A certificate in American Indian & Indigenous Studies is a way of giving recognition to students who have made a significant effort to learn about Native culture and the role of American Indians and Indigenous peoples in society. The certificate is an interdisciplinary program that delves into the histories, cultures, languages, and contemporary issues of American Indian and Indigenous peoples. The curriculum begins with Introduction to American Indian Studies (AMER IND 100), providing a foundational understanding of Indigenous histories and perspectives. Students can then tailor their studies by selecting from a diverse array of courses across disciplines such as literature, anthropology, social work, environmental studies, and more.
Additionally, the program offers opportunities to learn Indigenous languages spoken in Wisconsin, including Ojibwe (Anishinaabemowin), Ho-Chunk (Hoocąk), Menominee (Omāēqnomenēweqnaesen), and Oneida (Ukwehuwehnéha).
To enhance the academic experience, the program hosts events like the annual Evening of Storytelling, the Elder-in Residence Program, and the AIIS Colloquium series, fostering community engagement and a deeper understanding of Indigenous narratives. Students pursuing the certificate may also be eligible for the American Indian & Indigenous Studies Scholarship, a one-time, nonrenewable award supporting education-related expenses.
How to Get in
To begin the certificate declaration process, students must submit the Certificate Program Application form to the American Indian and Indigenous Studies office. This form can be found on our Certificate Website. The certificate is open to Special students and undergraduate students regardless of the college of enrollment.
Requirements
15 total credits are required, as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to American Indian Studies: | ||
| AMER IND 100 | Introduction to American Indian Studies | 3 |
| Complete four courses from at least two of the following areas: | 12 | |
History | ||
| Introduction to American Indian History | ||
Literature and Media | ||
| Literatures of Native America | ||
| Literature by American Indian Women | ||
| American Indians in Film | ||
Anthropology | ||
| Indians of North America | ||
| Archaeology of Wisconsin | ||
Language | ||
| Beginner Level Ojibwe Language | ||
| Beginner Level Ojibwe Language II | ||
| Beginner Level Indigenous Language | ||
| Beginner Level Indigenous Language II | ||
| Beginner Level Hoocak/Ho-Chunk Language | ||
| Survey of North American Indian Languages | ||
| Intermediate Level Ojibwe Language | ||
| Intermediate Level Ojibwe Language II | ||
| Intermediate Level Indigenous Language | ||
| Intermediate Level Indigenous Language II | ||
American Indian Social and Cultural Issues | ||
| Introduction to Comparative US Ethnic and American Indian Studies | ||
| Indians of Wisconsin | ||
| American Indian Communities: Sovereignty, Struggles, and Successes | ||
| Special Topics in American Indian Studies | ||
| American Indian Women | ||
| Issues in American Indian Studies | ||
| Poverty and Place | ||
| Social Work in American Indian Communities: The Indian Child Welfare Act | ||
Environment | ||
| Indigenous Peoples and the Environment | ||
| Indigenous Environmental Communicators | ||
| Caring for Nature in Native North America | ||
| Critical Indigenous Ecological Knowledges | ||
| Ethnobotany | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Residence and Quality of Work
- Minimum 2.000 GPA on all certificate courses.
- 6 credits may be taken as pass/fail. All other credits must be taken for a letter grade.
- At least 8 certificate credits must be completed in residence.
Undergraduate/Special Student Certificates
This certificate may be completed within the context of an undergraduate degree or as a Special student after an undergraduate degree has been awarded from any institution. The certificate may be completed in its entirety while enrolled as a Special student. Candidates are encouraged to contact the certificate coordinator to discuss course enrollment and the sequencing of certificate requirements.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge and methods of inquiry characteristic of this interdisciplinary field.
- Apply knowledge of historical precedents to contemporary issues.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the creativity and ethos contained within the diverse ways of knowing (Indigenous Knowledge Systems) among American Indian nations and communities.
- Apply knowledge of the effects (ongoing) of oppression and racism that American Indians experience.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the contributions of American Indian value-belief systems and practical knowledge across all fields of human endeavor.
Advising and Careers
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students