The Buder Center Scholars Program is a premier graduate degree program in social work committed to the education of American Indian, Alaska Native and Indigenous students here at the Brown School
Our scholars come from all over the country with undergraduate degrees in diverse fields as health, social work, psychology, business, law and education. Future professional interests include work in social services, education, school social work, community development, tribal law, health, mental health, substance abuse and public policy to name a few. It is the combination of culture, spirituality, education, determination and hard work that makes the Buder Center Scholars ready to meet the needs and challenges of Indian Country.
The American Indian and Alaska Native (Al/AN) Concentration is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice with AI/AN populations. The concentration grounds students in the historical and contemporary issues facing Native populations from a cultural, policy and practice perspective and includes the courses listed below:
- Indigenous Knowledge, Values, and Cultures (3 credits)
- AI/AN Social Welfare Policies and Administrative Practices (3 credits)
- Indigenous Mental Health Practice (3 credits)
- Community Development with AI and Other Indigenous Communities (3 credits)
- Social Policy Analysis and Evaluation (3 credits) or Evaluation of Programs and Services (3 credits)
- Nine credits of practice-focused coursework, to be determined based on your track of choice
If a student is not concentrating in the AI/AN concentration, these classes are available as electives to a student.
Buder Scholars are subject to the same MSW program requirements as other Brown School students; namely students must complete 60 credits to receive their MSW degree. Learn more about coursework requirements for all Brown School students.
For additional information on the Buder Center Scholars, view the Highlights.