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Wizipan Leadership and Sustainability Certificate (Undergraduate)

Care of Community, Care of Environment, Care of Culture and Care of Self

The Wizipan leadership and sustainability certificate is a semester long, immersive program allows students to earn a certificate through SDSU. Based on the Lakota term – Wachante Hecha Wizipan (The Heart of Everything that Is) – the Wizipan program uses experiential education, Indigenous narrative, language, culture and kinship to land as its primary learning tools. This program finds connection between Indigenous land-based knowledge and sustainability. The certificate offers coursework in American Indian studies, natural resource management, health sciences and leadership. Courses will provide students with the skill sets needed to understand the potential of their leadership roles in their own communities. Students are encouraged to evaluate and understand the relationship of care of self (trauma, mental, physical, spiritual health), care of community (kinship and family), care of environment (land, food and sustenance) and care of culture (language, narrative, ceremony).

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Are intrigued by exploring sustainable solutions for local, regional and global environments.
  • Express strong interest in the role of different leadership styles.
  • Enjoy investigating interdisciplinary issues.
  • Appreciate a wholistic view of food systems, conservation and community health.
  • Value intercultural communication skills.

Career Opportunities

  • Natural resource management
  • Local food systems
  • Health and wellness
  • Indigenous policy and leadership

Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?

If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices. 

In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.