Indigenous Law: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Indigenous Law is a specialized academic field focused on the legal frameworks, governance systems, and policy environments that shape the rights, relationships, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples. This program equips students with advanced knowledge of the complex interplay between federal, tribal, and international legal structures, emphasizing justice, sovereignty, and human rights.
- Federal Indian Law: Examines the legal relationship between Indigenous nations and the U.S. federal government, including treaties, statutes, and judicial decisions that define rights, jurisdiction, and federal responsibilities.
- Tribal Law and Governance: Explores the development, implementation, and enforcement of legal systems within Indigenous nations, including constitutional frameworks, court operations, and self-governance mechanisms.
- Indigenous Rights and Human Rights Law: Analyzes international legal standards, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and their application to protect cultural, land, and political rights.
- Land and Resource Rights: Investigates legal claims and disputes over ancestral territories, natural resources, and environmental stewardship through legal, historical, and policy lenses.
- Legal Advocacy and Policy Development: Focuses on strategies for advancing Indigenous legal interests through litigation, legislative reform, treaty negotiations, and community-based policy innovation.
Indigenous Law Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Indigenous Law Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Indigenous Law degrees, including Lawyers and Law Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers 23-1011 | $151,160 | $72,780 - $239,200 | 747,750 | $72.67 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1112 | $126,650 | $58,330 - $239,200 | 22,800 | N/A |
Indigenous Law Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,245 in Mississippi to $172,710 in Delaware—a 118% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 770,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Indigenous Law by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Indigenous Law programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Indigenous Law is found at Oglala Lakota College (OLC) (19 graduates), University of Minnesota (UMD), Duluth (17 graduates), University of Arizona (7 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (6 graduates), and The University of Montana (UM) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 64 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oglala Lakota College (OLC) |
Associate's
|
19 | Kyle, South Dakota | Public | olc.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMD) |
Master's
|
17 | Duluth, Minnesota | Public | d.umn.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
7 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Post-Master's
|
6 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| University of South Dakota (USD) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Vermillion, South Dakota | Public | usd.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Other Award
|
3 | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Indigenous Law programs
How much can I earn with a Indigenous Law degree?
Salaries for Indigenous Law graduates vary by role and location. Lawyers earn a median of $151,160 annually, while Law Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $126,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $172,710 compared to $79,245 in Mississippi. Approximately 770,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Indigenous Law programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Indigenous Law degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Oglala Lakota College (OLC) (19 graduates), University of Minnesota (UMD), Duluth (17 graduates), and University of Arizona (7 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Indigenous Law degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Lawyers, Law Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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