Native Communities and Economic Development Certificate

Program Coordinator/Contact

Mary Emery, Department Head
Meredith Redlin, Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Sociology and Rural Studies
Hansen Hall 004
605-688-4132

Program Information

This certificate is designed for graduate students interested in expanding their skills and understanding in regard to Native community and economic development and an interest in working with native communities. Today students taking these courses are often employed or seeking employment in native-serving organizations and agencies who have extended their programming to Native-majority communities and neighborhoods.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of tribal sovereignty and apply to all aspects of work with tribal partners and communities. (Transferable Skill: Diversity Awareness)
• Understand and apply indigenous methodologies to scholarship and practice; be cognizant of indigenous critiques of mainstream sociological and economic approaches to development.
• Understand and apply appropriate ethical considerations, respect for data sovereignty, and tribal governance.
• Demonstrate understanding of various approaches to economic development and potential connects and disconnects with specific tribal nations.
• Understand traditional approaches to leadership, cultural and spiritual priorities, and natural resource management and be able to apply community and economic development theories and practices within that context.

Course Delivery Format

Courses are offered online through the Sociology and Rural Studies Department at SDSU.  Students enrolled in Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA) program may sign up for courses through the Community Development program.