Program Overview
The Indian Law graduate certificate at ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law equips law students with expertise in tribal and federal Indian law. Through practical experiences with tribal organizations, scholarship opportunities, and externships, the program prepares students for careers representing governments, businesses, and tribes in Indian law matters. The program is highly respected and offers a unique focus on practical engagement with tribal communities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Indian Law graduate certificate within ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law provides law students with the legal expertise to practice Indian law. The program offers practical experiences with tribal organizations, as well as opportunities for scholarship and externships.
Objectives:
The program equips law students with extensive knowledge in:
- Tribal law
- Federal Indian law
- Practical legal skills in the context of Indian law
- Opportunities to work with tribal organizations through internships and externships
- Develop research and writing skills related to Indian law issues
- The program is designed to prepare students for careers in representing state, federal, or tribal governments or businesses that work with tribes.
- Established more than 30 years ago, the program is considered one of the most respected Indian law programs in the nation.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Focus on the developing field of Indian Law
- Engagement with Arizona's 22 tribes and tribes across the nation
- Offers practical experiences with tribal organizations
- Culminates in a substantial paper on an Indian law topic
Structure:
- Requires a minimum of 21 credit hours
- Consists of mandatory and elective courses
- Mandatory courses:
- Federal Indian Law I (LAW 632)
- Federal Indian Law II (LAW 704)
- Indian Legal Clinic (LAW 776)
- Two advanced Indian law courses approved by the faculty director
- Remaining credit hours consist of faculty-approved electives
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Each course requires a grade of "C" or above to fulfill the certificate requirements.
- Application of legal knowledge to practical situations
- Research and writing skills
- Ability to engage with tribal communities and organizations
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Traditional classroom lectures and discussions
- Legal clinics with practical experience
- Individualized research and writing guidance for the substantial paper
- Opportunities for guest lectures and workshops with experts in the field
Faculty:
- Nationally recognized experts in Indian law
- Engage in outreach and public service to tribal nations
Unique Approaches:
- Strong emphasis on practical experience and engagement with tribal communities
- Opportunity to work on real-world legal issues affecting tribal nations
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
- Representing state, federal, or tribal governments
- Representing companies that do business with tribes
- Working for tribes in public service, private practice, and nonprofit organizations
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates are in high demand by employers seeking expertise in Indian law
- Alumni are making a difference in Indian Country by working on critical legal issues affecting tribal communities
Other:
- The program is located in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- Must be enrolled in the Juris Doctor degree program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law and be in good standing.
International Students:
- Must meet all Graduate College and Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law requirements.
- Must be in good standing in the Juris Doctor degree program.
- International students must have proof of English proficiency, regardless of residency.
- Must apply and be accepted into a graduate degree program before being considered for the certificate program.
- Must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission.
Specific requirements for both categories:
- Completion of the following courses:
- LAW 632 Federal Indian Law I
- LAW 704 Federal Indian Law II
- LAW 776 Indian Legal Clinic
- Two advanced Indian law courses approved by the faculty director of the Indian Legal Program
- Completion of a remaining number of elective courses approved by the faculty director.
- Completion of a substantial paper on an Indian law topic approved by the faculty director.
- Receiving a grade of "C" or above in each course used to fulfill the Indian law certificate requirements.
- International students residing in the United States on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency, regardless of residency. This implies that the certificate program is designed for students already pursuing a law degree at ASU.
