Ph.D. Program

In the fall of 1997, The University of Arizona was the first educational institution in the U.S. to offer a Ph.D. in American Indian Studies. 

The Ph.D. in American Indian Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to:

• prepare graduate students for academic careers
• conduct advanced and applied scholarly research from a cross-cultural perspective
• develop theoretical and innovative theories, methodologies, and research tools appropriate for and useful to sovereign tribes
• educate students to assume leadership and policy-making roles in higher education, tribal communities, the state and nation

The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in 3-4 years (after completing the Master's degree). Read the Ph.D. Guidelines to learn more.

American Indian Studies GIDP

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the Graduate College online application. Follow these steps:

1. Create a GradApp account https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/gradapp

2. Complete your GradApp profile under "My Account"

3. Select "Apply to a Program" from the sidebar

4. Choose "Degree Seeking" under application type and "American Indian Studies (Ph.D.) under program of study.

5. Choose the Fall semester during which you wish to enter the program.

6. Your application should now be initiated under "My Active Applications"

AIS M.A. admissions guide: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions-guides/#program/AISPHD

Required Application Materials

The following application components are also required for the Ph.D.:

- Online application fee of $90.00.

- A personal statement (3 to 5 pages) including your educational goals, professional plans, and your interest in our Ph.D. program and your background in American Indian Studies or with American Indian communities.

- A current résumé or curriculum vitae.

- One writing sample (between 15 to 20 pages double spaced) of original work that is academic, technical, professional, or artistic in nature.

- One critical essay (no more than 5 pages double spaced) which analyzes three American Indian Studies books or monographs of your choice.

- Electronic copies of Official Transcripts from all institutions attended, undergraduate and graduate. On acceptance into the program students will need to submit original transcripts.

- Three letters of recommendation from faculty or supervisors who can attest to your achievements and academic potential. Letters from faculty are preferred for applicants currently or recently working in academia. 

A Master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution is required for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy program in AIS.  The Master’s degree must be completed before the applicant begins in the AIS program, August for fall admissions.  All application materials must be received by January 15th for the following fall semester admissions. A minimum grade point average of 3.2 is required for admissions.  GRE scores are recommended but not required.  At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, exceptionally qualified applicants who do not hold a Master’s degree may be considered for admission.  AIS accepts a limited number of new Ph.D. students each year.  Student selection is very competitive. The Admissions Committee will not consider incomplete application files. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.