If you want to make a change in the world to help dismantle systemic racism, advance social and environmental justice and understand the impacts of colonization, start here.
Building on more than 50 years of tradition of Indigenous studies at UB, this interdisciplinary major examines some of the world’s most pressing questions: How can we protect our lands and waters for future generations? What are the most effective ways to build relationships among diverse populations? How does all of society benefit from Indigenous knowledge? Find out at UB, with SUNY’s first Indigenous Studies major.
As an Indigenous Studies major, you’ll start with core courses that introduce you to languages, arts, literature, history and contemporary studies. Then, you’ll choose from a wide selection of electives as you explore the following areas comprehensively:
You’ll learn about public health, politics and contemporary issues currently confronting global Indigenous communities while also studying the history, arts, literatures and culture of Indigenous nations.
Learn from engagement with the land. Meet with local tribal leaders and nonprofit Indigenous organizations. Make friends with like-minded students. Conduct award-winning research. At UB, the possibilities for engaging with Indigenous peoples and communities are nearly endless.
Whether you want to work in government, education, health care, business or nearly any other field, a degree in Indigenous Studies can give you the flexibility you want—and the opportunity to serve communities around the world.
Indigenous Studies graduates are in high demand as experts in Indigenous nation governance offices, environmental programs, health care facilities and other areas. Graduates can also find opportunities with advocacy organizations, American Indian commissions and museums and federal, state and local government offices. In addition, many non-Indigenous workplaces seek out graduates with the diverse experiences you’ll gain here.
Potential career opportunities include:
At UB, you’ll learn about Indigenous peoples from Indigenous teachers who center their lived experiences in their research from across many disciplinary backgrounds. They will help guide students in fields that may or may not yet have a strong engagement with Indigenous research. With decades of experience and training, our faculty continue to serve as leading advocates for the rights of Indigenous peoples worldwide.
As highly recognized researchers, our faculty members share their expertise on a wide range of global topics, from Haudenosaunee women’s leadership to Pacific Islander social movements. Their work has included mapping resiliency in Indigenous communities, advising Indigenous nations on environmental health concerns, directing documentaries and co-producing a documentary about land reclamation, and supporting tribal organizations and nations in maintaining their sovereignty. Our faculty members are also award-winning authors and have been published in various peer-reviewed journals and books.
While our faculty has a global presence, many faculty are enrolled members of Indigenous tribes, with strong connections to the traditional territories and communities of the Seneca Nation and its Six Member Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.