PhD in Native American Studies

Areas covered include Critical Indigenous Thought, Sustainable Community Building, and Comparative Studies in Indigenous Government, Policy, Identity, and Sustainability.

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The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Native American Studies degree covers the following areas: Critical Indigenous Thought, Sustainable Community Building, and Comparative Studies in Indigenous Government, Policy, Identity, and Sustainability. The doctoral graduates will become leaders in academia and/or policy researchers in tribal communities. Through an (inter)disciplinary approach to these topics, the doctoral recipients will become proficient advocates and ethical researchers. They will advocate for healthy Indigenous communities, and they will research with a strong ethical lens honoring Native Nations and Peoples. The NAS Ph.D. degree program's central mission is to support leadership development and community education that fosters critical investigation and interpretation, social justice, and social transformation of knowledge. Native American Studies prepares students to be community engaged leaders who work toward socially plural, culturally inclusive and healthy communities that drive positive human interactions and acknowledge the diversity of human experience and creative expression.

The Ph.D. in Native American Studies is targeted to students holding a B.A. and M.A. degree in Native American Studies, History, Anthropology, American Studies, Education, Sociology, or any interdisciplinary-related program. The program prepares students for positions in teaching, research, tribal leadership, leadership of tribal organizations, leadership of community based organizations, positions related to educational outreach and training, social and cultural program development, policy development and analysts, and sustainable community building.

Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Native American Studies requires 66 credit hours of coursework. The Ph.D. in the NAS program covers three main areas: Critical Indigenous Thought, Healthy Sustainable Community Building, and Comparative Studies in Indigenous Government, Policy, Identity, and Sustainability. The total 66 credit hours for the Ph.D. includes 18 credit hours of required Ph.D. core courses, an additional 30 credit hours from the Critical Indigenous Thought; Healthy Sustainable Community Building; and Comparative Studies in Indigenous Government, Policy, Identity, and Sustainability elective focus courses that are selected during advisement and based upon how well they complement the student’s program of study. A final 18 credit hours must be completed as dissertation hours. All doctoral candidates must successfully complete their courses, focus courses, comprehensive exam, and dissertation to graduate from this doctoral degree program.

Ph.D. Core Courses

In consultation with advisor, students will select a combination of 18 credit hours of the following courses:

  • NATV 550, Indigenous Nations and Sustainable Communities Seminar
  • NATV 560, Research Methods and Practice in Indigenous Scholarship
  • NATV 570, Indigenous Thought and Ethics
  • NATV 665, Applied Indigenous Critical Theory
  • NATV 670, Comparative Indigenous Studies across Disciplines
  • Additional Graduate Level Methods Course, 3 credits, which could include NATV 667, Action Research in Indigenous Communities; or from the approved list (consult with NAS advisor).

Ph.D. NAS Focus or Interdisciplinary Focus Courses

In consultation with advisor, students will select a combination of 30 credit hours of the following courses:

  • NATV 502, Education, Power, and Indigenous Communities
  • NATV 510, Individual Study
  • NATV 522, Indigenous Community Approaches in Restorative Justice
  • NATV 523, Self-Determination and Indigenous Human Rights
  • NATV 530, Gender and Indigenous Leadership
  • NATV 535, Issues in Contemporary Native Leadership
  • NATV 540, Indigenous Economics, Sustainability, and Environmental Protection
  • NATV 545, Politics of Identity
  • NATV 551, Problems
  • NATV 555, Native American Policy and Community Building
  • NATV 595, Topics in Native American Studies
  • OR interdisciplinary focus courses from the approved list (consult with NAS advisor).

Dissertation

Once students have successfully completed their dissertation proposal defense, they may enroll in the dissertation hours. A minimum of 18 credit hours of dissertation (NATV 699) will be required for their successful completion of their Ph.D. in Native American Studies.