phd from international university

Offered by the School of International Service   , the International Relations (PhD) program enables students to produce knowledge for careers in university teaching and research, government, and non-governmental organizations both in the United States and internationally. The curriculum provides training in international relations that is both multi-disciplinary and policy-relevant. The core courses in international relations, comparative social theory, comparative and regional studies, and methodology provide a foundation that allows students considerable flexibility to pursue additional coursework, research, and writing in international affairs. Major emphasis is placed on research and all students are required to successfully defend an original dissertation of their own design that makes a contribution to knowledge in their chosen area. In addition to completing the dissertation, students are encouraged to present conference papers, engage in collaborative work with faculty members, and submit articles to refereed journals.

Admission to the Program

Applicants for the PhD degree program must hold an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree, or its equivalent, in a field related to international relations. Applicants must have a prior cumulative grade point average that is substantially above B (3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale) for coursework relevant to international relations.

The program is designed for study on a full-time basis. Applicants for the PhD degree are considered and admitted only for the fall semester each year. The school does not permit students to begin their doctoral work in the spring. Deferral of matriculation in the PhD program is not permitted. In order to be considered for fall admission, applications and all supporting materials must reach the SIS Graduate Admissions Office no later than December 15.

All applicants are required to submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Non-native English speakers are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) unless they hold a degree from a US-accredited institution before enrollment at SIS. The minimum TOEFL score for full admissions consideration is 100 on the Internet-based test (iBT) or 600 on the paper-based test (PBT). The minimum IELTS score is 7.0. Applicants should plan to take the appropriate test well in advance of the December 15 deadline.

All applicants must submit at least three letters of reference which evaluate their suitability for undertaking doctoral study in international relations. At least one of those letters must assess their academic performance. Cultural factors are considered in making admissions decisions and in evaluating transcripts and examination results.

Doctoral students may transfer up to 6 credit hours of previous graduate coursework earned at accredited institutions with a minimum grade of B in each course. Such credits must have been earned within five years of admission and must be relevant to a student’s program of study. Requests for transfer of graduate credit are considered during the student’s first term.

Degree Requirements

• 39 credit hours of approved graduate work
• Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA in all graduate work is required to remain in good academic standing and to earn the degree
• Proficiency in a modern foreign language: Research competence in English and another modern foreign language relevant to the student’s career objectives must be certified
• The first or qualifying examination is normally taken at the end of the first year. The qualifying exam requires the demonstration of competency in theoretical, epistemological, and methodological literature and issues in international relations, comparative social theory, and comparative and regional studies. These areas are addressed in the core seminars that students normally complete during their first year of residence, although the scope of the examination is not limited to topics covered in the seminars
• A second examination, the Field Comprehensive Examination, is in a student’s chosen field of specialization. This Comprehensive Field Examination is a scholarly paper in which students must demonstrate knowledge of the scholarly literature related to a research question approved by their Field Concentration Chair. With the permission of the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies and the advice of at least three qualified scholars, the student may also construct a special field
• The SIS Director of Doctoral Studies chairs the prospectus defense. The examiners also include the student’s dissertation committee, which is comprised of a minimum of three members, one of whom serves as chair and as the primary supervisor of the dissertation research. It is the responsibility of the student to secure the agreement of a full-time tenured member of the School of International Service faculty to serve as the chair of his or her dissertation committee. At least two members of the dissertation committee must be full-time, tenure-line members of the American University faculty. The members of the committee must be approved by the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies and the American University Doctoral Council
• Students are normally expected to complete their prospectus defense no later than the end of the sixth semester after entering the program. For details on scheduling comprehensive examinations and examination procedures, consult the director of the PhD program or the SIS Graduate Office
• Advancement to candidacy: To be advanced to candidacy, students must remedy any deficiencies specified at the time of admission, complete all graduate work, be certified as proficient in a modern foreign language in addition to English, have passed their written and oral examinations, have submitted certification of completion of Responsible Conduct of Research training, and have successfully defended their dissertation prospectus
• Students must present a completed draft of their dissertation for defense. They are responsible for ensuring that the final draft of their dissertation meet university style requirements. Dissertations must be approved by the dean of the School of International Service
• Statute of limitations: American University’s academic regulations provide that all graduate work for the doctorate must be completed in no more than nine years after the date of first enrollment as doctoral student. Prior to the expiration of that time limit, a student may petition for an extension of candidacy. Under compelling circumstances, students may apply for one-year extensions beyond the expected time to degree, with a maximum of three extensions. Students must petition the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies for each one-year extension; each extension must also be approved by the SIS Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Graduate Education and the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Research

Course Requirements

Core theory (12 credit hours).

• SIS-801 Schools of Thought in International Relations (3)
• SIS-802 Comparative and Regional Studies (3)
• SIS-803 Advanced Seminar in International Relations (3)
• SIS-804 Social Theory in Comparative and International Perspective (3)

Social Science Research Methodology (15 credit hours)

• SIS-806 Quantitative Methods in International Relations (3)
• SIS-807 Qualitative Methods in International Relations (3)
• SIS-808 Politics and Policy Making in International Relations (3)
• SIS-810 Research Design (3)
• SIS-811 Dissertation Development Workshop (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours)

Note: Specific course requirements as well as additional preparation for the field examinations are determined by each field.

• Development Studies
• Global Environment
• Global Governance and International Organizations
• Peace and Conflict Resolution
• Security and Political Violence
• Technology, Security, and Social Change
• United States Foreign Policy

Electives (3 credit hours)

• 3 credit hours from coursework relevant to a student’s program of study and approved by the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies

Research and Writing Requirement

• A student is required to maintain full-time status until they successfully defend a dissertation. Upon advance to candidacy, a student maintains enrollment status by registering for SIS-899 Doctoral Dissertation (9)   . For each semester, up to 9 credit hours of SIS-899    is priced at the equivalent of one graduate credit hour

Graduate School

Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

General information, program offerings:.

• Joint Degree

Director of Graduate Studies:

Graduate program administrator:.

The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) offers a distinctive curriculum that strikes a careful balance between theory and practice. Graduate students spend time developing analytical skills and acquiring a substantive knowledge about the world's most important domestic and international issues.

The School has a diverse faculty representing a wide range of disciplines and expertise, with 20 affiliated research centers and programs.

The School's resources enable students to earn graduate degrees without incurring indebtedness, thereby making it more feasible to pursue careers of public service in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Graduate Programs

The principal graduate program of the school is a two-year curriculum leading to the degree of Master in Public Affairs (M.P.A.). Students can earn a dual degree in public affairs and law (M.P.A./J.D.) after four years of study at SPIA  and a collaborating law school. The School also offers a dual degree in business (M.P.A./M.B.A) with the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. 

The School also has a graduate program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in public and international affairs, as well as a one-year Master in Public Policy (M.P.P.) for mid-career professionals.

Additional departmental requirements

Ph.D. – sample of written work, 25 page maximum. Applicants are required to select an academic subplan when applying.

M.P.A. – Course list. 4 page policy memo. Applicants are required to select a field when applying.

M.P.A. – J.D. – Course list. 4 page policy memo. 2 page joint degree statement. Applicants are required to select a field when applying.

M.P.A. - M.B.A. – Course list. 4 page policy memo. 2 page joint degree statement. Applicants are required to select a field when applying.

M.P.P. – 4 page policy memo. Applicants are required to select a field when applying. Mid-career professionals are required to have a minimum of 7 years’ experience.

M.P.A. and M.P.P. - Must have 3 letters of recommendation: preference for 1 professional letter, 1 academic reference letter, and 1 letter from a faculty member, administrator, or professional who can comment on the applicant's commitment to public service.

Program Offerings

Program offering: ph.d., program description.

The purpose of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs' doctoral program is to train top-quality researchers in critical areas of public policy.  It offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs in two research clusters: Security Studies; and Science, Technology and Environmental Policy (STEP).  The goal is to enroll eight students per year in the program, with four in each research cluster.

Core courses and individual requirements are determined by the faculty in each cluster. Both clusters require advanced politics and econometrics training for social science research.  A student in the STEP cluster must take at least eight courses in the first two years, and a minimum of three courses must come from within SPIA or from science or engineering departments, selected with approval of the primary adviser and the faculty coordinator of the STEP Ph.D. cluster.  A student in the Security cluster takes 12 courses during the first two years.  All students are required to maintain an overall grade average of 85 (B) or higher to remain in the Ph.D. program.  Full requirements are available on the SPIA website.

Additional pre-generals requirements

Writing Requirement

Students are required to complete an original research paper of publishable quality.

General exam

The examination covers two fields identified by the student in consultation with a faculty committee and includes two written components.  Students in both clusters may be required to complete an oral examination, depending on their performance on the written components. Students are expected to complete all parts of the general examination by the end of the second year.

Qualifying for the M.A.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully completes all coursework and the general examination.  It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that the M.A. requirements have been met.

A six-hour teaching assignment (precepting), usually following the general examination, is required.

Post-Generals requirements

A written research prospectus is required.

Dissertation and FPO

After a candidate successfully completes the general examination and defends the written prospectus, the Ph.D. program committee approves entry into the dissertation phase of the program.  

The student prepares a dissertation for review by the faculty. Departmental acceptance of the dissertation qualifies the candidate for the final public oral examination.  The Final Public Oral (FPO) examination is required by University regulations, and is conducted after the dissertation has been recommended for acceptance by the School.

The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the FPO examination completed.

Program Offering: M.P.A.

The Master in Public Affairs (M.P.A.) offers rigorous preparation for international and domestic policy careers.

This two-year, full-time residential program cultivates among its students and graduates a lasting commitment to public service.

Through its core curriculum and a wide variety of elective courses, students learn analytical skills that address the political, economic, quantitative, behavioral and normative aspects of complex policy problems. 

Each M.P.A. candidate selects a policy field in which to specialize from the school’s four fields of concentration: international relations, international development, domestic policy, and economics and public policy. Students may also earn a joint degree in public affairs and law (M.P.A./J.D.), or in public affairs and business (M.P.A./M.B.A.). Certificate programs offer additional areas of specialization in fields such as health policy; science, technology, and environmental policy (STEP); and urban policy.

