Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Studies
Indigenous Studies Graduate Certificate
The Indigenous Studies graduate certificate enhances the qualifications of students seeking careers in academic settings, government and other public service, and the private sector. You’ll gain knowledge essential to understand a broad range of historical, political, religious and social issues affecting Indigenous peoples. And, you’ll earn an additional credential while integrating knowledge of Indigenous issues into your own academic disciplines or professional training.
Enrollment in the certificate is open to students admitted to a degree-seeking KU graduate program and those not currently enrolled at KU.
Admission to Graduate Studies
Admission Requirements
- All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Certificate Application and Admissions Procedure
Eligibility criteria for admission to the certificate program follow Graduate Studies' admission policy.
Application Deadlines:
- August 1 for fall admission
- December 15 for spring admission
If August 1 or December 15 falls on a weekend, the deadline will extend to the following business day.
Application Materials for Current KU Students
- a letter stating your interest in Indigenous studies and its relationship to your graduate course of study;
- a current advising report;
- a letter of support from your graduate degree program.
You must be in good standing with your graduate degree program to participate in the certificate program.
Application Materials for Non-KU Students
- a letter stating your interest in the Indigenous Studies graduate certificate;
- an official copy of your college transcript;
- two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic work or potential for graduate study.
Certificate Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ISP 800 | Indigenous Issues in the United States | 3 |
| 9 hours of graduate-level coursework with content relevant to the field of Indigenous Studies. Courses are selected from the below list in consultation with the Indigenous Studies Program Director. | 9 | |
| Topics in Indigenous Studies: _____ | ||
| Indigenous Food and Health | ||
| Ethnobotany | ||
| Foodways: Latin America | ||
| Native Feminisms | ||
| Indigenous Peoples of the World | ||
| Environmental Justice | ||
| Indigenous Film and Media | ||
| Special Topics: _____ | ||
| Critical Indigenous Histories & Philosophies in Education | ||
| Directed Readings | ||
| Internship in Indigenous Studies | ||
| Leadership, Advocacy, and Action in Indigenous Education | ||
| Applied Project for Educational Leadership for Indigenous Populations | ||
| Federal Indian Law | ||
| Indigenous Food and Health | ||
| Safeguarding Native American Heritage: NAGPRA, Tribal Hist Preservtn, & Cultural Heritage Governance | ||
| Indigenous Archives and Tribal Historic Preservation | ||
| Community Health and Development | ||
| Pre-Hispanic Mexico and Central America | ||
| The Ancient Maya | ||
| Ancient American Civilizations: The Central Andes | ||
| Indigenous Development in Latin America | ||
| Mexamerica | ||
| Ethnobotany | ||
| Environmental Justice | ||
| Climate Change, Ecological Change and Social Change | ||
| Geography of American Indians | ||
| Indigenous Peoples of the World | ||
| Ethnohistory of the Americas | ||
| Anthropology in Museums | ||
| Special Topics: _____ Dependent on the topic of the course | ||
| The Modern Museum: Institutions, Knowledge and Audiences | ||
| The Museum Profession: Ethics, Standards and Cultural Awareness | ||
| Native Feminisms | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Course-Level Requirement and Selection Process
Students must take 50% or more of their coursework at the 700 level or above. All courses must be selected in consultation with the Indigenous Studies Program Director, who can also review and approve course substitution requests.
Graduate Student Handbook and Graduate Policy
Additional information can be found in the Indigenous Studies Graduate Student Handbook. Students are also encouraged to review Graduate Studies' policies related to graduate certificate programs for information about other requirements that may apply.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Exhibit an advanced level of knowledge in Indigenous scholarship and issues relevant to the field.
- Demonstrate growth in engaging with a variety of culturally diverse perspectives, both in scholarship and practice.
- Demonstrate interdisciplinary growth by establishing scholarly connections between Indigenous Studies and other fields of interest.