UM announces new certificate in Native American Studies

Anyone interested in Native American history, policy and culture now can earn a Native American Studies Certificate at the University of Montana.

The new 12-credit program through UM’s College of Humanities and Sciences is designed for individuals who want to acquire broader knowledge, appreciation and academic skills. It is open to non-degree-seeking individuals, as well as students in any major who seek to complement their area of study with interdisciplinary skills.

The overarching purpose of the certification is to offer students a basic understanding of the dynamics of working with and in Native American communities.

“A certificate in Native American Studies in the state of Montana represents an essential sphere of study,” said Michelle Guzman, an academic adviser in the Native American Studies department at UM. “Many tribes in the state of Montana employ non-Native people who have very little knowledge or exposure to working with Native Americans or in Native communities.”

Montana is unique, with seven federally recognized reservations throughout the state.

“Having the ability to understand political, cultural and governmental policies pertaining to Native Americans and how these policies directly affect their communities and resources, is a valuable asset in understanding the sovereignty of Native Americans in the United States and assist in improved personal and professional relationships for certificate holders,” Guzman said.

For more information or to apply, visit http://hs.umt.edu/nas/academics/certificate.php.