Significant financial aid resources are dedicated to enable SPIA students the opportunity to receive graduate degrees without incurring loan indebtedness and to launch them into public service careers in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Students must complete 16 full-term courses in an approved plan of study, attaining an overall average in the 16 courses of 80 or better. The overall average includes actual grades in courses taken Pass/D/Fail. The curriculum of the M.P.A. program includes seven required core courses that address skills and techniques needed for the systematic study of public policy problems. The courses cover political analysis, quantitative methods, and economic and behavioral analysis. 

Additional requirements

Policy Workshops Graduate policy workshops are a unique part of the SPIA graduate curriculum.

Policy workshops provide students with an opportunity to use the analytical skills they have acquired in the first year in the program to analyze complex and challenging policy issues, usually for real clients. Each workshop consists of 8 - 10 students who work in teams to evaluate a policy challenge.

The workshops emphasize policy implementation, and it is this emphasis that distinguishes them from regular courses. The goal of the workshops is to understand a policy issue in great depth and to make policy recommendations that are both creative and realistic, given the relevant institutional and political constraints.

Policymaking in Diverse Societies half-term course All students must take at least one half-term course that focuses on policymaking in diverse societies during the two-year course of study.  A list of pre-approved courses will be made available to students each academic year.

Required summer course in Race, Power and Inequality  All students must take a summer course (SPI 500) Race, Power and Inequality which precedes all other core courses and is integrated into the four-week summer program. This is a for-credit half-term course, with mandatory PDF grading.

Integrated Policy Exercise (IPE) In late January, before spring semester courses begin, first-year M.P.A. students are required to take part in a policy project called the Integrated Policy Exercise, or IPE.

The IPE requires students to apply the skills they acquired in the fall term core courses. They are given briefing materials to review in advance and are then required to submit a comprehensive memo in response to a set of specific policy questions. The IPE is a trial run for the first-year qualifying examination (QE1).

Qualifying Examination 1 (QE1) In late April/early May, at the end of the second semester, students are required to take the QE1, a graded exercise that closely parallels the IPE.

The QE1 requires an integrated use of all the analytical skills acquired in the first-year core curriculum.

Qualifying Examination 2 (QE2) Second-year students are required to take and pass a second qualifying exam (QE2) in their chosen field of concentration at the end of the second year.

Internship Students must successfully complete an internship approved by the Internship Committee.

Program Offering: M.P.P.

The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs offers a one-year Master in Public Policy (M.P.P.) degree for mid-career professionals who are rising leaders in international and domestic public policy.  This residential program is designed for mid-career professionals with seven or more years of public service experience in government agencies or nonprofit organizations in the United States and abroad.

The M.P.P. program provides rigorous training in economic, behavioral, political, and organizational analysis. Students may also choose to specialize and earn a certificate in one of the following: health and health policy (HHP); science, technology, and environmental policy (STEP); or urban policy (UP).

To qualify for the degree, M.P.P. candidates must successfully complete eight courses.

A typical M.P.P. program of study will include a specialization in one of the school’s four fields of concentration:

• International Relations
• International Development
• Domestic Policy
• Economics and Public Policy

All M.P.P. students begin with a six-week summer program that includes intensive courses in microeconomics and statistics, and a policy analysis and leadership seminar.

The summer program is designed to enhance students’ preparation for graduate-level courses. The seminar aims to introduce them to the approaches they will encounter in SPIA courses during the academic year, while also helping them get to know their peers and refine their learning objectives for the year.

Program Offering: Joint Degree

Some students may wish to combine the School's program in public affairs with study for a degree in a related professional field.

A joint M.P.A.-J.D. degree program that combines public affairs with the study of law is offered in cooperation with the law schools of New York University, Columbia, Stanford, and Yale. On occasion, joint programs with other law schools have been approved by the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and the cooperating law school.

The joint program shortens the time involved in obtaining the two degrees and makes possible an effective combination of the several disciplines involved in public policy analysis. Participating students spend five semesters at the cooperating law school and three semesters at SPIA, thus reducing by two semesters the normal time required to earn the two degrees. Enrollment in the joint program requires a separate application and admission to each school.

For a small number of exceptionally strong candidates, the School will accept applications for a joint program that combines public and international affairs with the study of business administration. Proposals giving a detailed rationale for such a joint program must be submitted at the time of application. At this time, Stanford’s Graduate School of Business is the only cooperating business school. A joint degree programs will normally shorten by one semester the length of time required to complete each of the individual programs.

• Amaney A. Jamal
• David S. Wilcove (acting)

Director of Graduate Studies

• Denise L. Mauzerall

Director of Undergraduate Studies

• Susan L. Marquis
• Gary J. Bass
• Roland J. Benabou
• Alan S. Blinder
• Carles Boix
• Charles M. Cameron
• Miguel A. Centeno
• Christopher F. Chyba
• Janet M. Currie
• Rafaela M. Dancygier
• Pascaline Dupas
• Kathryn J. Edin
• Christopher L. Eisgruber
• Aaron L. Friedberg
• Filiz Garip
• Noreen Goldman
• Bryan T. Grenfell
• Gene M. Grossman
• G. John Ikenberry
• Harold James
• Seema Jayachandran
• Jennifer L. Jennings
• Henrik J. Kleven
• David S. Lee
• Frances E. Lee
• John B. Londregan
• Nolan McCarty
• Atif R. Mian
• Helen V. Milner
• Sanyu A. Mojola
• Eduardo Morales
• Andrew Moravcsik
• Layna Mosley
• Michael Oppenheimer
• Pietro Ortoleva
• Elizabeth L. Paluck
• Grigore Pop-Eleches
• Deborah A. Prentice
• Markus Prior
• Emily Pronin
• Stephen J. Redding
• Richard Rogerson
• Cecilia E. Rouse
• Kim Lane Scheppele
• Eldar Shafir
• Jacob N. Shapiro
• Patrick T. Sharkey
• Stacey A. Sinclair
• Paul E. Starr
• Zeynep Tufekci
• James Raymond Vreeland
• Keith A. Wailoo
• Leonard Wantchekon
• Mark W. Watson
• Elke U. Weber
• Ismail K. White
• Jennifer A. Widner
• David S. Wilcove
• Deborah J. Yashar
• Julian E. Zelizer
• Owen M. Zidar

Associate Professor

• Elizabeth M. Armstrong
• Alin I. Coman
• Thomas Fujiwara
• Alexander Glaser
• Adam M. Goldstein
• C. Jessica E. Metcalf
• Jonathan F. Mummolo
• Hye Young You

Assistant Professor

• Benjamin H. Bradlow
• Tanushree Goyal
• Naima N. Green-Riley
• John R. Grigsby
• Saad A. Gulzar
• Allan Hsiao
• Patricia A. Kirkland
• Aleksandra Korolova
• Jonathan Mayer
• Rebecca L. Perlman
• Karthik A. Sastry
• Maria Micaela Sviatschi
• Guadalupe Tuñón
• Andreas B. Wiedemann

Associated Faculty

• Alison E. Isenberg, History
• Guy J.P. Nordenson, Architecture

Lecturer with Rank of Professor

• Robert L. Hutchings
• Ethan Kapstein
• Stanley N. Katz
• W Bentley MacLeod

Professor of the Practice

• Heather H. Howard
• Alicia Adsera
• Frederick D. Barton
• Barbara C. Buckinx
• Andrew Buher
• Selene Campion
• Wendy Castillo
• Alan R. Chernoff
• Ramon J. Cruz Diaz
• Lauren Davis
• Lynda G. Dodd
• Kathleen Donnelly
• Darcie Draudt-Véjares
• Edward P. Freeland
• Varun Gauri
• Arbel Griner
• Jean B. Grossman
• William G. Guthe
• Razia Iqbal
• Gregory B. Jaczko
• Tessie Krishna
• Daniel C. Kurtzer
• John A. Maldonado
• Elliot J. Mamet
• Anastasia Mann
• Babak Manouchehrifar
• Carol L Martin
• Daniel J. Meuse
• Ashoka Mody
• Amal Mudallali
• Timothy J. Nelson
• Deborah N. Pearlstein
• Minh-Thu D. Pham
• Juan C. Pinzon
• Dafna H. Rand
• Etienne Rosas
• Kenneth Roth
• Timothy D. Searchinger
• Thomas A. Shannon
• Arian M. Sharifi
• Alyssa B. Sharkey
• Tsering Wangyal Shawa
• Sam van Noort

Visiting Professor

• Martin S. Flaherty

Visiting Associate Professor

• Alisa C. Lewin

Visiting Assistant Professor

• Melissa M. Valle

Visiting Lecturer

• Eduardo Bhatia
• Martha B. Coven
• Mickey Edwards
• David Ehrenberg
• Brian Kelly
• Robert Malley
• Steven Strauss
• Leonor Tomero

For a full list of faculty members and fellows please visit the department or program website.

Permanent Courses

Courses listed below are graduate-level courses that have been approved by the program’s faculty as well as the Curriculum Subcommittee of the Faculty Committee on the Graduate School as permanent course offerings. Permanent courses may be offered by the department or program on an ongoing basis, depending on curricular needs, scheduling requirements, and student interest. Not listed below are undergraduate courses and one-time-only graduate courses, which may be found for a specific term through the Registrar’s website. Also not listed are graduate-level independent reading and research courses, which may be approved by the Graduate School for individual students.

