PhD in Indigenous Studies

The PhD in Indigenous Studies degree is based on graduate coursework, examinations, and original scholarship in the form of a dissertation written under the supervision of the student's advisor and dissertation committee.

Coursework

A total of 72 credits are required for the PhD degree in Indigenous Studies, of which at least 40 credits are beyond the MA. Once students have finished their coursework, they progress to directed reading for their comprehensive exams, which are standardly held in their third year, and dissertation research and writing after the successful completion of all required exams.

Four core courses are required for all students:

• IDS 501 - Key Theories and Concepts in Indigenous Studies
• IDS 502 - Indigenous Historiographies
• IDS 503 - Global Methods in Indigenous Studies
• IDS 504 - Professional Seminar

First Year Exam

The first year written exam tests basic knowledge and understanding of the field of Indigenous Studies - including theory, current and historical debates within the field, methodological and pedagogical issues, and community engagement. This exam is taken after completion of the first year and is due at the beginning of the fall semester at the start of the second year.

Comprehensive Exams

The goal of this exam is that the student demonstrates a broad knowledge of the field(s) on which their dissertation will focus. All doctoral students must successfully complete a comprehensive examination involving both written and oral components in order to move on to the dissertation research and writing phase. A typical timetable will be to take the exam during the third year.

Dissertation Project

The dissertation project phase begins with the determination of a dissertation committee comprised of at least three faculty members, and a dissertation prospectus. A dissertation prospectus should define a dissertation problem and method(s), identify the major primary and secondary sources and how you will expand previous work, and situate the project in the context of the field. The prospectus should include a preliminary overview of planned chapters and a proposed schedule of research, writing, and rewriting.  The prospectus includes an oral exam portion with committee members.

Dissertation Defense

Once the dissertation writing phase has been completed, the PhD dissertation must be presented orally before the student's committee at an announced defense that is open to the University community and community that the student invites. To ensure the student has time to make any necessary revisions after the defense, the defense must be held one month prior to the Graduate School's deadline for submitting materials, based on anticipated graduation date.

PhD applications will be considered for Fall admission only. Applicants should submit all application materials by the first Friday in January.

Application Instructions

Applicants must gather and submit the following materials with the online application:

• Curriculum vitae (resume)
• Personal statement of 2-3 pages outlining Indigenous Studies experience, research skills, and project goals
• Academic writing sample of 10-20 pages
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from person familiar with the applicant's academic record
• Unofficial transcript(s) from every institution the applicant has previously attended, to include all undergraduate and graduate coursework (official transcripts required upon admission)
• $75.00 (USD) non-refundable application fee (unless otherwise noted) which may be paid online with a credit card

Note: Official results of the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are optional. Official scores should be sent directly from ETS to the University at Buffalo (institutional code is 2925).