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Graduate certificate

Working with Native Communities

Apply to this certificate program

2026-2027 application Deadline: December 5, 2025

Program Overview

The Working with Native Communities Certificate program will prepare graduate level learners of diverse backgrounds and academic studies for professional work with Native communities by deepening their understanding about the historical context and contemporary challenges facing Native peoples in the United States. Through the Certificate, learners will take away essential and critical concepts to prepare them to do important and much needed work with Native communities both locally and nationally. One of the Certificate program's main objectives is to assist students in developing an understanding of the complex inner workings of Native nations, histories, status as political sovereigns, efforts in education, and tribal governments to prepare students for professional work in a variety of fields. The many misconceptions stemming from the unique relationship with the United States and Native communities/peoples will be addressed. Learners enrolled in the Certificate program are expected to work with Native governments, organizations, businesses, health services, and/or other stakeholders to promote the social, political, economic, and environmental well-being of Native nations and communities.

What you will learn

Upon completion of the Working with Native Communities Certificate, learners will be able to:

Distinguish the unique of Native nations, communities, and individuals
Develop a better understanding of how to work with Native communities
Collaborate with Native communities to engage working in a given profession
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Native communities

Curriculum Plans

The Certificate is an interdisciplinary graduate certificate comprised of 15 credit hours (5 courses):

One year plan

Class Department Term Credits
Sovereignty and Self-Determination in Native Contexts Education, Culture & Society First Summer Session 2025 (May 12 - June 19) 3
History of Indian Education Education, Culture & Society Second Summer Session 2025 (June 20 - July 30) 3
Indigenous Epistemologies in Education Education, Culture & Society First Fall Session 2025 (August 18 - October 3) 3
Community-Engaged Learning in Native Contexts Education, Culture & Society Second Fall Session 2025 (October 13 - December 4) 3
Indigenous Research Methodologies Education, Culture & Society Full Spring Semester 2026 3

Multiple Year Plan (Please talk to Dr. Benally or Jason)

Class Department Term Credits
Sovereignty and Self-Determination in Native Contexts Education, Culture & Society First Summer Session 2025 (May 12 - June 19) 3
History of Indian Education Education, Culture & Society Second Summer Session 2025 (June 20 - July 30) 3
Elective See chart below N/A 3
Elective See chart below N/A 3
Indigenous Research Methodologies Education, Culture & Society Full Spring Semester 2026 3

Elective Courses

Select two of the elective courses below if participating in a multiple year plan

Class Department Credits
Indigenous Epistemologies in Education Education, Culture & Society 3
Indigenous Research Methodologies Education, Culture & Society 3
Pacific Islander Indigenous Education Education, Culture & Society 3
Indigenous Communication Communications 3
Environmental Racism and Resistance Ethnic Studies 3
American Indian Experience Ethnic Studies  
Native American/American Indian Policy Ethnic Studies  
Native American Film & Media  Ethnic Studies  
Native American/American Indian Policy Ethnic Studies  
Federal Indian Law Law School  
Additional courses to be identified.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements adhere to Policy 6-224, Graduate Studies and Degrees, Graduate Certificate Guidelines. The minimum admission requirements are as follows:

 A bachelor's degree from a fully accredited college or University
 An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (exceptions may be granted to this requirement
 The applicant may be a matriculated graduate student or a non-matriculated student at the University of Utah

Contact Information

Cynthia Benally,
Ed.D.

WNC Program Director

801-213-3465

cynthia.benally@utah.edu

SAEC 3287

Jason Newnum

ECS Academic Coordinator

801-587-3287

ecs@utah.edu

SAEC 3287

Office Hours
Mondays, Wednesdays-Fridays: in office 8am-5pm
Tuesdays: Work remotely

Last Updated: 2/5/26