The Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC) will be launching its second baccalaureate program in the fall of 2025, this time focusing on Indigenous environmental health. The program combines the study of public health with environmental science through an Indigenous lens. Through 124 credits, this baccalaureate degree addresses the essential requirements that will make it eligible to become accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council once the program is implemented. NICC will be the first higher education institution in the nation to offer an Indigenous environmental health baccalaureate degree program.

Hank Miller has been with NICC for over two decades and was excited to be part of the team that developed this new degree program. One of Miller’s goals in developing this degree was to provide a space to discuss the health of our environments and how that relates to human health. NICC president Michael Oltrogge also expressed gratitude to the National Science Foundation for the multi-year award the college received to be able to develop and launch this degree program, which responds to the requests and needs of the Omaha (Umoⁿhoⁿ) and the Santee Sioux (Isanti Dakota) communities that NICC serves.

Dr. Maeghan Murie-Mazariegos stated, “As the head of the Math and Science Division, I am proud to announce the launch of the bachelor’s degree in Indigenous environmental health. This program combines Indigenous knowledge with scientific principles, empowering students to safeguard both our communities’ health and the environment. Together, we will ensure a sustainable future, rooted in respect for the land and its people.”

Newly hired public health faculty, Dr. Ezaz Haque, expressed his support for the new bachelor’s degree sharing, “This program blends traditional knowledge with modern science, offering new opportunities for research that addresses health and environmental challenges in Indigenous communities. We are committed to promoting wellness and sustainability for future generations.”

Dean of academic affairs, Dr. Kristine Sudbeck, added “The new Bachelor of Science degree is a stackable credential within the institution, feeding off of an existing AS in general science studies. We also look forward to building articulation agreements with sister tribal colleges and other community colleges in the region, with the intent to provide the smoothest transition possible for transfer.”

NICC is a 1994 Land Grant institution with $1 per credit hour tuition for all classes. This exciting new bachelors-level program is set to roll out in the fall of 2025.