The UMass Certificate Program in Native American and Indigenous Studies offers both an undergraduate and a graduate certificate.
We welcome applications from students enrolled in a full-time degree program at UMass Amherst. The certificate is not available to those not enrolled in a degree program at UMass or as a Professional Certificate at this time.
UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
UMass undergraduate students should apply for the NAIS Certificate through the 5 College NAIS Program.
If interested in the program, be sure to fill out the Student Interest Form and review the program requirements HERE!
While all course requirements can be completed at the UMass campus, students enrolled in or considering the Certificate are strongly encouraged to complete Native Studies courses at other institutions in the 5 College Consortium. See available courses across the colleges here.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
Curriculum Overview: The Graduate Certificate in Native American and Indigenous Studies is designed to provide opportunities for Native and non-Native graduate students to learn about Native communities and integrate that knowledge into their specific fields of study. The program has an equal focus on contemporary Native American issues and strongly encourages engaging in academic collaborations and research with Native American communities.
Students must complete 15 credits of approved graduate-level courses, including Anthro 670: Contemporary Issues In Native America: A Focus on the Northeast. In consultation with the Program Director and/or a member of the advisory board and the student’s primary academic advisor, an applicant for the Certificate will develop individualized concentrations within CPNAIS and their home departments. A letter of interest, indicating how the student will fulfill the Certificate requirements, including courses that meet the 15-credit requirement, should be submitted as early as possible in the graduate career.