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American Indian Nation Governance, Certificate


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Build knowledge and skills to engage with Native nations and shape a career in tribal government, policy and community development, regardless of your major.

Program Description

The American Indian nation governance certificate program prepares future leaders to understand and support the sovereignty and self-determination of Native nations. Students gain a broad understanding of tribal governance structures, legal foundations and policy processes while examining how Native nations exercise sovereignty and shape their own futures.

Grounded in Indigenous perspectives and community priorities, the program emphasizes leadership, ethical engagement, and practical skills for working across governments and institutions. Through courses in federal Indian policy, tribal sovereignty and Indigenous leadership, students explore how governance systems reflect cultural values and promote community well-being.

Learning 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.

Program Requirements

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.


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Career Outlook

Graduates are prepared to lead and collaborate with Native nations, tribal organizations and public agencies. They are equipped for meaningful careers in tribal government, public policy, community development and education, with the skills to advance Indigenous governance and support community priorities in a wide variety of professional settings.

Graduates have the expertise to navigate the intersections of law, policy and Indigenous governance --- skills valued by tribal nations, federal and state agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

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: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 64910

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 2.4%
  • Median Salary*: 84290

Conservation Scientists


  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: 67950

Historians


  • Growth: 2.2%
  • Median Salary*: 74050

Water Resource Specialists


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 161180

Lawyers


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 151160

Healthcare Social Workers


  • Growth: 7.7%
  • Median Salary*: 68090
  Bright Outlook

Political Scientists


  • Growth: -3.1%
  • Median Salary*: 139380

Child, Family, and School Social Workers


  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: 58570

* 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.