Admissions

Admissions Requirements

The Ph.D. in Indigenous Health is a post-master’s degree, online, synchronous program. As such, applicants to the Indigenous Health doctoral program must demonstrate adequate preparation to complete the degree.

Requirements Include:

• Completion of the online application and payment of the application fee.
• A master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university (for U.S. degrees, accreditation by one of the six regional accrediting associations: MSA, NASC, NCA, NEASC-CIHE, SACS-CC or WACS-Sr.).
• At least one year of experience working in or with an Indigenous community. Experience may be through formal, informal, professional, academic, or personal roles.
• Graduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00.
• Completed 3-credit, graduate-level course in biostatistics within the past five years with a grade of “B” or higher. If coursework was completed more than 5 years ago, applicants are encouraged to describe current work experience in biostatistics within their personal statement. If applicants are currently enrolled in biostatistics, they should state this clearly in their personal statement.
• Completed 3-credit, graduate-level course in epidemiology within the past five years with a grade of “B” or higher. If coursework was completed more than 5 years ago, applicants are encouraged to describe current work experience in epidemiology within their personal statement. If applicants are currently enrolled in epidemiology, they should state this clearly in their personal statement.
• Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies' English Language Proficiency requirements.

Required Admissions Materials

Application to the Indigenous Health Ph.D. is made online through an admissions account on the School of Graduate Studies website.

Required Materials

1. Academic Transcript(s)

   Official post-secondary academic transcripts from all institutions attended must be sent directly from the institutions to the University of North Dakota School of Graduate Studies.

2. Personal Statement

   The personal statement is an essential part of the Ph.D. application and is used to assess both the applicant’s writing ability and their fit with the Indigenous Health program. The letter can be no longer than two pages, single spaced, and must address the following:
   • Experience with Indigenous communities: The applicant must describe their work, research, or other forms of engagement with Indigenous peoples.
   • Positionality statement: The applicant must reflect on their own background, identity, and lived experiences, and explain how these shape their perspective and approach to Indigenous health.
   • Academic and professional preparation: The applicant must explain how their prior education, training, and professional experiences have prepared them to succeed in the doctoral program.
   • Motivation and goals: The applicant must share their reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in Indigenous Health, including long-term career aspirations and how this program aligns with them.
   • Personal qualities and strengths: The applicant must highlight the characteristics, values, and abilities they bring that will support their success in graduate study and their future contributions to the field.

3. Research Statement

   The research statement is required to assess the student’s research interests and preparation for doctoral-level study. The statement can be no longer than two pages, single spaced, and must address the following:
   
   • Specific content area: The applicant must identify a particular Indigenous health area in which they propose to focus their doctoral work and explain why this area is of interest. This is not expected to be as specific as a dissertation proposal and will not limit the student from exploring other areas during the program.
   • Ways of knowing: The applicant must indicate their interest in Indigenous and/or Western ways of knowing, and describe how these perspectives inform their research interests.
   • Study designs and methodology: The applicant must discuss appropriate research approaches, including Indigenous, quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, and how these might apply to the proposed content area.
   • Field familiarity: The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of their chosen content area and identify specific issues within that area that they are interested in pursuing. Familiarity with the field is considered essential for a successful application.

4. Writing Sample

   Each applicant must submit an individually authored or first-author writing sample that the admissions committee can use to evaluate the student’s writing ability and potential for success in the doctoral program. The sample must be at least five pages in length and should not exceed 30 pages. Appropriate examples include, but are not limited to, a journal article, a course paper, or a professional work product such as a manual or technical report.

5. Curriculum Vitae

   A curriculum vitae (CV) is a comprehensive, multi-page document detailing one’s entire academic and scholarly history, including publications, research, teaching, awards, and presentations as well as employment history. Unlike a shorter resume that focuses on transferable skills, a CV is a detailed academic record used to demonstrate depth of experience and potential for success in graduate school and a scholarly career.

6. Three Letters of Recommendation

   Letters of recommendation should come from individuals whom the applicant feels are most qualified to evaluate their academic and leadership potential in Indigenous health. Letters of recommendation are best secured from those who have interacted with applicants professionally, academically, or through community/advocacy work. Close family and friends are not eligible to provide recommendations.

Admission Decisions and Timeline

Applications for the Ph.D. in Indigenous Health are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis, and students are encouraged to apply early before all positions are filled.

Application Review and Timeline

1. The applicant submits a complete application.
2. Each completed application that meets the required criteria is reviewed by the DIH Admissions Committee.
3. Each application is reviewed by two faculty members serving on the DIH Admissions Committee. Reviewers utilize an established rubric.
4. The two assigned reviewers present a summary and recommendation at the monthly Admissions Committee meeting. Recommendations are based on a full review of all application materials to ensure fairness and reduce reliance on any single indicator.
5. Applicants are invited to a one-hour virtual interview based on consensus of the Admissions Committee.
6. Virtual interviews are conducted with at least two faculty members from the Admissions Committee. Interviews last no longer than one hour and employ a standard set of questions.
7. A second interview may be required if deemed necessary by the Admissions Committee.
8. Following the interview, final admissions decisions are made by the Admissions Committee at the next scheduled meeting.
9. Applicants are notified by email of the Admissions Committee’s decision.

Computer Requirements

Upon matriculation, all Ph.D. students are required to have their own personal computer.

• Laptop or Desktop computer capable of running and staying up to date with the latest versions of Windows or MacOS as they are released.
• High speed, reliable  internet connection capable of supporting online live class sessions and for taking exams and quizzes.
• For more information: https://campus.und.edu/campus-services/uit/tech-requirements.html