Dr. Warne teaching Indigenous Health students

Indigenous Health Ph.D.

Your hard work can close the gap in disease disparities for diverse populations.

UND's doctoral degree in Indigenous Health is the first of its kind in the United States or Canada. It will give you a deeper understanding of the unique health issues facing Indigenous populations. With its evidence-based approach to Indigenous health, the program prepares you to join the elite group of forward-thinking, culturally aware experts. We are setting new standards in the promoting Indigenous Health worldwide.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
3 years
Credit hours:
60

Why earn a doctorate in Indigenous Health?

Application Deadlines
Summer:
Dec. 1* | Feb. 1

*Priority deadline for Summer semester start.

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Graduate extremely qualified and well-positioned to provide insightful leadership on Indigenous health issues from the tribal to global level. UND’s online program with campus visits is perfect for professionals who’ve earned their Master of Public Health degree. It’s also well-suited for those with a master’s degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Public Administration or related field.

In-Demand Indigenous Health Degree

  • Unique histories and the impact of colonization on Indigenous Peoples necessitates culturally and scientifically grounded research to identify effective solutions to Indigenous health challenges.
  • The demand for expert administrators to coordinate the health needs of worldwide Indigenous populations is at an all-time high. In fact, the United Nations has established a Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues — covering everything from health and education to social development and environment. The renowned World Health Organization also requires professionals with similar strengths.
  • In the United States alone, there are over 570 federally recognized tribes. They have their own combination of health departments and programs that require well-trained, knowledgeable administrators, researchers, evaluators and managers. The nation’s Indian Health Service (IHS) covers epidemiology research and comprehensive health services at its headquarters and 12 more divisions spread across the country.
  • Together, the IHS and tribes operate more than 150 hospitals and clinics. This creates a large demand for well-coordinated and culturally appropriate public health programming, research and policy development. With such an enormous scope, experts in resource development also are in high demand.

Work with Acclaimed Indigenous Health Scholars

The Indigenous scholars at UND are unprecedented in their education, years of experience, scholarship and diversity. They include:

What built here is unprecedented. Nothing like this exists in the world.Dr. Donald Warne

Indigenous Health Ph.D. at UND

  • Choose either the academic or applied track. The first for those who want to lead at a university, and the second for those seeking careers within Indigenous communities.

  • Students must complete a dissertation. UND anticipates all will have publish-ready material. Our dedicated faculty will help students find opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences.

  • Students can live anywhere while they earn their doctorate. Curriculum is available online with interactive video and requires two weeklong on-site sessions.

  • Grow your network by joining national and international Indigenous Health organizations

  • Study abroad with partnering universities in Norway, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.

  • Conduct research at our Indigenous Trauma & Resilience Research Center or American Indian Collaborative Research Network (AICoRN).

Indigenous Health Ph.D. Careers

84k

Median annual salary for postsecondary teachers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

101k

Median annual salary for medical scientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

UND's Indigenous Health Ph.D. is a highly specialized and comprehensive program that equips graduates to address the unique health challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Career opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Health policy analysts examine the policy landscape affecting Indigenous health. They advocate for evidence-based policies and work to address disparities in healthcare access and quality.
  • Health program administrators manage and lead healthcare initiatives, ensuring that programs and services are efficient and responsive to the needs of Indigenous populations.
  • Health program evaluators assess the effectiveness of health initiatives and interventions within Indigenous communities. Their work helps refine and optimize healthcare programs and services.
  • Health researchers contribute to advancing our understanding of health issues specific to Indigenous populations. Their research can inform evidence-based solutions and policies.
  • Indigenous health consultants offer specialized expertise and guidance to organizations and government agencies working with Indigenous communities. They ensure that health initiatives are culturally sensitive and effective.
  • Nonprofit administrators navigate the complex landscape of funding, advocacy, and program management.
  • Public health officers play a key role in addressing health issues at a broader level. They work with government agencies, non-profits, and communities to develop and implement public health strategies.
  • Tribal health directors oversee healthcare services on tribal lands. They are responsible for the planning, administration, and coordination of healthcare programs.
  • University and tribal college faculty educate the next generation of Indigenous health professionals and researchers.

Indigenous Health Ph.D. Courses

IH 781. Principles of Indigenous Health 1. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide students with a critical understanding Indigenous health with local and global perspectives provided. The course will specifically explore both traditional perspectives and cutting edge fields of Indigenous health including traditional healing systems, cultural safety, Indigenous food systems, Indigenous data, Indigenous research methodologies and evaluation processes, plus decolonizing narratives while defining the impact of colonization and health disparities in communities. We will utilize a strengths-based approach in our understandings of Indigenous concepts of health and healing, and ways of moving forward towards greater health equity. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Indigenous Health PhD degree program or consent from instructor. F.

IH 765. Indigenous Research Methods. 3 Credits.

The goal of this course is to introduce the use of Indigenous Research Methods and case studies from around the world to demonstrate the specific methodologies that are appropriate for the transformative paradigm of research and the historical and cultural traditions of Indigenous populations. This course is a culminating course in the PhD curriculum and will provide preparation for dissertation and portfolio development. Prerequisite: Successful completion of IH 762 and IH 763, enrollment in Indigenous Health PhD degree program or consent from instructor. SS.

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 primarily on Indigenous public health evaluation principles utilizing the American Indian Higher Education Consortium's Indigenous Evaluation Framework. The Indigenous Evaluation Framework utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods, measuring experiences over time, and looks at what Indigenous communities have done and are doing from multiple perspectives including individual and communal experiences. The Indigenous evaluation process will be guided by key principles in the framework. Prerequisite: Successful completion of IH 760, enrollment in Indigenous Health PhD degree program, or consent from instructor. F.

IH 784. Indigenous Health Policy. 3 Credits.

In this course, we will describe Indigenous health disparities, health systems, and policies in terms of their impact on Indigenous health internationally. We will focus on how national health systems engage, or do not engage, Indigenous peoples, as well as analyzing how health policy has an impact on Indigenous health status. The course is divided into several modules to assess specific nations' health systems, Indigenous health disparities, Indigenous approaches to policy development, and promising practices in Indigenous health policy. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PH 583 or IH 783, enrollment in Indigenous Health PhD degree program, or consent from instructor. F.

IH 745. Indigenous Leadership & Ethics. 3 Credits.

Indigenous peoples and communities need to be at the heart of the leadership framework, including: Social innovation, research and policy development; Land, culture, arts and language are vital for healthy communities and economies Indigenous self-determination for a mutually beneficial relationship among populations; and Indigenous values, including humility, as a basis for Indigenous leadership practice. In this course students will 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. As society becomes increasingly globalized and diverse, there is a growing need for state/provincial, federal/national and international awareness in organizations regarding the impact that diverse perspectives have on leadership practice. Prerequisite: Enrollment in Indigenous Health PhD degree program or consent from instructor. F.

Indigenous Health Ph.D. UND

Best Online Health Ph.D.

UND's doctorate in indigenous health consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

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Online Indigenous Health Ph.D.

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#1

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Live Online Classes

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture.
  • Ask questions.
  • Participate in class discussions.
  • Conduct group activities.
  • Participate in video-sharing.
  • Have chat conversations.
  • Use interactive whiteboards.
  • Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

Top-Tier Online Ph.D. in Indigenous Health

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

 

Leaders in Indigenous Health

We were the first Indigenous health program in the world.

Gain a deeper understanding of the unique health issues facing Indigenous populations at UND.

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Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

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