The Department of Indigenous Studies offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. These programs provide the opportunity to engage extensively in Indigenous Studies scholarship and work with nationally- and internationally-renowned scholars.

Master’s Degree

1. A four-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
2. A cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g. 60 credit units)
3. Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and research
4. Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English

PhD Degree

1. A Master’s degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
2. A cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the Master’s degree
3. Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and research
4. Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English

• Minimum Admission Requirements

Master’s Degree

A minimum of 18 credit units in course work, which must include the following credit and non-credit courses:

• INDG 802.3 Applied Indigenous Studies Research Methods
• INDG 803.3 Theoretical Issues in Indigenous Studies
• INDG 990.0 Seminar  (for one year)
• INDG 994.0 MA Thesis Research – Masters students must maintain continuous registration in the 994 course
• GPS 960.0 Introduction to Ethics and Integrity
• GPS 961.0 Ethics and Integrity in Human Research (if applicable)
• GPS 962.0 Ethics and Integrity in Animal Research (if applicable)

PhD Degree

A minimum* of 12 credit units of course work, which must include the following credit and non-credit courses:

• INDG 802.3 Applied Indigenous Studies Research Methods
• INDG 803.3 Theoretical Issues in Indigenous Studies
• A minimum of 3 credit units in one of the following areas:
  • Governance
  • Development
  • Gender
  • History, Language, Culture
• 3 credit units in INDG or another discipline as approved by the student’s advisory committee
• INDG 990.0 Seminar  (for one year)
• INDG 996.0 PhD Thesis Research - Doctoral students must maintain continuous registration in the 996 course
• GPS 960.0 Introduction to Ethics and Integrity
• GPS 961.0 Ethics and Integrity in Human Research (if applicable)
• GPS 962.0 Ethics and Integrity in Animal Research (if applicable)

*Students entering the program with degrees outside the discipline of Indigenous Studies may be required to complete additional coursework and/or a qualifying exam.

Qualifying Exam (if applicable)

Language Requirement (contact Department for details)

• Admission Requirement

Applications are due by January 15 for programs beginning the following September. Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

1) Complete the online application on the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

You will need to have ready:

• The names and email addresses of your referees.
• Your educational history from all post-secondary institutions you have attended.
• Visa or MasterCard for online payment of $120 application fee. This payment is non-refundable and processing of an application will not be done prior to the payment being received.

2) Once the $120 application fee has been paid you will be able to upload your application package containing the following:

• A writing sample
• Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended (official transcripts will only be required if a student is admitted to the program)
• A two-page statement/letter of intent outlining:
  • Your proposed area of research;
  • A summary of your research plan;
  • The Indigenous Studies faculty member that you would like to supervise your project and the reasons why you want them as a supervisor;
  • Other potential committee members in the Department of Indigenous Studies or at the University of Saskatchewan;
  • Graduate courses that you plan to enroll in; and,
  • Financial support secured and/or applied for.

• How to Apply

Terms of Reference:

Travel and Research Awards are generally reserved for Indigenous Studies graduate and honours students to support travel to diseminate their research at conferences and community events related to Indigenous Studies, and in some cases, to support research travel.

Some special case undergraduate applications will also be considered.

Awards are adjudicated three times per year*: once in the fall semester, once in the winter, and once in the Spring/Summer for travel that falls within these time periods.  (Fall: travel from September 1-December 31; Winter: January 1-April 30; Spring/Summer: May 1-August 31)

Application Deadlines:

• Fall Term: September 30
• Winter Term: January 31
• Spring/Summer Term: May 31

Eligibility:

1. Student must be enrolled in the Indigenous Studies Graduate Program; or must be an undergraduate student majoring in Indigenous Studies.
2. Student must use the funds to travel to a conference to present research, attend a conference for professional development, or to conduct graduate research.
3. Student must submit a completed application package before the deadline in the semester in which travel will take place.  This packages includes:
   1. The Application for Travel and Research Award form;
   2. A current, unofficial transscript;
   3. The student's conference proposal and letter of acceptance from the conference organizer (if presenting research) or a letter from the student explaining the purpose and relevance of travel with details about research plans or professional development.
4. Awards may be paid before or after travel takes place.  In each case, the student must be registered in their program in the term they receive payment.
5. The student must inform the department of travel cancellations.  In the event that the award has been pre-paid the student will have to reimburse the Department for the total amount of the award.