ENE 549 - Integrated Assessment Modeling for Climate Policy Making (also SPI 583)

Pol 506 - qualitative methods (also spi 595), pop 507 - generalized linear statistical models (also spi 509), spi 500 - race, power, and inequality, spi 501 - the politics of public policy, spi 502 - psychology for policy analysis and implementation, spi 503 - management of non-profit organizations, spi 504 - policy issues and analysis of civil society, non-profits, and philanthropy, spi 505 - financial management in the corporate and public sectors, spi 506 - the sociology of organizations, spi 507b - quantitative analysis for policymakers, spi 507c - quantitative analysis for policymakers (advanced), spi 508a - econometrics for policymakers: applications (half-term), spi 508b - econometrics for policymakers (half-term), spi 508c - econometrics for policymakers (advanced), spi 508d - econometrics and public policy (accelerated), spi 511b - microeconomic analysis for policymakers, spi 511c - microeconomic analysis for policymakers (advanced), spi 512b - macroeconomic analysis for policymakers, spi 512c - macroeconomic analysis for policymakers (advanced), spi 515b - program and policy evaluation, spi 515c - program and policy evaluation: impact evaluation tools, spi 519a - negotiation, persuasion and social influence: theory and practice (also psy 528a), spi 521 - domestic politics, spi 522 - microeconomic analysis of domestic policy, spi 523 - legal and regulatory policy toward markets, spi 524 - the political economy of central banking, spi 525 - public economics and public policy, spi 527a - topics in domestic policy, spi 527b - topics in domestic policy, spi 527c - topics in domestic policy, spi 527d - topics in domestic policy, spi 528a - topics in domestic policy, spi 528b - topics in domestic policy, spi 528c - topics in domestic policy, spi 528d - topics in domestic policy, spi 528f - topics in domestic policy, spi 528g - topics in domestic policy, spi 529 - great leadership in historical perspective, spi 530 - values based leadership, spi 531 - identity, power, and policy, spi 533 - planning theory and process (also arc 535), spi 534 - land use policy and planning, spi 535 - planning methods, spi 537 - urban inequality and social policy (also soc 537), spi 538 - urban economics, spi 539 - urban politics and policymaking, spi 540 - urbanization and development, spi 541 - international politics, spi 542 - international economics, spi 543 - international trade policy, spi 544 - international macroeconomics, spi 547 - the conduct of international diplomacy, spi 548 - weapons of mass destruction and international security, spi 549 - national security policy, spi 550 - phd gateway in security studies, spi 552 - the politics of globalization, spi 555a - topics in ir, spi 555b - topics in ir, spi 555c - topics in ir, spi 555d - topics in ir, spi 555e - topics in ir, spi 555f - topics in ir, spi 556a - topics in ir, spi 556b - topics in ir (also las 566/pol 564), spi 556c - topics in ir, spi 556d - topics in ir (also pol 522), spi 556e - topics in ir, spi 556f - topics in ir, spi 556g - topics in ir, spi 558 - human rights, spi 559 - the rule of law, spi 561 - the comparative political economy of development (also pol 523), spi 562b - economic analysis of development, spi 562c - economic analysis of development (advanced), spi 564 - poverty, inequality and health in the world (also pop 564), spi 565 - social determinants of health (also pop 565/soc 565), spi 566a - topics in health (also pop 566), spi 568 - economics of health in developing countries, spi 571 - topics in development, spi 571a - topics in development, spi 571b - topics in development, spi 571c - topics in development, spi 571d - topics in development, spi 572 - topics in development, spi 572a - topics in development, spi 572b - topics in development, spi 572c - topics in development, spi 574 - making government work, spi 576a - topics in regional and country studies, spi 576b - topics in regional and country studies, spi 581a - topics in economics, spi 581c - topics in economics, spi 582a - topics in economics, spi 582b - topics in economics, spi 582c - topics in economics, spi 582f - topics in economics, spi 585a - topics in step, spi 585b - topics in step, spi 585c - topics in step, spi 586a - topics in step, spi 586b - topics in step (also eeb 516), spi 586d - topics in step, spi 586e - topics in step, spi 586f - topics in step (also cos 586), spi 588 - extramural summer research project, spi 589 - methods in science, technology, and environmental policy, spi 590a - economic perspectives on inequality (half term), spi 590b - politics of inequality and redistribution (half-term) (also pol 598), spi 590c - sociological studies of inequality (half-term) (also soc 571), spi 590d - psychological studies of inequality (half-term) (also psy 590), spi 590s - workshop in social policy, spi 591 - policy workshops, spi 591a - policy workshop, spi 591b - policy workshop, spi 591c - policy workshop, spi 591d - policy workshop, spi 591e - policy workshop, spi 591f - policy workshop, spi 591g - policy workshop, spi 591h - policy workshop, spi 592 - policy workshops, spi 593 - policy analysis: selected topics (half-term), spi 593a - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593b - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593c - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593d - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593e - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also soc 585), spi 593f - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593g - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593h - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593i - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593j - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593k - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593l - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593m - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593n - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593o - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593p - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593q - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593r - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also pop 593r), spi 593s - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593t - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593z - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594 - policy analysis: selected topics (half-term), spi 594a - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594b - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594c - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also pop 594c), spi 594d - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594e - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594f - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594g - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594h - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594i - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594j - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594k - topics in policy analysis (half term), spi 594l - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594m - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594n - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594o - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594p - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594q - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594r - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594s - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594t - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also pop 594t), spi 594u - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594v - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594w - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594x - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594y - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also ene 594), spi 595b - phd seminar: qualitative research design (also pol 509), spi 597 - public policy approaches to health and health care, spi 598 - epidemiology (also pop 508), spi 599 - extramural public policy fellowship.

DPhil in International Relations

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The DPhil programme is a full-time programme of doctoral research in the academic study of International Relations with an expected length of three to four years of full-time study or six to eight years of part-time study. Note that the part-time option is not a distance-learning programme; part-time students are required to attend face-to-face teaching in Oxford on up to three separate days each week during term.

As a DPhil student you will be a member of a distinguished academic community that is renowned for its cutting-edge research and its intensive and individualised teaching and supervision. The programme has received the highest level of recognition in UK national and global assessment exercises. It is a community from which you will draw support and guidance but which will also learn from your own contribution to its work.

You will have rich opportunities for connecting with fellow-students, postdoctoral fellows, and temporary and permanent academic staff involved in disciplinary and cross-disciplinary research programmes. The department attracts many of the world’s leading figures in International Relations (IR) - as visiting scholars, speakers in the regular IR Colloquium, and participants in research conferences and workshops.

Doctoral students spend the first year of full-time study, or the first two years of part-time study, in the development of, and early work on, the thesis topic; in improving knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods; in attendance at relevant lectures, seminars and classes; and in preparing to transfer from Probationary Research Student (PRS - the status at which you will normally be admitted - see Assessment) to full DPhil status.

An academic supervisor will advise and guide you as you progress through the different stages of your doctoral research. In addition to work for your supervisor, you will be required to take a range of coursework. In the first term this includes: Research Design and Methods (RDM) in IR, Research Design, and introductory or intermediate statistics, as well as attendance at the regular IR DPhil Research Seminar which runs through the year and at which doctoral students present their work. In the second term students continue with RDM in IR and take one course in Formal Analysis, Causal Inference or Qualitative Methods. In the third term, there are a series of short, specialised methods courses. For part-time students, these coursework obligations are distributed across six terms.

Exemptions from particular elements of the coursework can be sought on the basis of previous training. Subsequent years are largely devoted to the development of the thesis project.

Doctoral theses will normally require substantial original research, often involving archives, fieldwork, interviewing or other forms of data generation and collection. For the doctoral degree the most crucial requirement is that the thesis makes a ‘significant and substantial contribution to the field of knowledge within which it falls’. There are many ways of achieving this.

The department is committed to the rigorous use of a plurality of methods. There are many different ways of conducting research for a thesis. Any or all may be valid in a given case, depending on the subject of the research and the questions addressed. Some theses may involve an analytical-descriptive attempt at understanding different events, perspectives and traditions of thought. Others may have a strong historiographical element - exploring, for example, the relation between events and ideas, or involving an original and expert use of sources. Others may involve advancing a hypothesis about a subject and then testing it with a range of qualitative and/or quantitative approaches. Apart from meeting the highest scholarly standards, there is no set template. There is also a strong and successful tradition of normative and critical work. Oxford IR seeks to combine the best of North American political science with deep engagement with the international relations of different parts of the world and with the history of different traditions of thought on the subject.

As a doctoral student of the department, you will have access to outstanding library and computing resources within the Social Sciences Division (of which the Department of Politics and IR is a major part), elsewhere in the University and, in most cases, in your college. The division runs network events to enable DPhil students to meet and network with their colleagues not only within politics and IR but with other social science disciplines.

As a part-time student you will be required to attend classes, seminars, supervision meetings and other obligations in Oxford for a minimum of thirty days each year. There will be limited flexibility in the dates and pattern of attendance. Attendance will be required during term-time at least one day each week throughout the first two years of your study on days determined by your class and seminar attendance and by your supervisor. Attendance will be required outside of term-time on dates to be determined by mutual agreement with your supervisor. You will be required to attend fieldwork and training sessions on dates to be determined by mutual agreement with your supervisor.

Successful completion of an Oxford DPhil requires an intense and sustained level of personal motivation and focus within a world-class research and teaching environment.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Politics and International Relations and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Supervisors are usually selected from the  academic staff  within the Department of Politics and International Relations. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Politics and International Relations. 

You will be assigned an academic supervisor who will advise and guide you as you progress through the different stages of your doctoral research. 

Applicants are admitted to the DPhil with Probationer Research Student (PRS) status. As a PRS, you will develop your research proposal and skills, complete a programme of assessed research methods coursework, and produce a draft section or sections of the thesis, in order to apply for the Transfer of Status that will end your probationary period as a research student. The Graduate Studies Committee will require satisfactory completion of this training programme as a condition of your change of status from PRS to DPhil.

Once you have been admitted to full DPhil status, you must achieve confirmation of that status by the end of your ninth term as a full-time doctoral student, or by the end of your eighteenth term as a part-time student. Once you have completed your thesis, you will be examined viva voce .

Graduate destinations

International Relations has an outstanding placement record. The largest group of DPhil students go on to careers in academia or research. Many move on to post-doctoral fellowships in the UK, continental Europe and North America. Our doctoral students have a distinguished history of winning thesis and other prizes and of publishing their work in leading journals and with major university presses. The universities at which IR graduates have gained academic positions over recent years include: ANU, McGill, Waterloo, Sciences Po, Amsterdam, Groningen, The Graduate Institute Geneva, SAIS/JHU, ETH Zürich, The New School, Swarthmore, LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, King’s College London, University College London, Queen Mary London, St Andrews, Exeter, Reading, Warwick, PUC Santiago, and FGV São Paulo. Oxford IR DPhils also work at all levels in many of world’s leading think-tanks and research institutes in Europe and North America but also in Brazil, South Africa, and Singapore. Others still have moved to achieve leading positions in the policy and political world. The department runs regular courses on professional training, including on interviews, research grant applications and academic publishing.

