2020-2021

Indigenous and Tribal Nation-building, Graduate Certificate

Department of Applied Indigenous Studies

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

    • Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
    • No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
    • No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
    • A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
    • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
    • A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
    • Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
  • Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program).  See the “Details” tab for additional information.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Major GPA 3.0
Foreign Language A foreign language may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Some online/blended coursework Required

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

    • NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
    • Transcripts.
    For details on graduate admission policies, please visit the Graduate Admissions Policy.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Certificate Requirements


  • Take the following 18 units:


    To complete the certificate, students must earn a grade of B or higher in 15 of the 18 units, and C or higher in the remaining 3 credits.

    Students enrolled full time in both the Fall and Spring semesters can complete the certificate program in one year. Students enrolled part time may take up to six years to complete the program.

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.