PhD in Native American Studies - Second Language Acquisition in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The Graduate Group in Native American Studies takes an interdisciplinary, hemispheric perspective, examining the growing diaspora of Indigenous communities across the Americas while centering Indigenous knowledge systems to tackle issues affecting Native populations. The program explores diverse subjects such as history, spiritual traditions, political systems, social structures, linguistic studies, and community-led initiatives for self-governance. It also addresses historical colonialism, systemic racism, cultural preservation, and sovereignty movements. Both master's and doctoral candidates gain hands-on teaching experience through assistantships and instructor roles.

The Designated Emphasis (DE) equips PhD candidates with theoretical frameworks and practical methodologies for language learning and technology-enhanced instruction. By deepening their comprehension of second language acquisition processes, graduate students enhance the quality of undergraduate language education. Completion of the DE program substantially improves career opportunities in foreign language education and English as a Second Language teaching fields.