Program Overview

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Doctor of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies (Native Studies)

The Faculty of Native Studies offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. While the programs vary in terms of the depth and breadth of study, they each support research on:

• Critical Indigenous Theory
• Indigenous Governance
• Indigenous Peoples and Place (with emphasis on the Prairies)
• Indigenous Sexualities, Genders and Feminisms

Why Study This Program?

The Doctor of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies (Native Studies) program is designed to support advanced research in Indigenous Studies.

Entrance Requirements

For the MA program, the Faculty of Native Studies minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

• A 3.0 GPA is necessary but may not be sufficient, as this is a competitive process.
• Applicants to the MA program should have at least 12 units of undergraduate courses in Native Studies or courses with significant Indigenous content.
• All applicants must meet the minimum English Language Requirement set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
• Additional requirements for the MA program include:
  • A two-page statement of the proposed area of research
  • An example of academic work appropriate to the application
  • Three letters of reference (preferably academic)
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae For the PhD program, the Faculty of Native Studies minimum admission requirements are a masters degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
• Additional requirements for the PhD program include:
  • A statement detailing research interest(s), and background, commitment, and scholarly preparedness for advanced, independent research in Indigenous Studies and related fields
  • An example of academic work appropriate to the application
  • Three letters of reference (preferably academic)
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Confirmation of a research supervisor is required in order to be admitted. Students are also required to have had a discussion with their preferred supervisor.

Program Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 9 units in coursework and a thesis.

Required Coursework

Coursework is to be taken in the first term of Year 1 of the program and includes:

• NS 620 - Advanced Theoretical Perspectives in Indigenous Studies
• NS 655 - Professional Seminar
• NS 690 - Advanced Indigenous Methodologies

Thesis

• Registration in 900-level THES. Over the second and third years of the program, students will conduct research, engage in scholarly activities, and write a dissertation. The dissertation will be defended at an oral examination.

Candidacy Exam

Following the completion of coursework, students will prepare a written exam and a dissertation proposal for oral examination. This oral examination will contain two parts:

1. Students will respond to an exam question from an assigned reading list.
2. A dissertation proposal.

Language Requirement

Proficiency in a language other than English (including an Indigenous language) is recommended in accordance with the thesis topic.

Residence Requirement

The residency requirement is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta (where an academic year is defined as the eight-month period from September through April).

Length of Program

Full-time PhD students will normally be expected to complete the program in three years. Candidates must complete their degree program within six years of the time they first register.

Tuition and Fees

For general information, please refer to the Tuition and Fees page.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.