DPIR is committed to engaging with its alumni community , through its Inspires alumni email newsletter and Alumni Career Conversations series of online talks. 

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a master’s degree at distinction level  in international relations, or in a closely related discipline that has prepared you to undertake advanced graduate research on your chosen thesis topic;  and
• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in politics or international relations, or in a related discipline such as economics, history, philosophy, sociology or law.

Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a record of academic performance at first-class and/or distinction level.

Applicants without a master’s qualification will not normally be admitted for doctoral study.

Each application will be assessed upon its own merits, and candidates with a degree in an unrelated discipline should demonstrate the relevance of their academic background to their proposed subject or topic of study.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Research or work experience that is relevant to your proposed study may provide further evidence of your academic potential.
• Publications are not expected, but a peer-reviewed publication in international relations or an allied discipline may be taken as  prima facie  evidence of aptitude for research.

Part-time applicants

Part-time applicants will also be expected to show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and, if applicable, an employer's commitment to make time available to study, to complete coursework, and attend course and University events and modules in Oxford. Where appropriate, evidence should also be provided of permission to use employers’ data in the proposed research project. As a probationer research student, coursework requirements will necessitate attendance in Oxford for at least one day per week during full-term. It is therefore likely that part-time students are either already resident in Oxford or will live within commuting distance of the city, such as via the strong transport links along the M4 corridor and between major cities to the north (including Birmingham) and south (including Southampton).

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Initiatives to improve access to graduate study

This course is taking part in a continuing pilot programme to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, in order to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly.

For this course, socio-economic data (where it has been provided in the application form) will be used to contextualise applications at the different stages of the selection process.  Further information about how we use your socio-economic data  can be found in our page about initiatives to improve access to graduate study.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

The DPIR provides a stimulating research environment in which you can pursue your interests beyond the formal demands of the syllabus.

Many of the academic staff who teach on the graduate programmes also organise extracurricular research seminars for graduate students, such as, the International Relations Research.

The DPIR also hosts a wide range of research centres and programmes which actively seek to develop collaborative research activity via conferences, workshops and other academic events, and which include graduate students in their activities.

Research centres provide opportunities for you to present your own work in research seminar series and at conferences in the department and beyond. The research centres have an established and popular visitors’ programme which has allowed many scholars of international repute to participate in the DPIR’s research activities.

At Oxford you have access to an extensive range of libraries, books, journals, online resources, manuscripts and more. The Bodleian Libraries is the main library service supporting the University of Oxford. The Bodleian Libraries include the Bodleian Library, which has been a library of legal deposit for 400 years, as well as the Bodleian Social Science Library . This is located on the ground floor of the Manor Road Building and houses the main collection for Politics and International Relations alongside a wide range of other social sciences resources.

SOLO (Search Oxford Libraries Online)   is the search engine for all library collections across the university. It provides access to information in over 100 libraries including college and departmental libraries as well as the Bodleian Libraries. Your Single Sign-On offers easy access to subscription resources through SOLO. The Politics and International Relations subject guide provides up-to-date advice and the contact details of your Subject Librarian for further support.

Politics and International Relations

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) at Oxford is an internationally-renowned centre of excellence for teaching and research.

The study of these disciplines at Oxford has a long and distinguished history and the DPIR is now one of the largest in the field in the UK. DPIR is ranked first for research overall in the most recent THES global university rankings for Politics and International Studies and second in the 2023 QS World University Rankings.

The department's large community of academic staff work in research areas that extend in geographical scope across the globe, cover both historical and contemporary sources, and address technical, practical, and philosophical problems in networks that extend beyond the DPIR to other departments, universities, and global and local organisations.  

Graduate students have access to an unrivalled range of expertise and activity in the fields of government and politics, political theory, and international studies. Teaching is based on the most rigorous contemporary scholarship and students are trained in the highest standards of critical analysis, and in the understanding and use of rigorous research methods and techniques. The department’s graduate courses include both taught master's degrees (one-year research preparation MSc and two-year MPhil) and three- to four-year doctoral research degrees (DPhil). However, all taught degrees involve a research element, and all research degrees will involve some taught components, including quantitative and qualitative research methods. The DPIR graduate community currently numbers just over 300, with 150 students studying the taught courses and around 170 undertaking doctoral research.

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Full-time study.

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Part-time study

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel and vaccination expenses, conference attendance, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs.

Please note that you are required to attend in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year, and you may incur additional travel and accommodation expenses for this. Also, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur further additional expenses, such as travel and vaccination expenses, conference attendance, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

If you are studying part-time your living costs may vary depending on your personal circumstances but you must still ensure that you will have sufficient funding to meet these costs for the duration of your course.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students for full-time study on this course:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Exeter College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• New College
• Nuffield College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Antony's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

The following colleges accept students for part-time study on this course:

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

You are advised to review the  profiles of academic staff  before you apply as successful applications always depend on the DPIR's capacity to offer appropriate supervision. A supervisor should be a permanent member of the Department of Politics and International Relations. You are not required to make contact with any prospective supervisors before you apply, as the DPIR arranges supervision for successful applicants. General questions about the course should be directed to the course administrator via the contact details provided on this page. 

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

Under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) who you would like to supervise your research. 

You can enter the names of up to two supervisors, either in order of preference or indicating equal preference.

Referees: Three overall, academic preferred

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Your application must be supported by academic references, ie each referee should be able to testify to your academic abilities, achievements and motivation. In most cases, the academics who have taught you or who have known your academic work during earlier university-level study will be best placed to testify to these capabilities. When that is not possible, a professional reference from a colleague who has worked with you in a research capacity or is otherwise able to comment on your academic capabilities is acceptable in place of a tutor’s reference.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Research proposal: A minimum of 4,000 words to a maximum of 6,000 words

You should submit a detailed outline of your proposed research, written in English, covering areas such as the background to the research, methodology, expected results and the contribution to the field of learning.

The research proposal should be written in English.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for:

• your reasons for applying to the DPhil programme
• the coherence of the proposal
• the originality of the project
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study
• the ability to present a reasoned case in English
• the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the degree (a maximum of four years)
• commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course
• preliminary knowledge of research techniques
• capacity for sustained and intense work
• reasoning ability
• ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace.

It will be normal for your ideas subsequently to change in some ways as you investigate the evidence and develop your project. You should nevertheless make the best effort you can to demonstrate the extent of your research question, sources and method at this moment.

Your proposal should focus on your research project rather than personal achievements, interests and aspirations.

Written work: Two essays, a maximum of 2,000 words each

You may submit academic essays on any subject or theme within the discipline of international relations but preferably ones that relate to your proposed area of study.

The essays may be written specially for the application or may have been produced for other purposes, for instance as a coursework submission within a previous degree programme. Essays that comprise extracts or excerpted sections from longer pieces are acceptable but should be prefaced with a brief note that places them in context.

The word count does not need to include any bibliography or brief footnotes. All written work should be in English.

This will be assessed for understanding of the subject area; understanding of problems in the area; ability to construct and defend an argument; powers of analysis; and powers of expression. 

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide   Apply - Full time Apply - Part time

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 5 January 2024 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2024-25

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by the  Department of Politics and International Relations

• Course page on the department's website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic and research staff
• Departmental research
• Social Sciences Division
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

Advice about contacting the department can be found in the How to apply section of this page

✉ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)1865 278727

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Visa eligibility for part-time study

We are unable to sponsor student visas for part-time study on this course. Part-time students may be able to attend on a visitor visa for short blocks of time only (and leave after each visit) and will need to remain based outside the UK.

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Become a thought leader in international affairs.

Pursuing a PhD is a unique experience. Focused scholarship combines with the need to meet exacting requirements, all in the interest of satisfying a desire to make the pursuit of knowledge one’s life’s work . At SIS, our interdisciplinary faculty research and write on a variety of geographic and intellectual areas; many have extensive experience in the public and private sectors, both in the United States and internationally. They work to ensure that PhD students at SIS attain training in international relations that is both multi-disciplinary and policy-relevant .

Our program was created to prepare outstanding scholars for careers in research and teaching at academic institutions, government, and non-governmental organizations throughout the world. If you're prepared for a focused, challenging, and meaningful experience, we invite you to explore our PhD program. 

• SIS Graduate Admissions
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• AU Graduate Academic Regulations

Degree Progression

To pursue a PhD at SIS, you will identify a field concentration, take comprehensive examinations, and write and defend both a dissertation prospectus and a dissertation. You'll emerge ready to take your place among international relations scholars and contribute to the body of knowledge in this exciting field.

During their first year, students take six required courses . In the fall semester students take SIS-801 Schools of Thought in International Relations , SIS-802 Comparative and Regional Studies , and SIS-806 Quantitative Methods in International Relations . During the spring semester, students take SIS-803 Advanced Seminar in International Relations , SIS-804 Social Theory in Comparative and International Perspective , and SIS-807 Qualitative Methods in International Relations . 

Students will also join more advanced PhD students in regularly scheduled research colloquia as well as events to help mentor students in grant writing, conference presentations, publications, and professional skills for the job market.

At the end of their first year, students take a written and oral qualifying comprehensive exam that requires them to demonstrate competency in theoretical, epistemological and methodological literature and issues in international relations, comparative politics, and social theory.

Field Concentrations

During their second year, students will identify a field of concentration  aligned with one of the SIS departments, or in consultation with the Director of Doctoral Studies, construct one of their own. Each concentration comprises 3 courses plus a field comprehensive paper and oral exam. 

Required Coursework

Also required during the second year, normally during the fall semester, is SIS-808 Politics and Policy Making in International Relations  and SIS-810 Research Design . Students will also select one elective to develop an additional area of concentration, further explore a potential dissertation topic, or for additional methods training. This elective can be chosen from graduate courses at the School of International Service, as well as graduate courses in other programs at American University or at other universities in the National Capital area that are members of the Washington Metropolitan Consortium of Universities.

