It also offers non-credit courses not part of these programs. Under Commission policy, it also offers a limited number of graduate courses not applicable to a degree. For degree completion, students must earn at least 120 semester credits. The balance of 66 semester credits may be completed by transfer and up to 36 of these credits may be completed through a process of credit for prior learning, which identifies learning that took place in the Indian community prior to admission. Curriculum is community and culturally based, focused upon the developmental needs of the community or tribe where the instructional center is located.
Theory is balanced with applied research and community projects.
The College has clearly defined requirements for students, faculty, and courses. Regardless of the community in which instruction takes place, those requirements must be met. Within these parameters, each Center develops curriculum uniquely based on the resources, opportunities, and needs identified in its community. The College welcomes students of any race, creed, color, or other ethnic origin, with a special interest in American Indian communities. The Native American population steadily increased during that time and is now estimated at more than 15,000.