Dr. Warne teaching Indigenous Health students

Indigenous Health Ph.D.

Your hard work can help close the health gap between 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

Our program is the first of its kind in the world, in which students will gain skills and knowledge from our program faculty who combine for nearly 100 years of public and community health experience. 

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, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

101k

Median annual salary for medical scientists, 2024

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 three-credit course is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of Indigenous health principles. The course will explore traditional and modern aspects of Indigenous health, including traditional healing systems, cultural safety, Indigenous food systems, Indigenous data, research methodologies and evaluation processes, and decolonizing narratives. The focus will be on understanding the impact of colonization and health disparities in communities while utilizing a strengths-based approach to understanding Indigenous concepts of health and healing. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Indigenous Health PhD degree program or consent from instructor. F.

IH 765. Indigenous Research Methods. 3 Credits.

This culminating doctoral-level course prepares students to design and conduct research using decolonizing approaches rooted in Indigenous research paradigms. Students will engage deeply with Indigenous ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology to inform their scholarly practice. Students will draw upon their positionalities, cultural knowledge systems, traditions, oral histories, and ancestral teachings to inform and construct a conceptual framework for their research. Emphasis is placed on integrating ethical principles in Indigenous research including research and data sovereignty, relationality, relational accountability, reciprocity, responsibility, among others, into transformative research design. 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.

This doctoral-level course examines Indigenous approaches to public health program evaluation, emphasizing community ownership, cultural responsiveness, and alignment with traditional values. Building on widely accepted public health evaluation models, the course centers on the American Indian Higher Education Consortium's Indigenous Evaluation Framework. Students will explore how this framework integrates qualitative and quantitative methods, measures experiences over time, and captures outcomes from multiple perspectives, including individual and community levels. Through critical engagement with key principles of the framework, learners will develop skills to design and conduct evaluations that honor Indigenous knowledge systems and advance community priorities. 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.

This doctoral-level course investigates international Indigenous health systems, disparities, and policy frameworks. Students will evaluate how national and global health policies engage-or exclude-Indigenous peoples and assess their impacts on Indigenous health outcomes. The course emphasizes comparative analysis of policy approaches, Indigenous-led frameworks, and promising strategies for advancing health equity and sovereignty globally. 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.

This doctoral-level course explores Indigenous leadership and ethics within public health, organizational, and community contexts. Students will critically examine leadership, organizational, and change theories alongside Indigenous leadership frameworks, emphasizing the centrality of land, culture, language, and self-determination. The course highlights Indigenous perspectives on bioethics and research ethics and prepares students to lead ethically and innovatively in diverse, globalized contexts. 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.

10 Fastest Phd Programs Community Health Promotion & Education

Online Indigenous Health Ph.D.

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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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