Online Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Educational Leadership

KU’s Online Indigenous Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate

The Indigenous Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate at the University of Kansas is designed for professionals working in Indigenous education who want to strengthen their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of the unique systems and contexts that shape Indigenous learning environments.

Built around standards collaboratively developed by the Tribal Education Department National Assembly (TEDNA), this program prepares educators and administrators to lead with cultural awareness, policy knowledge, and practical expertise. Students connect with Indigenous education professionals from across the country through synchronous online courses, building a national network and learning community rooted in Indigenous perspectives.

This certificate is designed for professionals seeking career advancement in Indigenous educational leadership and wanting to build practical skills grounded in sovereignty, governance, and community partnership. The program prepares graduates for roles such as tribal education leader, Indigenous programs coordinator, and student-support specialist in both K–12 and higher education. It provides a flexible, efficient path to expand your impact and step into leadership positions that strengthen educational outcomes for Indigenous communities—all without completing a full graduate degree.

Why Get an Online Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Educational Leadership from KU?

KU’s Indigenous Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate is one of only a handful of programs nationwide addressing this specific need. Developed through collaboration with TEDNA and taught by leading Indigenous scholars, the program connects students with a professional community dedicated to advancing Indigenous education.

All courses are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Students learn from respected faculty such as Dr. Alex Red Corn, Dr. Cornel Pewewardy, and Dr. Frank Arpan, as well as from peers who bring a wide range of experiences in Indigenous education.

Financial Aid

Because this is a certificate program, federal financial aid options may be limited. Scholarship opportunities may be available pending donor funding. Students who are tribal citizens may also be eligible for support through tribally run programs .

Curriculum

Complete four 3-credit courses (12 credits) focused on Indigenous educational leadership, sovereignty, and community-centered practice.

ISP 805 – Critical Indigenous Histories & Philosophies in Education (3 credits)

Study the history of Indigenous education across Eurocentric and non-Eurocentric contexts. Explore Indigenous knowledges, critical philosophies, sovereignty foundations, and place-based perspectives.

ISP 810 – Self-Determination, Sovereignty & Indigenous Education Systems (3 credits)

Examine how sovereignty and self-determination shape modern educational systems. Build technical skills to navigate the U.S. Indian education landscape and advocate effectively for Indigenous students. Prerequisite: ISP 805.

ISP 815 – Leadership, Advocacy & Action in Indigenous Education (3 credits)

Develop practical skills to support culturally sustaining learning environments for Native students and families. Learn how leadership and advocacy operate at classroom, program, and systems levels. Prerequisites: ISP 805, ISP 810.

ISP 820 – Applied Project in Indigenous Educational Leadership (3 credits)

Apply program concepts to a professional project that addresses a real-world challenge in Indigenous education. Present your work and compile a final portfolio. Prerequisites: ISP 805, ISP 810, ISP 815.

A new cohort begins each July.