Tribal Governance
Associate and Certificate Programs
Learn how to effectively participate in tribal governance in this flexible, applied academic program designed to serve tribal communities in Alaska. Available as both a certificate program and an associate degree, Tribal Governance was developed in direct response to the needs of Alaskan tribal governments and is part of a comprehensive plan to provide meaningful academic education throughout the state, including indigenous rural communities. As a student, you’ll interact directly with tribes and tribal leaders, as well as federal and state agencies and private businesses, gaining skills you can apply directly to your career. The program is available entirely through distance delivery.
Who Is the Associate and Certificate in Tribal Governance Designed For?
This program is designed to meet the leadership needs of Alaskan tribal governments and organizations, and is designed for those serving as elected tribal leaders, tribal court judges, and as tribal staff, as well as interested tribal citizens and those who partner with tribal governments and organizations. Many of our students have already completed a college degree and are in the workforce, choosing our program to gain specific skills in tribal governance. Depending on your needs, you can choose the 60-credit tribal governance associate degree or the 30-credit tribal governance certificate.
How are the Tribal Governance associate's degree and certificates delivered?
The tribal governance associate degree and certificate program are available entirely through distance delivery. We also offer courses through face-to-face intensives in Fairbanks and on-site in tribal communities and villages at partner request. Intensive courses are designed and delivered in response to specific requests by tribal partners. Our courses recognize, utilize, and uplift traditional ways of life and knowledge, and tribal leaders and elders are often called upon as guest lecturers.
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Why Study Tribal Governance at UAF?
Hands-on learning in the Department of Tribal Governance
The certificate program and associate degree both include a hands-on learning component with their practicum requirement.
Careers in Tribal Governance
The tribal governance certificate program and associate degree prepare you with a variety of professional skills that will be valuable working with tribal governments in numerous capacities — as elected tribal leaders, tribal court judges and as tribal staff, as well as interested tribal citizens and those who partner with tribal governments and organizations.
Graduates and students have gone on to work in tribal governments and organizations, Alaska Native village and regional corporations, regional tribal advocacy non-profits, and the offices of Alaska’s Lieutenant Governor and Governor. Our students have also gone on to serve on numerous boards and commissions whose work impacts Alaskan tribal governments, including the Federal Subsistence Board, the Board of Game, the Yukon River and Kuskokwim Intertribal Fish Commissions, and the Yukon River Panel.
If you’re interested in pursuing additional education, this program is also a great stepping stone to our bachelor’s or master’s programs in Rural Development, Alaska Native Studies, Alaska Native Languages, Education, and Natural Resources Management.
Explore Classes in the Department of Tribal Governance
The program curriculum covers a broad range of areas related to governing and managing tribal governments, including: practicing sovereignty, federal Indian law, tribal history, tribal contracting, intergovernmental affairs, tribal budgeting and project management, tribal natural resources stewardship, and well-being.
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Get Started on Your Tribal Governance Degree
Take the next step toward earning your certificate or associate degree in tribal governance at UAF College of Rural and Community Development. We have the resources to help you get started.