Doctor of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies (Native Studies)

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

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.

Comprehensive exams

During the second term of Year 1, students will prepare for and undertake two comprehensive examinations and submit a dissertation proposal.

Candidacy exam

An oral candidacy examination will be held based upon the written components of the comprehensive exams. All students should meet their candidacy requirement by the end of Year 1.

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.

The maximum time to complete the PhD program as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research is six years.