In the fall semester of the third year, students take SIS-811 Dissertation Development Workshop , plus an additional six credits of either course work or independent study. In consultation with the Director of Doctoral Studies, students will determine the program of study that is best suited to help them complete and successfully defend their dissertation prospectus by the end of their third year.

Dissertation Prospectus

Before advancing to candidacy, all PhD students must write and defend a dissertation prospectus that reviews the relevant literature, identifies relevant theoretical, epistemological, and methodological issues, and provides a detailed research design that includes a timetable for the completion of the work. Students are expected to successfully defend their prospectus no later than the end of their third year. For information about the process leading up to and including the prospectus defense, please see the SIS PhD Handbook .

Doctoral Dissertation

Each student must complete and successfully defend a dissertation (or three scholarly papers) that contributes to knowledge that is relevant to international affairs. This dissertation is defended orally before the student's dissertation committee and members of the academic community. The required processes for assembling a dissertation committee, and writing and defending the dissertation are laid out in specific detail in the  SIS PhD Handbook .

For full detailed information on courses and requirements, explore the SIS PhD handbook .

During their second year, students will affiliate with a department at SIS for their field concentration, or in consultation with the Director of Doctoral Studies, construct one of their own. Students will take three courses (9 credits) as for their chosen concentration and will take the field’s comprehensive exam at the end of their second year.

Development Studies

Required courses.

• SIS-637 International Development
• SIS-636 Micropolitics of Development
• An additional course selected in consultation with the concentration chair

Meet the core faculty for Development Studies

Global Governance & International Organizations

• SIS-619 Foundations of Global Governance
• SIS-619 International Law and the Global Order
• SIS-619 Complex Interventions and Peacekeeping
• SIS-619 Regional Organizations: Security and Governance
• SIS-620 Water Governance
• SIS-666 International Financial Relations*
• SIS-752 Global Economic Governance*
• SIS-753 Global Financial Governance*

*SIS-616 International Economics is a prerequisite

Meet the core faculty for Global Governance & International Organizations

Security & Political Violence

• SIS-610 Theories of Violence and Conflict
• SIS-619 Security and Insecurity: Conflict and Politics in a Global Era

Meet the core faculty for Security & Political Violence

US Foreign Policy

• SIS-689 Foreign Policy: Theories of Decision Making
• SIS-653 President, Congress and Foreign Policy
• SIS-653 Continuity and Change in USFP

Meet the core faculty for US Foreign Policy

Global Environment

• SIS-660 Environment and Politics
• Political Ecology of Food & Agriculture
• Water Governance
• Global Climate Change
• Urban Political Ecology
• SIS-620 The Future of Environmentalism
• SIS-620 Transitioning to Post-Carbon Energy
• SIS-619 Environmental Peacebuilding

Meet the core faculty for Global Environment

Peace & Conflict Resolution

• SIS-619 IPCR Seminar I
• SIS-619 IPCR Seminar II

Meet the core faculty for Peace & Conflict Resolution

Technology, Security, and Social Change

Select three of the below listed courses:

• SIS-628 Advanced Topics in International Communication: Big Data and Text Mining in International Affairs Research
• SIS-642 Intercultural Relations
• SIS-644 Communication and Social and Economic Development
• SIS-645 International Communication and Cultural Policy
• 3 credit independent study with approval of the concentration chair

Meet the core faculty for Technology, Culture & Social Change

Application At a Glance

View a detailed admission and degree requirements listing for your degree of interest.

The Jackson School Ph.D. program advances problem-focused graduate education that combines a new cross-disciplinary approach with intensive area studies in the face of contemporary global and local challenges.

Regions & Themes

The Jackson School of International Studies (JSIS) Ph.D. in International Studies provides a unique opportunity for candidates who seek a highly individualized graduate program grounded in applied area and global studies. The program reflects the Jackson’s School’s scholarly commitment to the centrality of history, culture, and politics in advancing the understanding of and engagement in world issues.

The program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to apply, and build on, their existing field connections, area knowledge, research questions, and language skills. Working with faculty with expertise in international and area studies, students design their studies in ways that will best support their career plans. Toward this end, students will have the opportunity to select a broad set of possible final products, from dissertation to policy papers, that best allows them to engage and share their research questions and conclusions.

Is the JSIS Ph.D. Program right for you?

Ph.d. program news.

Q&A with Greg Guedel Ph.D. ’16

Sharing our grief on the death of Hayim Katsman (Ph.D. ’21) in Israel

Doctoral candidate yasir zaiden pens article on recent us sanctions in sudan // foreign policy, saadia pekkanen co-edits special issue on space diplomacy in the hague journal of diplomacy.

Sarah Lohmann quoted in article on President of Finland’s trip to Washington // Seattle Times

Doctoral alum pens article analyzing turkey’s military response after the earthquake // foreign policy, jsis ph.d. program, jesús hidalgo.

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International Studies, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Nitze school of advanced international studies.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is for individuals who have already earned a Master's degree (or have other substantial research experience) and seek to further their expertise as scholars and practitioners of international relations. PhD students work closely with faculty advisors to develop an academic plan that best supports their dissertation research. Throughout the program students develop a comprehensive understanding of qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, international relations, economics, and regional studies.

PhD students begin their studies in Washington, DC. During the dissertation stage, students can explore opportunities to study at SAIS Europe, the Hopkins Nanjing Center, or at other prominent global institutions.

Johns Hopkins SAIS graduates are sought after by employers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Their knowledge of economics, analytical abilities, regional expertise, diplomatic skills, international experience, language proficiency, as well as capacity to apply theory to real-world problems, give students a distinct professional advantage.

PhD Fields of Study

PhD students will have one of the following concentrations (either a policy or region):

International Policy Areas

• American Foreign Policy
• Energy, Resources and Environment
• Global Theory and History
• International Development
• International Relations
• International Political Economy
• Strategic Studies

Regions of the World 

• African Studies
• Canadian Studies
• China Studies
• European and Eurasian Studies
• Japan Studies
• Korea Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Middle East Studies
• South Asia Studies
• Southeast Asia Studies

Faculty Advisors

Our faculty experts and scholars are internationally recognized for their scholarship, experience, and quality of teaching. They are award-winning scholars, authors, diplomats, thinkers, and senior ranking officials who are authorities on international economics and international relations and who have expertise in contemporary issues around the world.

All PhD students have a tenured, faculty advisor. The advisor has primary responsibility for coordinating the candidate’s research agenda. Another senior member of the dissertation committee or “second reader” monitors the student’s research throughout the dissertation project. Both the faculty advisor and the second reader are to be substantively involved in the student’s preparation of the prospectus and the dissertation.

While the student will work actively with the first and second readers to prepare a dissertation prospectus, the student should also consult with the three supporting committee members throughout the doctoral research.

Prospective and current PhD students are encouraged to use the Faculty Directory to identify individuals to approach about involvement in their research and dissertation.

Degree Requirements

Campus: Washington, DC

Duration: Four to nine academic years (average 5.5), Full-time

Course delivery: In-person

PhD Program Structure

The PhD is divided into pre-dissertation (resident) and dissertation (non-resident) stages.

In order to earn the degree, students must fulfill all requirements and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.33 or above.

Pre-dissertation, Resident Stage

Pre-dissertation status lasts up to two years for students who have completed the Master of Arts of International Relations (MAIR) degree at Johns Hopkins SAIS and up to three years for those without an MAIR degree from the school. Students complete coursework, comprehensive exams, and defend the dissertation prospectus.

Pre-dissertation students are on-campus full-time taking courses, attending seminars, and/or approved independent study. During this time students are required to take Research Methodology, Statistics , and Econometrics in addition to coursework agreed to by a faculty advisory. PhD students must successfully pass Theories and Methods of Qualitative Political Research and Research Design and Causal Inference, plus two other research training courses approved by their faculty advisor.  Prerequisites for Research Design and Causal Inference include Statistics for Data Analysis (waiver exam available) and Econometrics.

Within six months of passing the second comprehensive exam, students must prepare a written prospectus of the dissertation and present it in a formal defense that is open to members of the university faculty.

Dissertation, Non-Resident Stage

Students advance to the dissertation stage after successfully defending a prospectus and are not required to be on campus, however are still considered full-time status. Students should defend the dissertation within five years of the prospectus defense.

Comprehensive Exams

PhD students must select two examination areas (with no more than one regional area) from among the following :

• Comparative Politics
• Conflict Management
• Energy, Resources & Environment
• International Law
• International Political Economy/ Comparative Political Economy
• International Relations Theory
• Africa Studies
• Asia Studies (China, Korea, Japan, South Asia, Southeast Asia)

Comprehensive exams from other divisions of Johns Hopkins University may be considered on a case by case basis.

PhD Dissertation

At the time of application, students will propose a research topic they would like to pursue for their doctoral dissertation. During their course of study, students will hone this topic in consultation with a faculty advisor and defend a prospectus that outlines the dissertation’s research questions, mission, and methodology.

The PhD dissertation must be an original and analytical treatment of a subject of conceptual importance that involves the creation of new knowledge and not simply the master of existing knowledge. To conduct the research for, write, and defend the dissertation, a candidate will have a period of five years from the defense of the prospectus. It is understood that in fields with exceptionally difficult languages the process may take longer.

Doctor of International Affairs (DIA)

• Campus: Washington DC , SAIS Europe
• Program Duration: Two and Three Year tracks; Full-Time | Three Years; Part-Time

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• Class Profile
• Employment Outcomes
• Tuition and Financial Aid

The Doctor of International Affairs is designed for professionals with at least five-years of full-time work experience in international affairs or a related field who seek to further their expertise through an advanced practitioner’s degree. Under the guidance of school experts and scholars, you will take courses and conduct research on the issues that most align with your professional interests.

