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:
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:
Contact Information


Jason Newnum
ECS Academic Coordinator
801-587-3287
SAEC 3287
Office Hours
Mondays, Wednesdays-Fridays: in office 8am-5pm
Tuesdays: Work remotely