Certificate in Native American and Indigenous Studies

Our students strengthen their knowledge of Indigenous communities and sovereignty.

The undergraduate certificate in Native American and Indigenous studies encourages students to be part of an ongoing global transformation in our understanding of history, colonialism, race and ethnicity, nationhood, citizenship and transnational relationships. Offered by the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies, the program encourages interdisciplinary and intersectional study that develops greater awareness of the complexity of Indigenous peoples, cultures and nations.

  • Engage with a unique curriculum about the history, cultures, languages, arts, policies and rights of Indigenous peoples from the Americas and around the globe.
  • Link your academic study of Indigeneity with community outreach and service learning.
  • Value and expand upon the interdisciplinary nature of Native American and Indigenous scholarly work.

 

Top Green College

(Princeton Review, 2025)

 

No. 46 among public universities in the country

(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

 

5 Nobel Laureates

Since 1989

Join a vibrant and growing campus community, which includes more than 40 professors across undergraduate and graduate programs.

Learn from faculty with projects and connections extending from Sápmi to Tahiti.

Take advantage of the diversity of research and teaching on Indigenous topics at CU Boulder.

Be successful.

Be prepared to promote Indigenous knowledge and open conversations in many fields.

 

Work as an anthropologist, professor, museum curator, lawyer or social worker.

 

Fine tune critical-thinking skills that will help you succeed in the graduate program of your choice.

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a certificate.

Academic Plan & Requirements

The program is open to any undergraduate degree-seeking student at CU Boulder. Students pursuing the certificate must complete 18 credits, at least six of which must be at the upper-division level.

Students may choose from an approved list of electives in the following departments:

  • Anthropology
  • Art and Art History
  • Cinema & Moving Image Arts
  • English
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Geography
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Music
  • Religious Studies