Navajo Technical University has become the first among more than 30 accredited tribal colleges and universities in the U.S. to offer an accredited doctoral program in Diné culture and language sustainability. The program has already received 20 applications for the inaugural class. The curriculum will include community-based research and internships so that students gain practical experience that they can apply in the real world. The hope is that this program will inspire other tribal colleges and universities to create similar programs. The university believes that the program will train leaders who can advocate for their communities in various areas such as education, land management, business, technology, and health care. As students earn doctoral degrees, they will be even better equipped to tackle problems in their communities.
Navajo Technical University has become the first among more than 30 accredited tribal colleges and universities in the U.S. to offer an accredited doctoral program. The program at the university, which is located on the largest Native American reservation in the U.S., will focus on sustaining Diné culture and language. Diné means “the people” in Navajo, and it is what tribal members commonly call themselves.
Navajo Tech President Elmer Guy said the program is expected to have a profound impact on the future of the tribe’s language and culture. The program, in which students will receive a Ph.D. in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability, is already accepting applications for the fall semester.
Guy explained that the aim of the program is to create employment opportunities and effect change for Navajo communities on the reservation, which stretches into New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. He said he believes making the program more meaningful will encourage people to take an interest in it.
The program marks a significant milestone for Navajo Tech, which already offers more than 30 degree and certificate programs spanning science, technology, engineering, business, and liberal arts. A celebration is planned on the Crownpoint campus in western New Mexico in April to mark the occasion.
The Navajo Technical University’s doctoral program on Diné culture and language sustainability has already received 20 applications, with only five spots available for the inaugural class. The program, developed with the help of tribal elders, university professors, and linguistic experts, will feature community-based research and internships so that students gain practical experience. The hope is that this program will inspire other tribal colleges and universities to create similar programs.
Navajo Tech President Elmer Guy believes that the program will train leaders who can advocate for their communities in various areas such as education, land management, business, technology, and health care. The university has already made significant strides in addressing community needs, such as training court reporters to document Navajo testimony and translators to assist with reading ballots during elections.
As students earn doctoral degrees, Guy believes they will be even better equipped to tackle problems in their communities. He said the university’s job is to give students the tools they need to succeed.
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