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.

Get more information

decorative divider

Why Study Tribal Governance at UAF?

  • Engage in academic programming that supports your success as a student and centers on Alaska Native culture, ways of life and ways of knowing.

  • Engage in hands-on education and training in key subject areas that relate directly to tribal governments and tribal management.

  • Focus your degree pathway on your community needs and areas of interest, from tribal governance and law, tribal stewardship, economic development, leadership and advocacy, economic development and administration.

  • Tailor your education for specific career skills within tribal and local governments and other organizations working in tribal communities.

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.

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 Indigenous Studies. We have the resources to help you get started.