Become an Expert

The program is delivered on an accelerated two- or three-year timeline and culminates with a doctoral thesis. The curriculum emphasizes learning, research, and evaluation allowing you to apply existing practice and knowledge toward solving real-world problems in fields such as:

• conflict resolution and negotiation
• climate change, energy access, global environmental policy
• sustainable development, foreign aid, and global poverty
• human rights and humanitarian affairs, democratization, nation-building
• international political economy, economic development, emerging markets
• American foreign policy, grand strategy, history and statecraft
• defense and security, cybersecurity, and terrorism/counterterrorism
• regions of the world, and more

Doctor of International Affairs vs. PhD

The Doctor of International Affairs is a practitioner’s degree where students conduct applied research culminating in a doctoral thesis within their area of professional expertise. It is different from a traditional PhD, which requires comprehensive exams and is usually thought of as producing an original body of knowledge in preparation for careers that include, but are not limited to, academia.

What Your Schedule Will Look Like

48-credit Program 

Advanced standing is available if you possess a relevant master’s degree. You must complete 32 credits prior to the final, non-residential thesis year. 

• Eight courses in the academic year, including two methods courses
• Six courses based on your specific interests and research agenda

The final year is completed part-time on a non-resident basis while finishing research and writing a doctoral thesis under the guidance of your faculty advisor.

• 8 credits of “Thesis” each semester

80-credit Program 

Years One and Two

You will complete courses on a full-time, resident basis through fall and spring semesters for two academic years. You may begin your studies at either the Washington DC campus or at SAIS Europe.

• Fulfill the requirements of the school's Master of Arts in International Relations degree (MAIR) in international economics, quantitative reasoning, research methods, and foreign language proficiency

Build your expertise through classes based on your specific interests and research agenda. 

• Complete four courses of your choice in the academic year, two each semester

The second year of study will entail a combination of methods courses and courses based on your specific interests and research agenda.

• Complete four courses in the academic year, two each semester. This includes two method courses and two courses based on your specific interests and research agenda.

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Peter Lewis

Warren Weinstein Associate Professor

In the News

Don’t hype the disinformation threat.

Foreign Affairs, May, 5, 2024

In the Small Wars Journal, Professor Albert J. Marckwardt writes about the authorization for the use of force against Mexican cartels was introduced in Congress. 04/29/24

Q&A with SAIS’ Jonas Nahm, Co-Author of 2024 U.S. Presidential Economic Report

The breadth and depth of the Economic Report of the President…reflects the deep bench of expertise at the Council of Economic Advisers, and the federal government more broadly.

A Closer Look at the Gaza Casualty Data

Good Authority (blog), December 14, 2023. With Marc Lynch.

The Ghosts of Lebanon

Foreign Affairs, November 14, 2023.

The Political Dynamics of Disasters

Arts & Sciences Magazine, November, 2023.

Eliot A. Cohen wrote in The Atlantic, 06/01

It’s Not Enough for Ukraine to Win. Russia Has to Lose

Eliot A. Cohen wrote in The Atlantic, 05/19

The Shortest Path to Peace

Eliot A. Cohen wrote in The Atlantic, 02/28

Beyond the Classroom

Through study treks, research projects, staff rides, and more you will gain practical, hands-on experience.

Study Treks

Each year the school organizes more than two dozen study treks, providing students with valuable opportunities to conduct field research, engage with partner organizations, and gain new perspectives on major global issues.

Networking Events

Network with alumni and professionals and organize student-led events exploring your area of interest's challenges and opportunities outside the classroom.

World-Class Events

The school regularly hosts expert policymakers, CEOs, heads of state, and scholars to campus. Students are encouraged to explore topics of interest by attending lectures, presentations, and special programming.

Staff Rides

During a staff ride, students gain lessons in strategy, leadership, and decision-making by visiting a historic battle site and reenacting key moments. Each year, at least one staff ride occurs outside of the US and recent staff rides have been conducted in South Korea, Scotland, Italy, and Poland.

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Pursue the highest academic achievement in your chosen field.

Doctoral Programs

Phd in clinical psychology, phd in industrial and organizational psychology.

Become a leader for the human side of organizations.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Psyd in marital and family therapy, edd in educational leadership and management.

Learn to be a transformational leader in education.

PsyD in Educational Psychology

Build a better future, one child at a time.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Build your expertise in business.

PhD in Leadership

Two schools, working together for one powerful program.

PhD in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law

Understand the psychology of violence to make systems more just and society safer.

Juris Doctor (JD)

Advocacy and Impact.

More about our Doctoral programs

Often, doctoral degree holders don’t just participate in their chosen career field, they also may help shape it. Whether it’s through conducting ground-breaking research, training the next generation of the field’s professionals, or advising the industry in an administrative role, they often serve as both practitioners and managers in their respective fields.

Are you ready to join those ranks and take your higher education to the next level? If you study business administration, educational leadership, or psychology, Alliant offers a number of doctoral degrees for a variety of professions. 

As a graduate student or master's degree holder, earning a professional doctoral degree in your respective field is the highest academic achievement possible, preparing you for any challenge or opportunity that presents itself to you in the future. Alliant online doctoral programs arm you with the tools you need to become a true leader in your field.

Doctoral Degree Programs at Alliant

From the PhD and PsyD for psychology students to the EdD for education majors, the array of doctoral degree programs offered by Alliant allow you to further your education at one of our six California campuses, or online. With an in-person or online doctoral degree from Alliant, you'll be trained not only to handle tough industry challenges, but also to pursue becoming a leader in your field and blaze a trail for future generations.

Each professional doctoral program or PhD program, whether at one of our California college campuses or online, provides coursework in your field, along with dissertation work that helps you dive deep into your industry's challenges and allows you to apply your knowledge to real scenarios.

The Alliant Choice

With a doctoral degree from Alliant, you'll achieve far more than just credentials. Doctoral degrees help you gain a level of expertise that can set you ahead of the curve and enable you to propel your career to new heights.

But, even more than that, you can achieve a professional doctorate degree from Alliant at your own speed. Whether you enroll in our in-person or online programs, our courses allow you to complete your education even around your other responsibilities, and at a pace that allows you to do your best work.

Start on your path to impact today

Start on your path to succeed on purpose, request information.

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Brandeis International Business School

PhD in International Economics and Finance

• Job Market Placements

Class Profile

Program highlights.

Brandeis Advantage

Ranked among the best U.S. universities by U.S. News and World Report. Located close to Boston, a multicultural hub of finance, technology and innovation.

Global Career Preparation

Our doctoral program focuses on research, teaching, high-level policy making and consulting.

Renowned Faculty

Work with   faculty experts   who are leaders in academic research or seasoned financial professionals.

STEM-Designated

International students are eligible for up to 36 months of practical training in the U.S. after graduation.   Learn more.

Scholarships

Nearly all students accepted into the PhD program receive full tuition scholarships, health insurance and living stipends.

A Close-knit Community

Learn more   about our multi-cultural and supportive campus environment.

Quick Links

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PhD Career Outcomes

• Job Market Candidates

Program Value

PhD candidates develop the analytical and technical background required for research, teaching, high-level policy making and consulting in international economics and finance. They pursue jobs in education as well as in the public and private sectors.

Lara Loewenstein

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

MA’12, PhD’16 | United States

Vina Nguyen

Economist, IMF

PhD’14 | Vietnam

Raffi Garcia

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

PhD’18 | Dominican Republic

Cecilia Maya

Chief Operating Officer, Markets, XM

MA’00, PhD’04 | Colombia

Rawley Heimer

Boston College

PhD’13 | United States

Satyam Panday

Standard and Poor's Rating Services

PhD’13 | Nepal

Eugene Kiselev

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

PhD’13 | Russia

Olaf Unteroberdoerster

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

PhD’98 | Germany

• See Details on Career Outcomes
• After completing the first year (normally four courses per semester, including Advanced Microeconomics I and II, Advanced Macroeconomics I and II and Econometrics), students then take qualifying examinations in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.
• After completing field courses, usually in one or two years, students take examinations in two fields of specialization.   Current areas of specialization are Applied Methods, Finance and International Economics.
• In the first year, all PhD students also enroll in ECON 399  PhD Dissertation Workshop . The workshop provides opportunities for advanced students to present papers and define thesis objectives.
• In the third year, the PhD candidates begin to  work on the dissertation , prepare initial work on the thesis, and submit a 3rd year paper.
• In the third year and beyond, the thesis takes shape and a formal committee is assembled. Once a thesis defense date is scheduled, the student presents the core of the thesis work, and once completed, the degree is awarded during the next degree period.
• PhD students are required to work as either a teaching or research assistant at Brandeis International Business School in years 1-5 of the program.
• Students receive the Master of Science degree upon successful completion of 13 courses, passing their 2nd year qualifying exams, and at least one of two field exams. 
• View Courses & Timeline

Candidates are considered for admission every other year. The next intake will be Fall 2024.

• Application Requirements
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Median Verbal GRE / Quantitative GRE

Male / Female 

Average Age

42% / 58% 

Domestic / International 

Countries Represented in the Incoming Brandeis International Business School Class

 Albania ● Azerbaijan ● Cambodia ● Chile ● China ● Colombia ● El Salvador ● Ghana ● Hungary ● India ● Indonesia ● Kosovo ● Mongolia ● Namibia ● Nepal ● South Korea ● Taiwan ● Togo ● Ukraine ● United States ● Vietnam ● Yemen 

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PhD in International Business

Bring a global perspective to your business or academic career with an international business phd.

Whether your focus is on pursuing an executive level career in applied business or a teaching career in higher education, earning a PhD in International Business from Southern New Hampshire University is a great way to take the next step toward your goal. Grow your expertise as you develop extensive theoretical knowledge and expand your independent thinking capabilities in this research-oriented program. You’ll participate in international business seminars complemented by methodology courses that will help give you a hands-on, interactive education that goes beyond the classroom.

SNHU’s PhD in International Business is a cohort program, giving you the opportunity to progress and build community with a group of your peers.

• Conventional Campus-Based Program. A conventional campus-based program is the traditional university educational model. Prospective students will be admitted as full-time students. They will work with our School of Business faculty on our vibrant Manchester, NH campus. Campus program students are required to live in the region to complete their program in as few as 5 years.

The International Business PhD program only has a fall intake term. The program admits applicants for the Fall semester ONCE a year. The application cycle will open in August each year, and the application deadline is February 20th.

