Indigenous Education (Graduate Certificate)
American Indian, Culturally Responsive, Culture-based, Curriculum, Education, Education Leadership, Educator, Indian education, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, K-12 Education, Native American, Native Studies, Pedagogy, Policy, Secondary Education
Explore Indigenous educational equity and tribal sovereignty. Engage with Indigenous ways of knowing, community-rooted practices, decolonizing methodologies and policy frameworks that shape Native education. This program is ideal for those committed to advancing justice, inclusion and Indigenous futures in schools, cultural institutions and advocacy settings.
The microcertificate program in Indigenous education offers a graduate-level credential focused on Indigenous knowledge systems, culturally responsive pedagogy and tribal education policy. Designed for educators, leaders and advocates, the program empowers learners to support Indigenous self-determination and advance equity in schools, communities and educational institutions.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
9 credit hours
Required Core (9 credit hours)
IED 502 Indigenous Knowledges in Education (3)
IED 510 Indigenous Education and Colonial Histories (3)
IED 530 Indigenous Language Education and Revitalization (3)
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in American Indian studies, Indigenous education or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- letter of intent
- short answer questions
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL® (iBT) or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.
Applicants are required to submit a one-page letter of intent as part of their application to the Indigenous education microcertificate program. The letter should address the following:
- any classes, training or work in the fields of education, teaching or community-based learning
- how this program connects to the applicant's goals and what the applicant hopes to gain from it
- professional goals and what interests the applicant most about Indigenous education
This statement helps the admission committee better understand each applicant's background, motivations and fit for the program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
The microcertificate in Indigenous education strengthens professional pathways in areas involving program coordination, outreach and engagement roles, community-based learning initiatives as well as positions that emphasize sovereignty, self-determination and Indigenous knowledges. It provides a valuable credential for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise and leadership capacity while serving Indigenous communities in a variety of educational, community-facing and general organizational leadership contexts.
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for roles in:
- community advocacy
- cultural institutions (museums and libraries)
- K-12 and higher education
- nonprofit organizations
- policy and curriculum development
- tribal education departments
American Indian Studies Program
|
DISCVRY 356
AIS@asu.edu
480-727-7056
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
