Online Certificate in Native American Studies

The graduate certificate in Native American Studies requires 12 semester credits, fully available through online classes. Although other courses may be developed and offered during any semester, the classes presently available are:

NASX 515	Native Food Systems	3
NASX 524	Contemporary Issues in American Indian Studies	3
NASX 530	Federal Law and Indian Policy (NASX 530 is required, three classes are elective.)	3
NASX 550	Native Americans: Dispelling the Myths	3
NASX 551	Native North America: Art, Agency, Activism	3
NASX 553	Indigenous Literature and the West	3
NASX 554	Indian Education for All: A Model for Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Practice	3
NASX 570	Indigenous Planning: Strategic Economic and Human Development Approaches	3
NASX 571	Native Grantsmanship	3
NASX 591	Special Topics	3
Total Credits		12

We will also accept EDCI 540 American Indian Studies for Ed

If the student wishes to continue in Native American Studies and obtain a Master's degree, 9 credits, less than 6 years old, earned under the Graduate Certificate may be transferred to the MA program. The Master's program is not wholly available online, requiring at a minimum one semester (spring term) on campus. 

Our online classes generally are on the same schedule as the in-person classes; here is a link to registration and detailed information for online classes: http://btc.montana.edu/courses/aspx/credit.aspx#NASX

Certificate students who reside in Bozeman may fulfill the certificate with in-person classes.

Admission

Each applicant must submit the following:

1. Application to MSU-Bozeman through the Graduate School online application process (which includes a non-refundable $70 application fee).
2. Official transcripts of all university/college degree(s) conferred (students must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 for the last two years of undergraduate study) (MSU graduates do not need to submit MSU transcripts).
3. Two academic writing samples, demonstrating the applicant's graduate-level research and writing capabilities.
4. A 2-5 page personal statement and goals which includes applicant's experience and knowledge of historical and contemporary American Indian issues, work background, how the Graduate Certificate in NAS will help the applicant reach long range goals, and benefit American Indian peoples/communities.
5. A current curriculum vita or resumé.

All application materials should be uploaded during the online application process.  If there are any additional materials or official documents, they may be submitted to:

The Department of Native American Studies
Montana State University
239 American Indian Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717
Attn: Academic Services Coordinator

Or e-mailed to: nas@montana.edu

Upon admission, students should be aware of the following administrative requirements:

After acceptance, you will need to contact MSU Student Health to clear immunization holds that will prevent you from registering for classes - it is easily taken care of. Call (406) 994-2311 for further information, or visit the Student Health website: http://www.montana.edu/health/immunization.php. Even online distance students are required to clear this hold.

BEFORE YOU ARE FINISHED WITH YOUR FIRST SEMESTER, The Graduate School requires that you file a Program of Study form.

BEFORE YOU ARE FINISHED WITH YOUR FOURTH CLASS, The Graduate School requires that you file an Application to Graduate form.

Complete instructions and forms can be found on the Graduate School webpage for Certificate students, found here: http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/policy/degreq_certificate.html

Costs associated with the certificate:

The cost of classes varies slightly, but currently our online graduate courses are $1,016.73 for Montana residents, and $1,363.80 for non-residents per class, and four classes are required to graduate. There are additional administrative fees assessed by the registrar and Graduate School offices:

A certificate of completion signed by the Native American Studies Department Head will be awarded upon confirmation by the Graduate School that all requirements have been met.

Further Information

For further information regarding the program, contact Native American Studies at (406) 994-3881 or e-mail nas@montana.edu or Dr. Kristin Ruppel, at 406-994-5261, or via email at ktruppel@montana.edu.

For most recent information please visit: http://www.montana.edu/nativeamerican/online.html

In addition, you may refer questions to The Graduate School or find the graduate catalog and policies on-line at http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/ . Students are expected to be familiar with the degree requirements of the department, and the Graduate School.