See Yourself Succeed with a PhD in International Business

SNHU's PhD in International Business strives to meet the needs of all students while accommodating those with demanding schedules and careers. The program is tailored to those who wish to develop their scholarly knowledge in pursuit of future professional and academic goals. Graduates of this program are in a position to influence the ideas and actions of others through positional or non-positional leadership opportunities. Academics, executives, community leaders, leaders within nonprofit and government organizations, and local entrepreneurs are welcome to apply for program admission.

Cohort Model

The cohort learning environment offers a collaborative experience for individuals with diverse career experiences and backgrounds. Cohort members become a source of support and encouragement to one another. Each individual’s dissertation will be based on their interests.

As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of majoring in international business at SNHU include:

• Supportive community.  Join the SNHU community of learners who are closely connected with faculty and staff dedicated to your success.
• Affordability.  SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in the Northeast.
• Accessible faculty.  Learn from highly credentialed faculty members who are experts in their fields.

Should you earn a PhD in International Business or a DBA?

The answer depends on your interests and your career goals. Both degrees represent the highest level of academic achievement, and both degrees are highly respected in both the academic and business worlds. Additionally, both the PhD and DBA are advanced research degrees that involve conducting original research, analyzing data, and producing important findings.

But there are differences. The DBA is considered a professional doctorate, and the PhD is an academic doctorate. SNHU does not currently offer a DBA.

PhD research is focused on developing theories, addressing a gap between theories, or addressing a gap in the general body of knowledge. The PhD may be more appropriate if you are focused on a faculty career in higher education or a career as a researcher in a research center.

In contrast, DBAs focus on real-world organizational and business problems and involve original and secondary research to explore, examine, and address those problems. The DBA is primarily for those focused on a career in business and consulting. However, many DBAs do teach in colleges and universities.

It’s important to note that students in either program can study real-world problems.  PhD students might use a different set of methodologies or look at the problem from a broader scope in contrast to DBA students who may focus their research on a particular industry or company with a narrower lens.  However, any topic of interest in the international business field including but not limited to, multinational companies or managers engaged in international business is likely to be a viable research area for a SNHU PhD student.

Many of SNHU PhD graduates are enjoying careers in both business and academia.  

A significant part of the educational experience includes advanced research courses, doctoral colloquiums, and the completion of a dissertation. Through these experiences, learners, professors, and thought leaders gather to discuss their topics related to the field, focus on research, and provide a supportive learning environment.

Program Overview

Earning your degree is a smart choice to advance your career, and investing in an affordable program increases your ROI. We keep our costs low  to remove barriers between you and your goals.

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)  as well as several other accrediting bodies.

This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of International Health

Onsite | Full-Time | 4 years

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About This Program

The PhD in International Health prepares students to become independent investigators in academic and non-academic research institutions and emphasizes contribution to theory, public health science, and implementation science. Applicants to the PhD in International Health apply directly to one of four concentrations. All four options have the same deadline, program structure, and funding.

Please review the specific program page for more information:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Systems

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Nutrition

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social and Behavioral Interventions

The Department's current concentrations in the PhD program include:

The PhD in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control prepares students to take leadership positions in important global public health settings with strong research components. Students learn to use epidemiologic, immunologic, laboratory, and statistical methods to design, implement, and evaluate disease control interventions for diseases of public health importance to underserved populations. Students may earn a Certificate in Vaccine Science and Policy, to understand everything from vaccine clinical research to implementation and evaluation of vaccine programs, in both the U.S. and internationally.

Core content research areas in GDEC include infectious diseases, epidemiology, and biostatistics.

Learn more about the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global Disease Epidemiology and Control

The Health Systems program equips students with the technical skills for carrying out cutting edge health policy and systems research and preparing them to take leadership positions in global health settings. The program works to design systems and implement equitable and cost-effective strategies for delivering health care and health promotion interventions to disadvantaged and underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad. This mandate is carried out through research, service, and training with and for the populations being served.

Health Systems doctoral research focuses on health policy, health planning, financing, management and evaluation, institution and capacity building, community development, and health systems strengthening.

The overall goal of the PhD program is to produce the next generation of leaders in health systems research and practice, particularly in low- and middle-income country settings.

Learn More About the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Systems

Human Nutrition provides students with the theoretical knowledge and state-of-the-art scientific, programmatic, policy, and leader- ship skills for addressing pressing global and domestic challenges in public health nutrition.

Doctoral students acquire and apply knowledge and skills in nutritional issues across the life span, the role of nutrients in cells and biologic systems, nutritional epidemiology, socio-cultural aspects of nutrition, and food and nutrition policy. Students are challenged to identify and consider solutions to important nutritional problems facing societies in terms of their causes, extent, severity, and health effects throughout the life cycle.

The PhD degree prepares candidates for careers in the design, conduct, and publication of innovative research and in public health leadership across diverse areas of applied nutrition.

Learn More About the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Nutrition

Social and Behavioral Interventions (SBI) offers multidisciplinary training for researchers and public health practitioners who wish to use the social sciences in the design, implementation, and evaluation of global public health programs. The program’s goal is to work in partnership with communities to understand local, social, cultural, and policy contexts and develop effective programs. SBI’s primary focus is on the application of theory and data collection into research and public health action. The combined use of qualitative and quantitative methods is a focus of the program. Students also gain a strong foundation in social and behavioral theory and formative research.

Learn More About the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social and Behavioral Interventions

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the  How to Apply  page. For program-specific program requirements, please visit the individual program/concentration pages.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Svea Closser

Svea Closser, PhD, MPH, studies the social relations and political dynamics that shape primary health care.

Anna P. Durbin

Anna Durbin, MD, studies experimental vaccines for SARS-CoV-2, dengue, West Nile, Zika, malaria, and more in human clinical trials and in controlled human infection studies.

Parul Christian

Parul Christian, DrPH '96, MSc, studies how to improve maternal and child nutrition and prevent micronutrient deficiencies with effective solutions in low-income settings.

Krishna Dipankar Rao

Krishna D. Rao, PhD '04, MSc, finds ways to improve access to quality health services and financing of health care in low and middle-income countries.

For general information regarding tuition and fees, visit the Bloomberg School’s  Tuition and Fees  page. For program-specific information regarding funding and scholarships available, please visit the individual program/concentration pages.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU   starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Elisabeth Simmons, MEd Academic Program Administrator [email protected]

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Additional Information

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The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.   

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching . 

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification. 

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia  In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams  The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation  Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. 

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers — hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

• 2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
• 2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
• 2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
• 2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

The Human Element of Data and AI

Gahyun Callie Sung's journey to HGSE and the LIT Lab is reflected in her research into data and using AI to improve student outcomes

Improving the Teacher Workforce

With her research work, doctoral marshal Mary Laski, Ph.D.'24, is trying to make teaching in K–12 schools more sustainable and attractive

International Studies (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. in International Studies is a highly customizable and interdisciplinary degree. The Graduate Program in International Studies (GPIS) offers advanced research opportunities and training in global problems and transnational issues. Students may choose from one of several concentrations to focus their studies: U.S. foreign policy and international relations, conflict and cooperation, international political economy and development, interdependence and transnationalism, and comparative and regional studies, modeling and simulation, and cultural studies.

Program Highlights

Interdisciplinary approaches to global problems

Individual mentoring

Dedicated career development opportunities

Strong alumni community

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Alumni Careers

Requirements.

All candidates for admission into the Ph.D. must submit:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (may be waived on a case-by-case basis for PhD applicants depending on prior qualifications at the master’s level).

Official transcripts of all undergraduate or prior graduate course work submitted directly by all universities attended.

An essay of not more than 500 words describing interest in and capacity for advanced training in global/transnational issues.

One example of writing or research (a paper submitted to a seminar, a publication or report, or another comparable example).

Three letters of recommendation addressing the candidate's capacity to undertake graduate work on international global issues.

Any prior graduate course work taken at Old Dominion University (e.g., in non-degree status) or at another institution can be counted toward the Ph.D. degree only in accordance with the provisions governing transfer of credit and the director’s approval.

Featured Courses

Interdisciplinary quantitative techniques applicable to the study of international phenomena.

This course deals with the adaptation of US foreign policies to the changing structure of the international system after WWII and in the Cold War, and since Reagan. It is designed to review, analyze, and discuss the global rise of the US role in the world. It will also assess the transformation of US interests since 1945, through the Cold War and since the events of September 11, 2001.

NON-GPIS STUDENTS MUST RECEIVE PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU.  For more information visit University Student Financial aid

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PhD Admissions

Gaining admission to the Fletcher School PhD Program is a highly competitive process. The PhD Admissions Committee seeks students with a history of academic success and the potential to achieve their research and career goals in the future.

To apply to the PhD program, prospective students must have a master's degree in a field that is relevant to international relations, and directly related to the applicant's proposed doctoral studies. The applicant's master's degree must come from a program that required at least three semesters of full-time study (not including internships or language study), and at least twelve courses in which the applicant earned a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher. Applicants should also have at least basic proficiency in a second language, which may be English for non-native English speakers.

In addition to a strong academic background, successful applicants generally also have professional experience that they can draw upon. While some have worked before pursuing their master's degree program, others will also have gained experience between completing their master’s degree and applying to the PhD.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure that their research can be supported by a  member of the Fletcher faculty . Even among highly accomplished applicants, the final requirement is that a professor is able to advise the student in their specific field. Reaching out to faculty members during the application process is not required, but can be a useful way of ensuring that there is a good match with a potential advisor. The final match between admitted students and faculty advisors will be made through the application review process. Adjunct and visiting professors cannot serve as PhD advisors.

Please note that the Fletcher PhD Program currently offers tuition funding and limited stipend support, generally for two years, to incoming students who have applied for financial assistance. Further details on the application process can be found on the  Office of Admissions website , with  additional information for PhD applicants  also available.

Applicants with questions about the process are encouraged to email the  Office of Admissions  or Jessica Daniels , the PhD Program director.

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions that follow pertain specifically to the PhD program. Please also review the general  Admissions FAQs .

Can the PhD program be pursued part-time or through remote study?

Fletcher's PhD program is a full-time on-campus program that does not offer either part-time or remote-study options. Students are generally on campus for three years or until they have defended their dissertation proposal. After that, they may choose to move elsewhere to research and write their dissertation.

