American Indian Nation Governance, Certificate

At a Glance: program details

Location:
Tempe campus
Additional Program Fee: No
Second Language Requirement: No

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

Bright Outlook |

Green Occupation

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.

AIS@asu.edu
480/965-3634