Tribal Administration & Governance B.A.

Transfer students, apply online for admission to UMD for Spring 2025 or Fall 2026! See Admissions' "How to Apply as a Transfer Student" to find out more about deadlines and requirements.

About This Program

The major is designed to prepare students to work for tribes and governmental and non-governmental entities that work closely with tribes. Students may select from two tracks: American Indian Studies or Business Administration Certificate.

The core requirements for the major include courses focused on tribal sovereignty, tribal governance, and federal Indian law and policy. The curriculum is based on studying the interrelationships between federal and tribal governments and the methods used by Native Nations to administer programs. Students will learn the history of federal-tribal-state relations; learn the roles of tribal leaders and administrators; and learn the laws, polices, and issues that impact tribal governments.

The major is flexible to accommodate a variety of student needs. All required courses for the major are offered online. Students may either transfer to UMD with an AA degree, an AS degree, or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum and then complete the required courses for the major completely online in two years, OR students who are beginning their undergraduate studies may come to UMD and take courses to fulfill the UMD liberal education program requirements while taking the online courses. 

For detailed degree requirement information, consult the TAG major's catalog listing. For information and to apply, visit UMD Admissions.

For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call or text 218 316 7332.

Program Learning Outcomes

Through this program students will develop the capacity to successfully...
  • summarize and analyze tribal and settler governance practices, constitutions, and interrelationships.
  • formulate effective approaches to strategic, project, operations, and business management in tribal governance contexts.
  • summarize, analyze, and synthesize leadership qualities required of tribal administrators.
  • communicate through effective writing and interactive dialogue.

More Information

Secondary Content Element

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Requirements

UMD admissions requirements must be met.

Required Courses (31 Cr.)

  • TAG 2801 - Introduction to Tribal Administration and Governance (3 Cr.)
  • TAG 2820 - Foundations of Indigenous Leadership (3 Cr.)
  • TAG 3206 - Federal Indian Policy (3 Cr.) [Cultural Diversity, Social Sciences]
  • TAG 3230 - American Indian Tribal Government and Law (3 Cr.) [Cultural Diversity, Social Sciences]
  • TAG 3810 - Fundamentals of Tribal Strategic Management (3 Cr.)
  • TAG 3820 - Fundamentals of Tribal Project Management (3 Cr.)
  • TAG 3997 - Internship in American Indian Studies (4 Cr.)
  • TAG 4230 - Introduction to Federal Indian Law (3 Cr.) [Cultural Diversity, Social Sciences]
  • TAG 4250 - American Indian Diplomacy: Treaties, Compacts, and Agreements (3 Cr.) [Global Perspectives]
  • TAG 4840 - Current Issues and Opportunities in Tribal Administration and Governance (3 Cr.)

Subplans

Students must select one of the following subplans:

American Indian Studies Track (15 Cr.)
  • AMIN 3830 - Fundamentals of Tribal Operations Management (3 Cr.)
  • AMIN 4810 - Business Processes in Tribal Administration (3 Cr.)
  • Take 9 additional credits of AMIN courses, 6 credits of which must be at the 3xxx level or above. Other relevant courses may be considered with Department Head approval.
Business Administration Track (16 Cr.)

Students will receive a Certificate in Business Administration from the Labovitz School of Business and Economics (LSBE). These courses are provided in an online format and can be taken in any order.

See the Schedule Builder for variable start dates of courses (1st half, 2nd half or full-term). Up to two of the following courses may be substituted with equivalent classroom classes.

  • BUS 2100 - Fundamentals of Accounting (2 Cr.)
  • BUS 2200 - Fundamentals of Economics (2 Cr.)
  • BUS 2300 - Fundamentals of Operations Management (2 Cr.)
  • BUS 2400 - Fundamentals of Organizational Management (2 Cr.)
  • BUS 2500 - Fundamentals of Applied Statistics (2 Cr.)
  • BUS 2600 - Fundamentals of Financial Management (2 Cr.)
  • BUS 2700 - Fundamentals of Marketing (2 Cr.)
  • BUS 2800 - Fundamentals of Human Resource Management (2 Cr.)

Student Resources

University of Minnesota Online provides a collection of Student Resources related to online learning. These resources include tips for academic success, mental health resources, and information on refunds.

If you are a remote student of the department and have concerns or need to be connected to resources, please do not hesitate to reach out to your professors or to [email protected].