Announcements
Navajo Technical University Announces First Accredited PhD Program at a Tribal College or University
- Details
Crownpoint, NM - Navajo Technical University (NTU) is proud to announce the launch of its first accredited PhD program, Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability. This program is the first of its kind at a Tribal College or University and is designed to promote cultural sustainability and language revitalization among the Navajo Nation and Indigenous peoples.
The program will provide doctoral-level training in the theory, practice, and research of Diné culture and language sustainability. It will integrate traditional Diné knowledge and western research methodologies to develop culturally-responsive practices that promote the vitality and resilience of Diné language and culture.
"This is an exciting milestone for Navajo Technical University and the Navajo Nation," said Elmer Guy, president of Navajo Technical University. "We are proud to be the first Tribal College or University to offer a PhD program, and we believe that this program will have a profound impact on the future of Diné language and culture. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our people and our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come."
The program will be delivered in collaboration with other academic institutions and community partners, and will be tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of Diné communities. It will offer research and experiential learning opportunities, such as community-based participatory research and internships, to ensure that students gain practical experience and apply their knowledge to real-world issues.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability program aligns with the university’s mission to promote self-determination and empower students to become leaders in their communities. It also supports the Navajo Nation’s efforts to revitalize its language and culture, which is critical for maintaining the Navajo way of life and preserving Indigenous knowledge systems.
"We believe that this program will have a profound impact on the Navajo Nation and Indigenous peoples across the world," said Dr. Elmer Guy, President of Navajo Technical University. "It will provide a platform for Indigenous scholars to lead the conversation on cultural sustainability and language revitalization, and we hope that it will inspire other institutions to follow in our footsteps."
The program will be accepting applications for the Fall 2023 semester, and will be open to students from across the United States and internationally. For more information on the Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability program, visit the NTU website at www.navajotech.edu.
About Navajo Technical University:
Navajo Technical University is a public university located in Crownpoint, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. Founded in 1979, NTU is committed to providing a quality education that promotes self-determination, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. NTU offers over 30 degree and certificate programs in areas such as science, technology, engineering, math, business, and the liberal arts.
Key Program Details:
Program Name: Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability
Program Duration: 4-5 years
Program Type: Residential, Full-time
Program Delivery: Blended, Online, and On-campus
Program Credits: 66 credit hours
Program Professors: Dr. Franklin Sage, Ph.D. f.sage@navajotech.edu and Siri Tuttle, Ph.D. s.tuttle@navajotech.edu
Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Start Date: Fall 2023
Why this Program is important:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability program is designed to address the critical need for cultural sustainability and language revitalization among the Navajo Nation and Indigenous peoples. The program’s unique blend of traditional Diné knowledge and western research methodologies will empower students to develop culturally-responsive practices that promote the vitality and resilience of Diné language and culture. By providing doctoral-level training in the theory, practice, and research of Diné culture and language sustainability, the program will equip students with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in their communities and inspire positive change on a global scale.
Impact on the Navajo Nation and Indigenous Peoples:
The launch of this program at Navajo Technical University has significant implications for the Navajo Nation and Indigenous peoples around the world. The program is the first of its kind at a Tribal College or University and represents a major step forward in promoting cultural sustainability and language revitalization among Indigenous communities. The program aligns with the Navajo Nation’s efforts to revitalize its language and culture, which is critical for maintaining the Navajo way of life and preserving Indigenous knowledge systems. It also supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their distinct cultural practices and traditions.
- Details
