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Academic ProgramsAbout This Program
The Native American Studies program was developed to provide an area of study that is inclusive of an indigenous perspective. The program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Native Americans with specific focus in history, culture, politics and other important issues. Courses in Native American Studies may be taken to satisfy the requirements for a minor, or to meet the needs of the student’s educational interests. Many of the courses also fulfill a multicultural requirement.
Why Choose This Minor
An Ideal Complement to Any Major
The minor provides an ideal complement to a variety of majors, from those seeking a greater cultural competence, to majors in fields devoted to dealing with issues especially prevalent in Native American communities, and any student seeking to understand the historic and contemporary state of Native American peoples.
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Declare your Minor
Our programs offer exciting, hands-on, and career relevant courses that set you up for success. Don't delay, declare today.
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Get Rowdy Ready
Follow the semester-by-semester steps outlined in the CLAS Student Success Roadmap to ensure your success at MSU Denver.
Take me to the CLAS Student Success RoadmapBenefits of Studying at MSU Denver
The Department of Political Science, the home of the Native American Studies minor, delivers all the academic content you expect while also bringing to the table everything that’s unique about MSU Denver’s people and Denver’s political community.
Take classes on a vibrant and diverse downtown campus
Join a dynamic community at our downtown campus, just minutes from the Colorado Capitol Building, where education meets real-world engagement. Our small class sizes foster extensive interaction with dedicated faculty who are committed to your success.
Our minor offers an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together faculty from diverse fields to create meaningful classroom experiences. You’ll benefit from guest speakers and community interactions that enhance your learning and connect theory to practice.
In addition to traditional daytime classes, we provide flexible evening course options, ensuring that education fits your lifestyle. We are a big university with a small college approach to education.
Career Opportunities for Our Graduates
Earning a minor in Native American Studies from MSU Denver prepares students for further graduate studies or for careers in public and private sectors including state, local and federal and tribal governments and their agencies; public policy; law; business and journalism.
Featured Faculty
Robert Preuhs, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Robert Preuhs’ research focuses on issues of representation and democracy through the lens of racial and ethnic politics, state and national political institutions and public policy. His publications have appeared in leading peer-reviewed journals such as The American Journal of Political Science, The Journal of Politics and Political Research Quarterly. He and fellow professors Norman Provizer and Andy Thangasamy recently authored the piece, “Contesting Colorado: The Politics of Change in the Centennial State” in the book, “Presidential Swing States: Why Only Ten Matter” (Rowman and Littlefield, 2015).
Sheila Rucki, Ph.D., Professor
Sheila Rucki teaches in the sub-fields of political theory and international relations/international political economy. She works with her students to develop research and analysis skills and to learn to understand the world through the lens of critical political theory. Her research has been published in New Political Science and she has contributed chapters to At the Interface / Probing the Boundaries from Brill Publishing. She is also an Erasmus + Faculty Exchange fellow.
Why Choose MSU Denver
Hispanic Serving Institution
MSU Denver has 36.7% Hispanic/Latinx students which the highest number of Hispanic/Latinx students among institutions of higher education in the state of Colorado.
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
MSU Denver is dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion and has been named one of the Top Colleges for Diversity by Insight Into Diversity for 10 consecutive years.
Learn more about DEI at MSU Denver
Transfer Student Leader
50% of MSU Denver students are transfers. As the top transfer destination for Coloradans, our students make an immediate impact on our workforce and community.
Learn more about MSU Denver's ExcellenceContact the Department of Political Science
Auraria Campus Location
King Center, Room – 498
Mailing Address
MSU Denver, Department of Political Science
Campus Box 43
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO. 80217-3362