinnings of the discipline.
Public Archaeology Field School
3 Credits
Hands-on training in the methods and techniques of archaeological fieldwork at sites within the local area. The course is repeatable up to six (6) credit hours. Prereq.: 2003 and 3003.
Seminar in Cultural Resource Management
3 Credits
This course engages students in the practice of Cultural Resource Management with a community partner. Each year students work together as a team on a suitable project, creating a professional product. Prereq.: 2003 and 3003.
An elective course is any college-level course not required by the degree that is utilized to reach the 120 credit hours required for degree completion. Elective courses are chosen according to the interest of the student.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into ECU’s B.A. in Native American Studies online degree program, you must meet the following criteria:
- If you are a transfer student, you must have completed 24 college credit hours with a retention GPA of 2.0 or higher. If you have fewer than 24 college credit hours, you will be required to submit your high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores for consideration.
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit the following materials:
- Online application
- Official high school transcript or college transcript from an accredited institution
- ACT/SAT scores (optional)
Have a question about this program or the admission process? Get connected to one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 120 credit hours | $321.80* | $38,616.00 |
| Total with transfer credits (up to 90)** | $9,654.00 | ||
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $638.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees.
**Note: Transfer students must have completed at least 24 credit hours.
Fees and tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about your options for financing your education by visiting our Financial Aid page.
View Financial AidMilitary Benefits
East Central University is a proud military-friendly school. Discover how your status as a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can help you earn your degree by visiting our Military & Veterans page.
View Military BenefitsNative American Students
Eligible Native American students can find financial aid programs, heritage scholarships, grants, and academic support services to help ensure their success at ECU.
View our Native American Students pageAre You the First in Your Family to Go to College?
At ECU, we recognize that “going first” can be difficult. We provide the extra financial support, scholarships, resources, services, and skills you need to succeed.
View our First-Generation College Students pageTransfer Students
If you’ve taken college-level courses elsewhere, you could save time and money earning your degree by transferring credits to ECU and may qualify for scholarships.
View our Transfer Students pageCareer Outlook
Graduates with a background in Native American studies can pursue a wide range of rewarding careers in and outside of tribal communities. Whether you are interested in professional opportunities or continuing your education at the graduate level, this program can prepare you for career paths like public relations, museum and archival work, social work and counseling, law and politics, civil service, public health and teaching.
Grant Writer
Grant writers write and apply for grants, usually on behalf of nonprofit or government organizations. They complete research to support the grant application, ensure acquired grant funds are used correctly and report on the impact of the grant.
Average annual salary: $49,432
Museum Worker
Also known as museum technicians, museum workers create and maintain exhibitions as well as prepare objects for storage. They also keep records of pieces’ acquisition, condition and storage location.
Average annual salary: $52,140
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists may also be known as media specialists or communications specialists. They develop and maintain an organization’s public image, create media strategies and raise awareness of its work.
Average annual salary: $62,810
Social and Community Service Manager
Social and community service managers oversee community programs and staff. While job responsibilities vary based on the size of the organization, these professionals often determine what new programs and services are needed, suggest improvements to existing programs, coordinate community outreach activities and more.
Average annual salary: $69,600
Career and salary info is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.
Frequently Asked Questions
ECU Online offers a number of scholarships to qualified applicants. To be considered for scholarships, your first step is to complete an application. All scholarship recipients must be full-time students. For more information, visit our Scholarships page.
Your first step is to complete our online application. To apply, you will need a GPA of 2.25 or higher and official transcripts. If you are a transfer student, you must have completed 24 college credit hours with a retention GPA of 2.0 or higher. For more information, contact us at 833-624-5249 or request information.
Earning your B.A. in Native American Studies can open doors to a wide range of opportunities. After graduation, you will be prepared to pursue professional roles or continue your education with graduate study. Possible career paths in and outside of tribal communities include public relations, museum and archival work, social work and counseling, law and politics, civil service, public health, teaching and more.
This program features interdisciplinary coursework, an internship opportunity, and collaborative partnerships with the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations so you gain firsthand experience working with tribal communities. Topics of study include history, archaeology, cultural anthropology, political science, legal studies and more. As a student, you will complete 12 major courses and a total of 120 credit hours.
Ideal for working students, ECU Online’s interactive learning environment offers the flexibility you need to balance your education with your personal and professional schedule. As an online student, you’ll receive ample opportunities to virtually discuss course materials with your educators and classmates, plus the ability to access courses on your time and complete your degree at your own pace.