The graduate-level certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy will prepare new and experienced professionals to effectively address complex legal and policy challenges facing tribal nations in the United States. Specifically, participants will be exposed to (i) important Federal and state laws, regulations and policies impacting indigenous peoples, and (ii) advances in theory and practice, as well as applications of law, regulation and policies through case studies via a module-based structure.

The certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy provides a curriculum with a focus on the unique issues facing indigenous peoples, which impact how legal policies are shaped and interpreted, and how economic and environmental factors are weighed. Courses are offered by asynchronous distance learning to provide a flexible schedule for working professionals. Interactive coursework includes case study assignments and regular interaction with classmates through zoom meetings, videos, audio casts, chat rooms, discussion boards, and group breakout sessions.

Prospective students have expressed interest in a graduate program designed for professionals, such as those working with tribal leadership and conducting business on behalf of or with tribes, that provides specialized legal training to position them to respond to the challenges and opportunities impacting the lives of indigenous peoples as well as the availability of resources to tribal nations. Individuals who complete the program will be able to synthesize scenarios and legal regulation in sectors dealing with issues involving indigenous populations, providing analysis or judgments for consideration to organizational leadership with a nuanced perspective.

This program is also approved for delivery via asynchronous distance education technology.

Course List

Code	Title	Semester Credit Hours
Required Courses 1,2
LAW 619	Principles of Regulatory Law 3	2
LAW 764	Introduction to the United States Legal System	2
LAW 772	Ethical Decision Making	1
LAW 745	ADR Doing Deals and Resolving Disputes Through Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration	1
or LAW 792	or Dispute Resolution
Elective Courses
Select two of the following:		6
LAW 746	History of Federal Indian Law
LAW 747	Native American Natural Resources Law and Regulation
LAW 757	Child Welfare in Native American Nations
LAW 763	Jurisdiction in Tribal Nations
Total Semester Credit Hours		12

¹

Students enrolled in the Master of Legal Studies degree program or the Master of Laws degree program at Texas A&M University School of Law and earning the Certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy concurrently with the degree program and (2) students who have previously earned a degree from Texas A&M University School of Law are required to take two other elective courses in lieu of the required courses listed.

²

Students who are licensed to practice law in the United States or who hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school are required to take two other elective courses in lieu of the required courses listed.

³

Students who are foreign-educated lawyers possessing a degree equivalent to the J.D. are required to take one other elective course in lieu of LAW 619 Principles of Regulatory Law.

Students enrolled in the Master of Legal Studies degree program or the Master of Laws degree program at Texas A&M University School of Law and earning the Certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy concurrently with the degree program must have applied for graduation for the degree program in the semester in which the Certificate is to be awarded and must successfully complete the semester credit hours as indicated on their degree plan.