SDSU Announces New Bachelor’s Degree
in American Indian Studies

Anthony Pico, former chair of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians,
to speak Nov. 27

Contact:
Gina Speciale
Media Relations Specialist
San Diego State University
speciale@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO (Monday, Nov. 19, 2007) — San Diego State University will offer a new bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies, it was announced today.  The degree was approved by CSU Trustees last month and will be offered to students in fall 2008.

SDSU will now be only the second California State University to offer a bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies.

The official announcement of the new degree program will be made during a lecture by Anthony Pico, former chair of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. in Scripps Cottage.  The lecture will cap off a month-long series of events celebrating Native American Indian Heritage month.

“San Diego County is home to more tribes than any other county in the country with 18 federally recognized tribes,” said Margaret Field, chairperson of SDSU’s department of American Indian Studies.  “This degree will develop majors with enhanced political awareness about the power struggles and history of disenfranchised peoples, primarily Native Americans.”

The new degree program will offer courses in American Indian history, contemporary issues, art and literature.  Students will also study tribal life and have the opportunity to learn more about their own American Indian heritage.  The degree will be particularly useful to students who plan to work in any capacity with tribal governments and institutions, such as health and human services, schools, cultural or resource management.

The department of American Indian Studies currently offers 18 different courses on a variety of interdisciplinary subjects and a minor in American Indian Studies. The courses seek to educate students about cultural diversity with reference to American Indians and especially California Indian perspectives and issues.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 74 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s  approximately 35,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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