IGMPS - Indigenous Governance

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January in Tucson Core Curriculum

The MPS degree’s core curriculum consists of a series of 1-credit January in Tucson courses, covering topics from Native nation building, comparative indigenous governance, intergovernmental relations, indigenous peoples’ human rights, and community development. Students also have the option of completing concentrations of online courses in tribal justice, Native economic development, and natural resources, or customizing their plan of study with in-person and online courses to meet their needs.

The core curriculum of the MPS consists of January in Tucson classes; an intensive education session which brings together distinguished faculty in the field of indigenous governance and gives them the opportunity to teach and hold discussions with indigenous leaders, practitioners, and community members from around the world. The JIT curriculum not only conveys important information backed by research, but allow space for a crucial dialogue to occur between indigenous peoples from all over the world. This conversation provides new perspectives to familiar challenges, and helps to make JIT a truly unique educational experience.

Law 631D - Rebuilding Native Nations: An Introduction (1 credit)

Law 656B - Comparative Indigenous Governance (1 credit)

Law 579A - Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Under International Law (1 credit)

Law 656A - Intergovernmental Relations (1 credit)

Law 631M - Comparative Legal Systems and Their Role in Nation Building (1 credit)

Law 631K - Evidence of Indigenous Nation Building (1 credit) 

Law 631J - Making Change Happen (1 credit)

Capstone Project (2-8 credits)

Optional Degree Tracks

Students pursuing the MPS in Indigenous Governance may choose one of three subject areas, or tracks, to complete the requirements for the MPS degree. The tracks (Tribal Justice, Native Economic Development, and Natural Resources) provide students with a focused curriculum in their chosen subject area.

Tribal Justice

The tribal justice track provides students with an in-depth introduction to Indigenous tribal justice systems, practice, and policy. The curriculum is designed to offer students practical case studies on the best practices of Indigenous justice systems, and to explore alternative dispute resolution processes that have been implemented in Indigenous communities in the U.S. and around the world. 12 Credits Total

Native Economic Development

Students in the Native Economic Development track will explore the challenges surrounding economic development that Indigenous peoples and their respective communities face in the 21st Century. The track covers a broad range of issues including Indigenous sovereignty, strategic thinking, social welfare, ethics, and the challenge of balancing revenue and employment needs with cultural and environmental concerns. 12 Credits Total

Natural Resources

The Natural Resources track will highlight the conflicts that can result when governmental entities compete for control over resources, and the strategic issues that result when Native nations plan for sustainability across generations. The course selections provide opportunities for students to gain a thorough understanding of the role that Indigenous peoples play in natural resource allocation and management, and addresses questions related to the ownership of natural resources given the reality of changing governmental policies on natural resource development. 12 Credits Total

In addition to the core requirements and tracks, students have the option to explore special topics related to Indigenous governance from a wide array of electives that draw from the course offerings of the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program other tracks within the MPS, or courses offered by University of Arizona partners. The credits can be earned on campus or online. 4-10 Credits Total

Law 631P - Indigenous Data Sovereignty (1 credit)

Law 631L - Constitutions of Indigenous Nations (1 credit)

Law 631O - Creating Indigenous Entrepreneurs (1 credit)

Law 525 - Native Economic Development (1 credit)

Law 631Q - Business Ethics and Indigenous Values (1 credit)

Law 631T - Tribal Business Law (1 credit)

LAW 631U - Indigenous Research Governance (1 credit)

LAW 631S - Indigenous Peoples and the Environment (1 credit)

Law 631I - Indigenous Organizations (1 credit)

Law 656F - Cultural Property of Indigenous Peoples (1 credit)

Law 631B - Tribal Courts and Tribal Law (3 units)

Law 656W - Tribal Water Rights (3 units)

LAW 612C - Child, Tribe & State: LAW 612C (2 units)

Law 631E - Law of Gaming & Gambling Law 631E (2 units)

LAW 631H - Critical Race Practice (2 units)

LAW 643D - Native American Natural Resources (3 units)

LAW 656G - Comparative Law on Indigenous Peoples (3 units)

LAW 631F - Law and Culture (3 units)

LAW 656C - Indian Energy Law (2 units)

LAW 623 - Conflicts of Law (3 units)

Law 659 - International Human Rights (3 units)

LAW 696I - International Environmental Law (3 units)

Law 616 - Business Organization (3 units)

Law 621A - Administrative Law (3 units)

Law 641 - Water Law (3 units)

LAW 612 - Family Law (3 units)

LAW 638A - Real Estate Transactions (3 units)

LAW 615 - Constitutional Law II (3 units)

LAW 615D - Equal Protection (3 units)

Law 633C - Secured Transactions (3 units)

Law 655R - Intellectual Property Law (3 units)

LAW 696A - Estate Planning (2 units)

LAW 469/569 - Native American Family and Domestic Relations Law (3 units)

LAW 450/550A - Native American Law & Policy (3 units)

LAW 467/567 - Tribal Courts Practice and Procedure (3 units)  

LAW 468/568 - Tribal Criminal Law and Procedure (3 units)

LAW 640E - International Mining Health Law and Practice (3 units)
LAW 640G - Introduction to International Mining Industry (1 unit)
LAW 698Q - Managing Public Lands under NEPA (2 units)
LAW 640B - Public Land Law Supplement (1 unit)
LAW 640A  - Public Lands and Mining Law (3 units)
LAW 640 - Comparative Mining Law (3 units)
MNE 697P - The Emerging Framework for Development of Mineral Resources (3 units)
LAW 640H - Global Mining Tax - Law, Policy and Disclosure/Sustainability (2 units)

LAW 699 - Independent Study (1-3 units)

LAW 693 – Externship (1-6 units)

Capstone Project (Law 598) (2-8 credits*)

*The MPS Capstone gives students an opportunity to integrate and apply the skills and knowledge gained through their MPS studies. Students may complete the MPS Capstone requirement by (1) writing a master’s paper or (2) undertaking a master’s project. 

Regardless of the option chosen, students are required to complete at least 4 credits of degree coursework, including Law 631D (Rebuilding Native Nations) and Law 631K (The Evidence for Native Nation Building), before proposing a Capstone endeavor. For more information, please consult the IGP Graduate Advisor.

Students have three options for completing the Capstone: 

• A student may opt to pursue a capstone project via a home-community externship (paid or unpaid by employer-partner) in order to gain practical, professional experience and put the skills and knowledge gained in the MPS program to work for Indigenous peoples.

• A student may opt to pursue a master's paper, which will allow the student to study an issue related to Indigenous governance in-depth in hopes of delivering a well-researched academic work product that can be used as a spring board for future research.

• Students may also opt to pursue a combination of both options as approved by their graduate advisor.

Regardless of the option selected, the Capstone must meet the 2-8 credit requirement.

Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.