A certificate in Native American and Indigenous Studies complements your education in the liberal arts & sciences by helping you to gain deeper insight into cultural diversity and its politics, both within the U.S. and on a global scale. NAIS coursework also offers numerous opportunities to gain enhanced skills in working with tribal communities, and communicating with public audiences about cultural diversity and social justice.

Students earning a graduate-level NAIS certificate along with their Ph.D.s at UI have successfully moved on to postdoctoral fellowships and tenure-track faculty positions.

NAIS training is relevant to careers in government, politics, social services, education, business, law, and law enforcement.  Employers that often seek candidates with NAIS experience include tribal government, health care, cultural heritage, and social service agencies; federal agencies such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, Bureau of Land Management, Park Service, and Forestry Service; and both domestic and international non-profit organizations working in advocacy and community organizing to promote human rights, environmental justice, local food production, cultural preservation, and health.

Career Resources for UI Graduate Students

The Graduate College offers robust professional development services, including career guidance, national grants and fellowships support, and Iowa's Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL). For more information on graduate student professional development services, visit the Professional Development page in the Graduate College.