The Department of American Ethnic Studies provides a major in Native American Studies. The Native American program is designed to provide an introduction to the Native American experience in North America by means of comprehensive exposure to course-work dealing with the major aspects of Indian life, including history, values, politics, literature, and art.

It is the Department's belief that, through an examination of the heritage and contributions of the heritage of others, one can appreciate ones own heritage.

The major provides preparation for transfer into four-year colleges and universities.