American Indian Studies offers coursework to promote understanding of tribal cultures. Its curriculum studies traditional cultural values, tribal language, tribal social structures, social and intellectual relations between Indians and Whites, and political-legal interactions between tribal nations and the federal government. Special attention is placed on American Indian sovereignty and tribal efforts to preserve the freedom of cultural beliefs, such as language and religion, that were once suppressed by the United States. It serves American Indian and non-Indian students and builds their knowledge of American Indian literature, art, history, and contemporary affairs.

American Indian studies maintains close relationships with other American Indian academic programs at the University, such as education, social work, and medicine. It also sponsors the Anishinaabe Student Organization and participates on an Indian Elders Advisory Board to review new academic initiatives. The program maintains ongoing field activities with Ojibwe tribal communities in the region and sponsors outreach programs to serve the Duluth American Indian community. Students majoring in American Indian studies are required to serve internships with selected agencies from this network.