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. Students can 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), Oneida (Ukwehuwehnéha), and Dakota (Dakhótiyapi).
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 complete the Certificate Program Application which can be found on our Certificate Website. The certificate is open to all undergraduate students and those enrolled through the Special Student program, regardless of the college of enrollment.
Requirements
Students must complete at least 15 total credits of coursework in the American Indian and Indigenous Studies certificate.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to American Indian Studies | ||
| Complete one course from: | ||
| AMER IND 100 | Introduction to American Indian Studies | 3 |
| Study Areas | ||
| Complete four courses for at least 12 credits from a minimum of two Study Areas: | 12 | |
| History | ||
| Introduction to American Indian History | ||
| Sovereignty and the Schoolhouse | ||
| Literature and Media | ||
| Literatures of Native America | ||
| Literature by American Indian Women | ||
| American Indians in Film | ||
| Anthropology | ||
| Indians of Wisconsin | ||
| Indians of North America | ||
| Archaeology of Wisconsin | ||
| Archaeology of Eastern North America | ||
| American Indian Women | ||
| Language | ||
| Beginner Level Ojibwe Language | ||
| Beginner Level Ojibwe Language II | ||
| Intermediate Level Ojibwe Language | ||
| Intermediate Level Ojibwe Language II | ||
| Beginner Level Hoocak/Ho-Chunk Language | ||
| Beginner Level Hoocak/Ho-Chunk Language II | ||
| Intermediate Level Hoocak/Ho-Chunk Language | ||
| Intermediate Level Hoocak/Ho-Chunk Language II | ||
| Beginner Level Menominee Language | ||
| Beginner Level Menominee Language II | ||
| Intermediate Level Menominee Language | ||
| Intermediate Level Menominee Language II | ||
| Beginner Level Oneida Language | ||
| Beginner Level Oneida Language II | ||
| Intermediate Level Oneida Language | ||
| Beginner Level Indigenous Language | ||
| Beginner Level Indigenous Language II | ||
| Intermediate Level Indigenous Language | ||
| Intermediate Level Indigenous Language II | ||
| Survey of North American Indian Languages | ||
| Social and Cultural Issues | ||
| Introduction to Comparative US Ethnic, American Indian, and Indigenous Studies | ||
| Indigenous Athletes and Sports | ||
| Indigenous Resistance and Activism | ||
| American Indian Communities: Sovereignty, Struggles, and Successes | ||
| Queer Indigenous Studies | ||
| Special Topics in American Indian Studies | ||
| Issues in American Indian Studies | ||
| Indigenous Rights and Social Change | ||
| Federal Indian Law and Policy | ||
| Tribal Libraries, Archives, and Museums (TLAM) History & Context | ||
| Tribal Libraries, Archives and Museums (TLAM) Practicum | ||
| Poverty and Place | ||
| Social Work in American Indian Communities: The Indian Child Welfare Act | ||
| Environment | ||
| Earth Partnership Indigenous Arts and Sciences | ||
| Indigenous Peoples and the Environment | ||
| Indigenous Environmental Communicators | ||
| Caring for Nature in Native North America | ||
| Critical Indigenous Ecological Knowledges | ||
| Ethnobotany | ||
| American Indian Natural Resources Law | ||
| 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 Certificate
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
- Understand and apply the methods of the interdisciplinary field of American Indian and Indigenous studies.
- Prepare students to work and engage with Indigenous peoples and tribal nations in an ethical and responsible way.
- Evaluate how historical forces inform the contemporary reality of tribal nations and Indigenous communities.
- Recognize the diversity of Indigenous peoples and nations in the United States.
- Understand the global impact of Indigenous peoples and the significance of Indigenous studies in knowledge production.
Advising and Careers
Study Abroad
Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu
As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.
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