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. The certificate provides students with essential knowledge to understand a broad range of historical, political, religious, and social issues affecting Indigenous peoples. Students earn an additional credential while integrating knowledge of Indigenous issues into their own academic disciplines or professional training.
Completion of the Indigenous Studies Graduate Certificate represents an additional credential for graduate students from a variety of academic fields who are preparing for careers in research, teaching, or professional practice. The certificate also enhances the qualifications of students seeking careers with Indigenous organizations, governments, and museums, among many other options.
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
- 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
Please visit Indigenous Studies' website for more information about the admissions process, including upcoming application deadlines.
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 copy of your KU 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
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ISP 800 | Indigenous Issues in the United States | 3 |
| 9 |
| Topics in Indigenous Studies: _____ | |
| Field School in Indigenous Archaeology Collections Curation & Management | |
| Indigenous Food and Health | |
| Ethnobotany | |
| Foodways: Latin America | |
| Native Feminisms | |
| Global Indigenous History | |
| Indigenous Peoples of the World | |
| Environmental Justice | |
| Field School in Indigenous Archaeology Collections Curation & Management | |
| Indigenous Film and Media | |
| Ecosystems Stewardship | |
| Special Topics: _____ | |
| Critical Indigenous Histories & Philosophies in Education | |
| Directed Readings | |
| Internship in Indigenous Studies | |
| Self-Determination, Sovereignty, and Systems of Indigenous Education | |
| Leadership, Advocacy, and Action in Indigenous Education | |
| Applied Project for Educational Leadership for Indigenous Populations | |
| Tribal Governance & Sovereignty in Action | |
| Federal Indian Law | |
| Indigenous Food and Health | |
| Indigenous Research Methodologies | |
| 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 Histories & Archaeologies of the Great Plains | |
| Indigenous Development in Latin America | |
| Mexamerica | |
| Anthropology in Museums | |
| 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 course work 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.
