Dear Prospective Student:
Thank you for your interest in the Ph.D. program in American Indian Studies (AIS) at The University of Arizona. As a Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, AIS seeks to develop through research, scholarship, teaching and student advisement a wide scope of understanding of indigenous peoples of the Americas – their languages, cultures, traditions and sovereignty. The Ph.D. is a research degree and students are expected to develop as scholars throughout their time in residence. This academic program provides a unique opportunity for students and scholars to explore issues critically important to American Indian nations and communities locally, statewide and nationally. AIS has always enjoyed a strong reputation because of the nationally known faculty available to work with students. Please review faculty and subject area information on our website for further details.
Each year, AIS receives a significant number of applications from an accomplished group of individuals from various professions with extensive backgrounds and experience. Accordingly, admissions are a rigorous process and candidate selection is highly competitive. Though the admissions committee carefully considers each item in the application packet, special deliberation is made in assessment of your academic record, writing samples, personal statement of intent to our program and recommendation letters. Only application packets completed by the deadline will be reviewed and considered for admission
Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) funding may be awarded to Ph.D. students, provided funds are available and satisfactory progress is made. Funding will only be allocated once a year and must be applied for annually.
If you have further questions, please call our office Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (520) 621-7108. We would be happy to talk with you about your graduate education goals.
Sincerely,
American Indian Studies (AIS)
Application Information
The doctoral program in American Indian Studies (AIS) is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to conduct basic and applied scholarly research from a cross-cultural perspective; to develop innovative theories, methodologies and research tools appropriate for and useful to sovereign tribes; and to train candidates to assume leadership and policy-making roles in higher education, tribal communities, the state and the nation. The Ph.D. program requires students to study across various concentrations including: American Indian Law and Policy; American Indian Literature; American Indian Societies and Cultures; and American Indian Education. Candidates will specialize in research related to one of the concentrations and take courses in at least two other areas of study to ensure an interdisciplinary focus.
To apply to AIS, log onto the Graduate College website and follow the application and payment instructions for the American Indian Studies Program. Please note all materials are to be submitted electronically.
Checklist for Online Application Material
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.