Indigenous Studies PhD

Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that centers the knowledge, priorities, aspirations and lived-experiences of Indigenous peoples locally, nationally and internationally. The Indigenous Studies program provides students with a set of interdisciplinary tools to think rigorously about important issues confronting Indigenous communities in the present while examining the historic political, social and cultural elements of Indigenous Nations. The curriculum is designed to provide critical skills for addressing research with Indigenous Nations, gaining an understanding of the impact of colonization, addressing imperialism, and conducting research using the parameters of Indigenous research methodologies. A PhD in Indigenous studies at University of Buffalo will promote grounded methodologies of approach while promoting international engagement.

Doctoral students are required to complete 72 credit hours of substantive coursework for the PhD degree, most of which are satisfied through graduate seminars, including up to 12 hours of thesis guidance. Students will be allowed to take methodology classes in traditional disciplines as well to prepare for the research that will be undertaken.Indigenous Studies will offer its own methodology class open to the campus and concentrating on working with tribal organizations and nations as well as experiential learning opportunities. PhD students will take a series of exams at the breadth and depth level and defend a dissertation proposal before advancing to candidacy. This will enable us to provide a strong methods approach in various disciplines. Students are expected to achieve proficiency in Indigenous methods, and appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods, and any relevant professional skill(s) before advancing to candidacy.