Coursework
Indigenous Health Ph.D. Curriculum
IH 731: Applied Biostatistics, 3 credits
Introduction to essential topics in medical and public health statistical concepts
and reasoning. Topics include examples from published health research focused on Indigenous
populations, and homework assignments expose students to hands-on data analysis using
real-life datasets.
IH 745: Indigenous Leadership & Ethics, 3 credits
Examine leadership, organizational and change theory, and the skills required to lead
Indigenous health agencies and community-based organizations in the context of changing
demographics and increasing diversity. Indigenous perspectives on bioethics and research
ethics will be explored.
IH 751: Applied Epidemiology, 3 credits
Focus on the application or practice of epidemiology to address public health issues
in Indigenous populations. Examples include the monitoring of communicable diseases,
chronic diseases, mortality rates, and risk factors in the community.
IH 760: Public Health Program Evaluation, 3 credits
Apply systematic ways to improve and account for public health actions by involving
procedures that are useful, feasible, ethical, and accurate. The CDC Framework for
Evaluation in Public Health guides public health professionals in their use of program
evaluation.
IH 761: Indigenous Evaluation Frameworks, 3 credits
Building upon the CDC Public Health Program Evaluation model, Indigenous communities
can take ownership of the evaluation process and be cognizant of and responsive to
traditional values and culture. This class will focus on Indigenous public health
evaluation principles utilizing the American Indian Higher Education Consortium's Indigenous
Evaluation Framework.
IH 762: Quantitative Research Methods, 3 credits
Apply systematic empirical investigation of observable health phenomena via statistical,
mathematical, and computational methods. The objective is to develop and employ mathematical
models, theories, and to test hypotheses pertaining to public health phenomena. Quantitative
research provides the fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical
expression of significant quantitative relationships.
IH 763: Qualitative Research Methods, 3 credits
Develop competencies in exploratory research used to understand underlying reasons,
opinions, and motivations. Provide insights into health issues and develop ideas or
hypotheses to inform quantitative research. Qualitative Research can uncover trends
in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into health issues. Qualitative data collection
methods include focus groups, key informant interviews, and observations.
IH 764: Mixed Methods Research, 3 credits
Critique mixed-methods research designs and design mixed methods studies in an area
of Indigenous public health interest to the student. Opportunities will be provided
for students to learn from one another's expertise.
IH 765: Indigenous Research Methods, 3 credits
Using Indigenous case studies from around the world, demonstrate the specific methodologies
that are appropriate for the transformative paradigm of research and the historical
and cultural traditions of third-world and Indigenous populations. Provide preparation
for dissertation and portfolio development.
IH 766: CBPR & Tribally-Driven Research Frameworks, 3 credits
Develop competencies in the Community-Based Participatory Research framework and methods
for Indigenous communities to drive research design, implementation and dissemination
of results to ensure relevance to community. Develop strategies to ensure meaningful
community engagement throughout the research process from hypothesis development to
publication and dissemination.
IH 781: Principles of Indigenous Health, 3 credits
Define Indigenous populations, histories, cultures, societies, traditional healing
systems, food sources, and patterns of colonization. Populations include AI/AN, First
Nations, Inuit, Sami, Aboriginal Australian, Maori, Ainu, and Pacific Islanders.
IH 782: Principles of Indigenous Health 2, 3 credits
Describe Indigenous health disparities, health systems, case studies, and best practices.
Modules include: historical trauma/epigenetics; traditional foods/ microbiome; boarding/residential
schools; impact of racism/discrimination; and decolonization and health.
IH 783: American Indian Health Policy, 3 credits
Analysis and assessment of the legal, policy, and historical basis for the IHS/Tribal/Urban
(I/T/U) system; role of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; impact of Affordable
Care Act and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
IH 784: Indigenous Health Policy, 3 credits
Describe Indigenous health disparities, health systems, and policies in terms of their
impact on Indigenous health internationally. Focus on how national health systems
engage, or do not engage, Indigenous peoples.
Topics
Health Policy, Research, and Indigenous Health
Schedule
Comprehensive exams will be offered one time per academic year, and will be given
the first week of Summer semester; students will have two weeks to complete their
three comprehensive exams.
Schedule for 2022
Begin Exams: May 23, 2022 (8:00 am CT)
Exam DUE: June 5, 2022 (11:59 pm CT)
Final Decision: June 13, 2022
Student and Review Committee Meetings*: June 13-17, 2022
Revisions Due: 5 days from Student Meeting
Final Decision: Within 10 days of Submission
Students will select either the Applied Track or Academic Track by end of fall semester of their first year. Students will work with their faculty advisors to inform their decision.
IH 999: Dissertation
Dissertation will follow UND Graduate School guidelines.
IH 790: Seminar
1 credit each semester and summer for the first 2 years (6 total). Meet in-person
for two 1-week seminars/year in the summer and spring. The fall seminar will be online.
Students are responsible for all travel and accommodations. These costs can be included
in the cost of attendance for financial aid.
Year 1 Summer - one-week onsite August
Year 1 Fall - online
Year 1 Spring - online
Year 2 Summer - one-week onsite in August
Year 2 Fall - online
Year 2 Spring - online
Various topics covered include current events in Indigenous health, pedagogy, grant writing and compliance, case studies, ethics, student-led discussions, among others.
The following document lists the minimum requirements needed in hardware and software. Newer software releases are recommended.