At a Glance: program details
Certificate Map
-
Location:
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
Program Description
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.
Program Requirements
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). Students complete six credit hours of American Indian studies and six credit hours of political science. An additional three credit hours are selected from the approved list of AIS and POS policy and applied courses, including an optional internship. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher for use in the certificate.
AIS Core Courses (choose two) -- 6 credit hours
POS Core Courses (choose two) -- 6 credit hours
AIS or POS Policy and Applied Course (choose one) -- 3 credit hours
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
Enrollment Requirements
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.
Career Outlook
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.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Anthropologists and Archeologists
- Growth: 4.2%
- Median Salary*: 63940
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.9%
- Median Salary*: 80910
Conservation Scientists
- Growth: 4.1%
- Median Salary*: 64460
Historians
- Growth: 3.1%
- Median Salary*: 64540
Water Resource Specialists
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: 144440
Lawyers
- Growth: 7.5%
- Median Salary*: 135740
Healthcare Social Workers
- Growth: 9.6%
- Median Salary*: 60280
Political Scientists
- Growth: 6.6%
- Median Salary*: 128020
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Growth: 5.3%
- Median Salary*: 50820
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
