Indian Studies Career Outlook 2012-2013
Indian Studies Programs Available at Bemidji State University:
Major: Indian Studies (B.A.)
Minor: Indian Studies
Website: http://bemidjistate.edu/academics/majors_more/inst/
MAJOR HIGLIGHTS:
Since time immemorial, American Indians have occupied the Upper Great Lakes area, including what is now
known as the State of Minnesota. Tribes and Indian peoples currently residing on reservations and in rural
and urban areas include Ojibwe, Dakota (Sioux), Menominee, Pottowatomie, Sac and Fox, Winnebago,
Ottawa, Oneida, and members of other North American tribes. The Indian Studies program is open to all
students. It offers Ojibwe and other Indian students an academic area of study relevant to the diversity of
their cultural heritage. It offers Indian and other students a better understanding and appreciation of the
diversity of Indian history, language, and culture. The Indian Studies major is designed to provide a cultural,
political, and historical background for a companion major in a skills area (applied study major). The
Department of Languages and Ethnic Studies offers a minor in Ojibwe. Campus services available to Indian
students include the American Indian Resource Center, the Council of Indian Students, Native Americans into
Medicine, and an American Indian Science and Education Society chapter. For more information contact the
American Indian Resource Center, (218)755-2032.
EMPLOYMENT AREAS:
There are many different career opportunities for graduates of Indian Studies, though most jobs are in tribal
government or administration, education in Indian communities, law enforcement, and social services.
PLACEMENT INFORMATION FOR INDIAN STUDIES GRADUATES:
The Indian Studies major is designed to provide a cultural, political, and historical background for a
companion major in a skills area (applied study major). Students are encouraged to discuss with their advisors
the option of a second major or minor that might strengthen or complement their major. Of the Bemidji State
University class of 2010-2011 Indian Studies graduates (B.A.), 100% of graduates reported obtaining full time
employment within one year of graduation. This does not include students who were not seeking
employment, continuing their education, unavailable, or had unknown status.
LIST OF EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE REPORTED HIRING BSU INDIAN STUDIES
GRADUATES: ( This list only includes employment within one year after graduation.)
Bagley Elementary School
Bagwana Bags
Boy & Girls Club of the Leech Lake Area
DC Public Schools
Grand Rapids High School
Indian Child Welfare
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Leech Lake Gaming
Leech Lake Tribal College
Home/School Interventionist
Fiber Artist
Unit Director
Teacher
Teacher's Aide
Child Protection Social Worker
Tradition Coordinator - Circle of Woman
Human Resources Associate
Learning Center Director
Bagley, MN
Grand Forks, ND
Walker, MN
Washington, DC
Grand Rapids, MN
Naytahwaush, MN
Cass Lake, MN
Cass Lake, MN
Walker, MN
LIST OF EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE REPORTED HIRING BSU INDIAN STUDIES
GRADUATES: (This list only includes employment within one year after graduation.)
Leech Lake Tribal College
McGregor ISD #4
Northwest MN Juvenile Center
Red Lake Indian Reservation
Red Lake Nation College
White Earth Land Recovery Project
Wilderness Bay Lodge
Academic Skills Specialist
Cass Lake, MN
Enrichment Coord/Academic Coach/Sub McGregor, MN
Child Care Worker/Community Service Asst
Bemidji, MN
Administrative Assistant
Redby, MN
Indian Studies Educator
Red Lake, MN
Marketing & Development
Ponsford, MN
Manager/Maintenance
Ely, MN
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WHERE BSU INDIAN STUDIES GRADUATES
HAVE GONE TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION:
Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN
St Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN
University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI
Note 1: Some of the above job/career titles require advanced degrees or specialized training.
Note 2: Degrees alone do not get students jobs. Internships, summer jobs, volunteer work, part-time jobs,
work-study positions, and active participation in student organizations on campus are all ways to become
more competitive in a tight job market.
Note 3: Personal Competencies: it is also recommended that individuals be competent in a variety of
communication methods, and computer skills are a must.
Bibliography:
Annual Graduate Follow-Up Study 1997-2011. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (2013)
Bemidji State University Undergraduate Catalog 2011-2012. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (2012)
FOCUS II. Career Dimensions Incorporated, Manchester, NH (2012)
MnCareers/iSeek. Research and Statistics Office, MN Dept. of Economic Security, St. Paul, MN (2012)
Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Dept. of Labor, JIST Publishing Inc., Indianapolis, IN (2012)
Salary Survey 2011-2012. National Association of Colleges and Employers, Bethlehem, PA (2012)
For more information, please contact the Career Services Office in 102 Sanford Hall or
call us at 218-755-2038 or toll free at 800-657-3726.
For more job listings please visit:
Or
http://www.bemidjistate.edu/students/services/career/job_search/jobs/