Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Governance
The Graduate Certificate (GC) in Indigenous Governance provides graduate level executive education and leadership development for those interested in Indigenous governance. The GC is the accelerated version of our Master of Professional Studies in Indigenous Governance degree, requiring twelve (12) credits of course work to be completed within two years. GC credits are offered during the January in Tucson sessions with an option to earn credits through a self-initiated Capstone Project.
January in Tucson Core Curriculum
The Graduate Certificate (GC) in Indigenous Governance core curriculum consists of a series of 1-credit January in Tucson courses, covering topics from Native nation building, comparative Indigenous governance, intergovernmental relations, Indigenous peoples’ human rights, and community development. Students also have the option of completing concentrations of online courses in tribal justice, Native economic development, and natural resources, or customizing their plan of study with in-person and online courses to meet their needs.
The core curriculum of the GC consists of January in Tucson classes; an intensive education session which brings together distinguished faculty in the field of Indigenous governance and gives them the opportunity to teach and hold discussions with Indigenous leaders, practitioners, and community members from around the world. The JIT curriculum not only conveys important information backed by research, but allow space for a crucial dialogue to occur between Indigenous peoples from all over the world. This conversation provides new perspectives to familiar challenges, and helps to make JIT a truly unique educational experience.
*January in Tucson required GC courses are in-person classes that take place in Tucson, Arizona.
REQUIRED COURSES:
- Rebuilding Native Nations: An Introduction (1 credit)
- Comparative Indigenous Governance (1 credit)
- Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Under International Law (1 credit)
- Intergovernmental Relations (1 credit)
- Comparative Legal Systems and Their Role in Nation Building (1 credit)
- Evidence of Indigenous Nation Building (1 credit)
- Making Change Happen (1 credit) OR
- Capstone Project (with permission, can replace 1-2 credits of required courses)
All courses offered during January In Tucson are eligible credits for the GC.
*The GC requires applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. GC required and elective courses are offered in-person during January in Tucson with an option to earn credits through a self-initiated Capstone Project.
UPDATE: The TOEFL iBT® test can now be taken at home until test centers reopen.
Tuition & Costs
The Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Governance costs approximately $21,372 prorated at $1,781 per unit (excluding Mandatory University fees).
Tuition and fees, including prorated part-time tuition, see the UA Bursar’s Office webpage.*
*All amounts shown here or in other University of Arizona College of Law communications represent tuition and fees as currently approved. The amounts are subject to change, upon approval by the Arizona Board of Regents, which typically releases tuition decisions in April.
Transfer Policy
All 12 credits taken toward the Graduate Certificate (GC) in Indigenous Governance are eligible to be transferred into the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Indigenous Governance degree, upon review and approval by the MPS Admissions Committee. To be eligible, the transfer of credits must take place prior to the completion and award of the GC.
Application Deadlines
We accept and review applications on a rolling basis.
Spring 2023 Application Deadlines:
- If you require a student visa: October 31, 2022
- If you do NOT require a student visa: November 30, 2022
Fall 2023 Application Deadlines:
- If you require a student visa: May 15, 2023
- If you do NOT require a student visa: August 1, 2023
Application Requirements
Official transcripts for all post-secondary educational institutions attended.*
*Refer to the UA Graduate College transcript requirements for more information. Transcripts not in English must be translated into English and verified by the issuing college or university.
The strongest recommendations are substantive and detail the applicant's analytical abilities and writing skills. It is worth making a significant effort to communicate with your recommenders regarding the need for detail.
Two letters of recommendation are required. Four is the maximum that you are allowed to submit through the application. If you would like to submit more than 4 letters of recommendation please contact the admissions office for instructions.
The personal statement is both a writing sample and an opportunity to discuss your unique characteristics and personal qualities, including educational and work experiences, talents and special interests, socioeconomic background, involvement in community affairs and public service, or any events or circumstances that have helped shape your life or given it direction. The personal statement should indicate your interest in Indigenous governance, along with a description of any relevant experience in the field.
The resume should summarize your education, work experience, any publications, and other relevant credentials and accomplishments.
All non-native English speaker applicants must submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or seek a waiver as detailed below.
Arizona Law requires a high-level of English proficiency for all degree programs. Arizona Law has a rigorous curriculum for all programs. Classes require a dynamic exchange between students, and with faculty. Therefore, a high-level of English proficiency is required to have a meaningful participation in and outside of the classroom as well as for students to succeed in law school.
A minimum TOEFL score of 100 IBT or higher is expected. Alternatively, we will accept an overall IELTS score of 7.5 and no subsection less than 7.0.
Applicants whose test score(s) falls below the targets set forth above, should highlight in the personal statement portion of their application any specific data, background, or other information that they feel might strengthen their application in this regard, such as time spent in English language environments, work done in English, English language publications, etc. It is also recommended that applicants with scores lower than those set forth above submit at least one recommendation that addresses, at least in part, their English language ability.
Applicants may also request a waiver review based on their studies in the U.S., a LSAT score of or above 155, and/or a GRE verbal reasoning score of 155 or higher. Arizona Law will also accept requests for waivers based on the current English proficiency exemptions for Graduate Students at the University of Arizona. Applicants requesting a waiver are required to submit a writing sample and to hold an interview in English.
The admissions committee reserves the right to request a writing sample, hold interviews or request additional information or documents to support English proficiency for all applicants.