Overview

The Tribal Administration and Governance programme at the University of Minnesota is an applied graduate degree specifically designed to cultivate the expertise required for effective administration within tribal governments. This curriculum supports the development of leaders who are dedicated to upholding tribal sovereignty and self-determination through professional management practices.

The course structure is tailored to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, allowing students to maintain their commitments to family and home communities while pursuing advanced academic credentials. Participants often include current tribal council members, administrators, and aspiring leaders who wish to refine their practical skills in a formal academic setting.

Why Tribal Administration and Governance at University of Minnesota?

The University of Minnesota provides a unique educational environment through its Department of American Indian Studies, offering specialised scholarships such as the Wells Fargo American Indian Studies Scholarship and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Endowed Scholarship. These initiatives are designed to support talented students with financial need and foster a dedicated cohort of tribal leaders.

The programme is distinguished by its focus on intercultural competencies and the legal contours of tribal sovereignty. Students benefit from a curriculum that blends academic theory with the application of leadership qualities necessary for modern tribal governance, ensuring graduates are prepared for the complex political and cultural landscapes of indigenous administration.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 41512 per year
National fee: USD 41512 per year
Local fee: USD 18626 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Tribal Sovereignty
Governance Management
Human Resource Management
Project Management
Fiscal Management
Applied Research and Methodologies
Leadership Qualities for Tribal Administrators
Strategic and Operational Management

Careers with Tribal Administration and Governance

Graduates of this programme are prepared for high-level roles within tribal government structures and related management positions. The curriculum focuses on preparing students for careers as tribal administrators, council members, and executive leaders who can navigate the specific legal and political requirements of tribal organisations.

The skills acquired during the course enable professionals to manage complex projects, oversee human resources, and direct fiscal operations within tribal contexts. By focusing on applied research and communication, the programme ensures that graduates can effectively advocate for and manage the interests of tribal communities in various professional capacities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Tribal Sovereignty

Administration and Governance

Leadership and Ethics in Indigenous Community Life and Organizations

Applied Leadership and Ethics in an Indigenous Organizational Context

Advanced Tribal Administration and Governance (Human Resources)

Tribal Finance, Accounting and Budgets

Federal Indian Law

Key information

Duration

Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Duluth, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Public Administration View 65 other Masters in Area & Cultural Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Individuals holding a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the US or a comparable degree from an officially recognized college or university outside the US may apply for admission.

Two letters of recommendation from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable.

Personal Statement - The personal statement should give the committee a better picture of who you are and is an opportunity to share your personal qualities.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

41512 USD / year

≈ 41512 USD / year
Out-of-State

41512 USD / year

≈ 41512 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18626 USD / year

≈ 18626 USD / year

Additional Details

Tuition: $726.55 per credit

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Tribal Administration and Governance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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