Program Description
The American Indian nation governance certificate program prepares you to be a leader who understands and supports the sovereignty and self-determination of Native nations. You 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, you 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.
At a Glance: program details
Certificate Map
-
Location:
-
Additional Program Fee:
No
-
Second Language Requirement:
No
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.
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*:
70770
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
-
Growth:
2.4%
-
Median Salary*:
85020
Conservation Scientists
-
Growth:
3.4%
-
Median Salary*:
73010
Historians
-
Growth:
2.2%
-
Median Salary*:
76750
Water Resource Specialists
-
Growth:
3.7%
-
Median Salary*:
167220
Lawyers
-
Growth:
4.1%
-
Median Salary*:
159670
Healthcare Social Workers
-
Growth:
7.7%
-
Median Salary*:
67880
Political Scientists
-
Growth:
-3.1%
-
Median Salary*:
142080
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
-
Growth:
3.4%
-
Median Salary*:
59550
* 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.