How long does it take to pursue a PhD at Fletcher?

Once students have completed their coursework, they generally take one year or less to complete their comprehensive exams, and an additional year or less to prepare a formal dissertation proposal. After the proposal has been approved, research and writing the dissertation averages about three years, but the time needed depends on how many other activities, besides the dissertation, the student is pursuing.

What is the PhD program's application deadline?

Applications from external candidates to the PhD program are due on December 15 for enrollment in September of the following year. There is no Early Notification application for the PhD program. Note that internal candidates (graduates of the MALD or MIB program) should email the  Office of Admissions  regarding application procedures.

Does Fletcher waive tuition for PhD students?

Although Fletcher provides scholarship support to PhD students who demonstrate financial need, the school does not routinely waive tuition. Scholarships for coursework are awarded on the basis of need and merit, and are renewable for those who remain in good academic standing while taking required classes. Following completion of classes, students are responsible for a relatively modest Enrollment Fee, for which they can receive a scholarship for up to five years.

Does Fletcher offer stipends for living expenses to PhD students?

For students who are not sponsored by another organization, Fletcher aims to provide stipend support for the first two years in the program, after which most students find employment on or off campus, or they apply for external fellowships.

Are PhD students expected to teach or conduct research at Fletcher?

No. Although Fletcher PhD students may wish to pursue teaching or research opportunities within Fletcher or elsewhere at Tufts University, with only a few exceptions, Fletcher scholarships come with no teaching, research, or other work obligations.

My master’s degree required only one year of study, which is the norm at my university. Am I eligible to apply to the Fletcher PhD program?

Admission to Fletcher's PhD program requires a prior master's degree similar to Fletcher’s Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, lasting at least three semesters and requiring at least twelve semester-long courses. In establishing this requirement, the Fletcher faculty was aware that some very interesting students would not be able to apply directly to the PhD program. Those students have the option to pursue the MALD program , and apply later to the PhD. The majority of the students in the PhD program have previously pursued a MALD.

What is the minimum acceptable GRE score?

Submitting results from the GRE or GMAT exam is optional for all Fletcher applicants and there is no required minimum for those who choose to submit scores. The PhD Admissions Committee seeks students who can demonstrate strong academic potential, and applicants interested in pursuing a quantitative field of study may choose to submit scores to demonstrate their quantitative ability. Among those who submit standardized test scores, competitive scores are above the 50th percentile in all categories.

How would I arrange to be a PhD Visiting Research Scholar at Fletcher?

Fletcher may accept one Visiting PhD Scholar each year. Interested PhD researchers will be required to identify a Fletcher faculty member who agrees to be your advisor or mentor for the time you are here. For more information, please contact the PhD program director .

Visiting PhD Scholars start their year at Fletcher in September. Application materials are due by the preceding January 1. The selected Visiting PhD Scholar will pay a fee to Fletcher for use of facilities, and must also arrange their own housing. The scholar will be offered a space to use within the library.

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International Relations Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

(48 Credits)

This Ph.D. program is designed to provide students with a regional expertise in an area study of the globe, be that Russia, China, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia or the Americas. To develop such an expertise the students will, first, be exposed to all the different regions of the world by taking at least one class in each area and, second, complete a 12-credit dissertation ( INR-698  and INR-699  combined)  in one specific area. For this purpose, students must complete 36 credit hours or 12 of the Ph.D. courses below, pass a language requirement and a written comprehensive examination, defend orally a dissertation proposal, and, finally, defend successfully the 12-credit dissertation ( INR-698 and INR-699 combined).

Admission Criteria

To assure success in the Program, admission criteria will be highly selective. In order to qualify for application, individuals should:

• Possess both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree earned from an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or equivalent degrees from a nationally accredited, English-speaking, college or university outside the U.S. If the institution is outside of the U.S., documentation of degree equivalencies must be submitted by an agency authorized to do so. Applicants from non-English-speaking institutions will need to provide proof of oral and writing proficiency in the English language such as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). They must also be able to submit a certified English translation of all non-English transcripts.
• Have five years of related practical professional experience such as working for an international governmental or non- governmental agency, being deployed overseas, serving overseas, or living overseas.

Qualified applicants may complete an online application and submit:

• Two letters of recommendation that support the ability to engage in doctoral studies, preferably from instructors from the applicant’s MA study. Recommenders must include professional title and contact information.
• A personal statement that demonstrates solid writing skills and motivation for doctoral studies.
• A complete resume
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts

Applications are accepted throughout the year. In reviewing applications, the Admissions Committee looks at the complete package of the application. Application files must be completed within one year of the initial application submission or individuals may be required to resubmit materials. All application materials become a permanent and confidential part of the University records and are not returned. All prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies as well as the program director for more information.

Applicants from accredited military universities with transferable credits available may have up to 9 credits of the International Relations Ph.D. required credits transferred with the permission of the program director.

Program Requirements

Each of the courses below will train students in finding and reviewing academic literature, formulating and refining research questions, academic writing, and qualitative research. For quantitative research students will rely on the course INR-675 , which will be a required course. INR-690 , which will also be required, will emphasize qualitative research and its major emphasis will be on preparing students for writing and defending a dissertation proposal, on conducting qualitative research and on writing a dissertation.

International Relations Curriculum

Language Requirement

By the time of completion of all coursework, students must have also fulfilled a language proficiency requirement, either by passing a translation test administered by the program coordinator or passing two 200-level (or above) courses with a grade of "B" or better. No graduate credit will be awarded for language courses. International students, whose mother language is not English, can use their mother language to fulfill the language proficiency requirement. The language requirement must be completed before taking the comprehensive exams. The language examination, when needed, will be administered during the first Monday in May and December of each year. In special situations, an alternative date can be arranged. Students may sign up for the examination by emailing the program coordinator no later than two weeks prior to it. It will require students to translate a short text, between one and two pages long. The text will be from a source related to the international relations field, such as a journal article. The exam will be graded on a simple pass/fail system. The language exam may be retaken until passed.

Comprehensive Examination

Upon completion of language requirement and the coursework (students register for INR-670 Comprehensive Exam. Students will be required to pass a comprehensive written examination. They will be required to answer two out of three general questions from two different areas of study covered by the curriculum. The two areas will be chosen by the students. Students will have four hours to complete the two questions. Comprehensive examinations will be administered through teleconference. They will require students to be familiar with the area studies literature, be analytical, comparative, critical, and insightful. Students who fail the exam may be allowed to repeat it one time only. Second time failure will result in the student's termination from the Ph.D. program. Comprehensive examinations will be graded by either High Distinction, Distinction, Pass or Fail.

There will be two specific dates the comprehensives can be taken each year: the last Thursday-Friday in May, and the second Monday-Tuesday in December. Students may sign up to take the exam, and also declare the two areas of study, by emailing their intention to the program coordinator no later than two weeks prior to the exam date (in special situations, an alternative date can be arranged).

Dissertation

Upon the successful completion of the comprehensive examination, students will move to the dissertation-writing phase. This phase of the program will expose students to the systematic, in-depth, and detailed study of their preferred area in order to generate original, publication-ready research. The process starts with INR-690 , which is a manual on how to think, plan, develop, and complete the dissertation. By the time of enrolling in  INR-690 , Ph.D. candidates should have secured a first reader from the list of faculty teaching in the Program. The student and the first reader will discuss possible dissertation topics and focus on a specific one. Once the topic is decided, the Ph.D. candidate and the first reader will discuss possible second readers and settle on a second reader. The first task of the work will be to prepare and defend a dissertation prospectus. The prospectus will be developed in  INR-690 . Typically, the focus of the dissertation will be in one of the area studies included in the curriculum.

The Dissertation Committee will be composed of three members: the two readers and another member of the faculty of the Political Science and International Relations Department or a member of another department or academic institution. The Ph.D. candidate, in consultation with the first and second reader, is responsible for securing the outside member of the Dissertation Committee. Candidates should only consider defending if readers recommend it and the program director concurs. The successful defense of the prospectus in  INR-690 denotes the elevation of the candidate to the A.B.D status.

Ph.D. Candidates who are A.B.D. and finished with classwork and start work on their dissertation enroll for a three-credit research course at a fixed fee. This course is offered in fall and spring terms and is repeated as long as necessary until the student is approved by the program director to defend their dissertation. Students who have become Ph.D. candidates are required to make progress in their dissertation consistent with the timeline developed in their dissertation proposal. Failure to demonstrate progress will result in failing INR-695 and be subsequently placed on academic probation. A successive academic probation may result in the dismissal from the program.

A typical dissertation will be at least 200 pages and should definitely be undertaken with the intention of making it an original contribution to the international relations field. It should be publication-ready, and its substance should not be covered by existing literature unless it fundamentally questions existing literature. The dissertation process will end with the successful defense of the work before the Dissertation Committee.

Dissertations will be graded on a pass/fail scale where pass denotes the grade of "A" and fail the grade of "F."

Students must complete the program in no more than seven years after matriculation.

Degree Plan for Ph.D. in International Relations

Required courses.

This course is offered Fall/Spring terms and is repeated as long as necessary until approved to register for INR-698.

  Electives 

Students choose 10 courses from the list of courses below for a total of 30 credits.

Fall Courses

Spring Courses

Summer Courses

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Wharton is an international community, with students, faculty, and alumni representing 153 countries worldwide. as an international doctoral student, you will find the intellectual and cultural diversity of the wharton community to be a welcoming environment for your doctoral studies. wharton’s faculty research touches upon an extremely broad range of global business topics, providing you exceptional opportunities to explore your areas of interest., applying as an international student.

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For detailed information regarding immigration and taxes, please visit Penn’s Penn Global . In order to maintain legal student status in the United States, international PhD students must be enrolled for a full-time course load, which means a minimum of three courses per semester. Full-time enrollment does not include audits or incompletes. Once you have completed your coursework and are working on your thesis or dissertation, you must maintain your full-time status by registering for doctoral dissertation tuition or registration.

For detailed information regarding immigration and taxes, please visit Penn’s Penn Global .

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The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations .