Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Educational Leadership
This is a collaborative graduate certificate with KU's Indigenous Studies Program that recognizes the unique educational leadership knowledge and skills needed to work across Indian Country, and works to prepare leaders for those unique educational contexts. This 12-hour online program is built for working professionals who want to build their enhance their systems leadership skills and knowledge across a variety of Indigenous educational contexts, and simultaneously build relationships with other leaders working across Indigenous educational contexts representative of tribal nations and expertise from across the nation.
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Educational Leadership prepares professionals to lead within Indigenous education systems by centering Indigenous knowledge, sovereignty, and community priorities. The program is designed for educators and administrators working across Tribal, federal, and public education contexts who seek leadership preparation that reflects the realities of Indigenous education environments.
Through coursework grounded in Indigenous educational philosophies and contemporary leadership practice, students strengthen their ability to navigate complex systems while supporting Native students, families, and communities.
Career Outlook
This certificate supports leadership development and career advancement in Indigenous education settings, including:
- Tribal Education Departments and Programs
- Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and public schools serving American Indian and Alaska Native students
- Johnson O’Malley and Title VI Indian Education Programs
- Tribal language, culture, and community-based education programs
- Student support, liaison, and administrative roles in K–12 and higher education
Graduates are prepared to take on expanded leadership responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to Indigenous education initiatives at the local, Tribal, and national levels.
Who Should Pursue This Certificate?
This program is intended as a professional enhancement for individuals already working in Indigenous education or related fields. It is particularly valuable for those whose prior academic training did not specifically address the leadership demands of Indigenous education systems.
The certificate complements backgrounds in education, leadership, American Indian Studies, public administration, and related disciplines by providing focused preparation for the cultural, political, and organizational contexts unique to Indigenous education leadership.
Why Choose KU?
This graduate certificate is among a small number of programs nationally that focus specifically on leadership within Indigenous education systems. Developed in collaboration with Indigenous education leaders and taught by experienced scholars and practitioners, the program reflects both academic rigor and real-world relevance.
Students benefit from KU’s long-standing commitment to Indigenous partnerships and education, gaining access to faculty expertise and a national community of professionals engaged in Indigenous education leadership.
Statistics
This is one of only a handful of programs nationwide that address this need.
Students in this program build a national network with Indigenous ed leaders who join from across the country. They don’t just learn from professors, they learn from one-another and we intentionally build community, and all courses are synchronous zoom so they can interact accordingly.
U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools,” 2025-26
