The Program
5
Years Long
5
Faculty Members
Course Delivery: In-person, Online and Hybrid
The Indigenous Studies Ph.D. offers you the unique opportunity to participate in rich cultural research as you develop a dissertation on issues relevant to Alaska, the Arctic and its Indigenous communities. You’ll choose from six key concentrations: Indigenous Sustainability, Indigenous Studies & Research, Indigenous Leadership, Indigenous Languages, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Indigenous Education/Pedagogy. This program empowers you to provide technical support and information to Arctic school districts, Alaska Native corporations, tribal governments, community organizations, and state and federal agencies serving Indigenous communities.
Career Pathways
Graduates will contribute to the improvement of educational and professional development opportunities for Indigenous peoples. Our students go on to provide technical support and information to school districts, Alaska Native corporations, tribal governments, community organizations, and state and federal agencies serving Indigenous communities.
Student Focus Areas
Cross-Cultural Communication
You will develop an understanding of the nuance required to communicate with other cultures.
Sustainable Community Development
You will participate in effective, community-based development.
Community-based Research
You’ll learn how to lead community-based research in effective and respectful ways.
Unique Opportunities
The unique setting of the program immerses you with hands-on research in Alaska Native and Indigenous communities.
You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with and learn from Indigenous Elders.
You will develop and conduct research within the bounds of Indigenous knowledge.
Meet Dr. Yvette Running Horse Collin
Former Indigenous Studies Doctorate Student
Dr. Yvette Running Horse Collin received her doctorate in Indigenous Studies from UAF in May 2017. She is of Lakota, Nakota, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Mayan descent on her mother's side, and Cherokee, Choctaw and Scottish descent on her father's side. Dr. Collin acknowledges the Native Elders, equine preservationists, and the ancient-line horses she care-takes as having helped to provide the “Indigenous education” she received during her decade of pre-research. Dr. Running Horse Collin is an award-winning journalist and has held various executive positions at non-profit institutions around the United States. She has advised state, federal, and Fortune 100 organizations on Native American policy. She lectures extensively throughout the United States and internationally on her people’s traditions and the history surrounding the horse.
Related Majors
M.A. in Rural Development
The master’s in rural development prepares you to be a leader who understands the dynamic relationship of rural Alaska with the global economy.
One Health Master's Degree (OHM)
The One Health master's degree provides training and, most importantly, practice at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health. It's a unique interdisciplinary degree that requires an understanding and integration of science, culture, history, communication and more.
Ready to apply to the Ph.D. program?
Application Deadline: Mar 1
Get started by connecting directly with Indigenous Studies faculty who are doing research that sparks your interest. Then, apply for admission using the UAF application. Indigenous Studies Ph.D. applications require your previous college transcripts, resume, personal statement and letters of recommendation. GRE scores are optional.
Visit the College of Indigenous Studies for information about application requirements, as well as contact information for further questions.
Get more information