Why study this program?

The Faculty of Native Studies offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy.

While the programs vary in terms of the depth and breadth of study, they each support research on:

• Critical Indigenous Theory;
• Indigenous Governance;
• Indigenous Peoples and Place (with emphasis on the Prairies); and
• Indigenous Sexualities, Genders and Feminisms.

Entrance Requirements

For the MA program, the Faculty of Native Studies’ minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4- point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. This is, however, a competitive process – a 3.0 GPA is necessary but may not be sufficient.

The Faculty of Native Studies’ minimum admission requirements for the dissertation-based PhD in Indigenous Studies program are a master’s degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.3 on the 4- point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

Applicants to the MA program should have at least 12 units of undergraduate courses in Native Studies or courses with significant Indigenous content.

Where applicable, all applicants must meet the minimum English Language Requirement  set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

For the MA program, applicants are also required to submit the following:

• a two page statement of the proposed area of research
• An example of academic work appropriate to the application
• Three letters of reference (preferably academic)
• A current resume or curriculum vitae

For the PhD program, applicants are also required to submit the following:

• a statement detailing (a) research interest(s), and (b) background, commitment and scholarly preparedness for advanced, independent research in Indigenous Studies and related fields
• An example of academic work appropriate to the application
• Three letters of reference (preferably academic)
• A current resume or curriculum vitae
• Confirmation of a research supervisor is required in order to be admitted. Students are also required to have had a discussion with their preferred supervisor.

For details on the application deadline, application procedures and information on financial assistance see the Faculty of Native Studies website.