American Indian Nation Governance ,Certificate
Community, Policy, Reservation, Sovereignity, Tribal, government, native
Elevate your understanding of Indigenous politics, law and community development. Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to meaningfully engage with Native nations and build up American Indian communities.
The undergraduate certificate program in American Indian nation governance offers students a comprehensive understanding of the governance structures, legal frameworks and cultural principles of Native American nations. This interdisciplinary program blends political science, law and Indigenous studies, equipping students to navigate the complexities of tribal governance.
Through focused courses, students explore topics such as tribal sovereignty, self-determination and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. The curriculum emphasizes culturally informed governance and leadership roles within Native nations.
Students engage with Indigenous scholars and community leaders, gaining valuable applicable insights. This certificate enhances critical thinking, communication and cultural competency, preparing students to be valuable contributors to Indigenous organizations.
This program is perfect for those passionate about supporting Indigenous rights and fostering meaningful engagement with Native American governance systems.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
2025-2026 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The certificate in American Indian Nation governance requires completion of 15 credit hours (12 of which must be upper division and nine of which must be taken from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences). All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
|
||
|
Students complete six credit hours of American Indian studies (AIS) and six credit hours of political science (POS) coursework. An additional three credit hours are selected from the approved list of AIS and POS policy and applied courses, including an optional internship.
|
||
|
3 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
3 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
6 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
3 Credit
Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
|
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Understand the role of government, governance, and key legal frameworks affecting Native American Nations.
- Evaluate a contemporary issue in tribal governance through course projects.
This certificate prepares graduates for careers in public policy, social services, education and advocacy, enabling them to work effectively within or alongside Native American nations. Combining the certificate in American Indian nation governance with their major program of study prepares graduates to work with Indian nations, federal and state agencies, and nonprofit organizations, regardless of their academic major or final career path.
American Indian Studies Program
and
School of Politics and Global Studies
|
DISCVRY 356
AIS@asu.edu
480-965-3634
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
