phd of international relations

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

International Relations

The study of International Relations in the Harvard Department of Government examines the sources of conflict and cooperation in world affairs. Through analysis of foreign policy and public opinion, strategic interaction, international law, and the role of transnational actors, scholars of international relations address a wide array of topics including:

• International finance
• Human rights
• Climate change 

Scholars in the field draw on a diverse tool kit that includes formal, quantitative and qualitative methods.

Department Faculty

Alastair iain johnston.

Christina Davis

Christoph Mikulaschek

Dustin Tingley

Jeffry Frieden

Joshua D. Kertzer

Latanya Sweeney

Michael J. Hiscox

Stephen Chaudoin

Stephen Peter Rosen

Timothy Colton

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.

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.

International Relations

Undergraduate

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree is designed for industry professionals with years of work experience who wish to complete their degrees part time, both on campus and online, without disruption to their employment. Our typical student is over 30, has previously completed one or two years of college, and works full time.

Students enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts program in International Relations will gain critical insight into today’s pressing global issues and a deep understanding of the factors influencing relationships between nation-states and supranational organizations.

• ADMITTED STUDENTS
• Request Info
• Make a Gift
• SIT at a Glance
• A Global University
• Career Impact
• Office of the President
• SIT Leadership
• Staff Directory
• Learning Outcomes & Achievement
• Global Education (EdD)
• International Relations (PhD)
• Sustainability (PhD)
• MASTER’S DEGREES
• Full-Time Global
• Climate Change & Global Sustainability
• Sustainable Development Practice
• Diplomacy & International Relations
• Humanitarian Assistance & Crisis Management
• International Education
• Part-Time Hybrid
• Intercultural Service, Leadership & Management
• Certificate in TESOL
• Professional Certification in Education Abroad
• TESOL CENTER
• Application Process
• Tuition & Costs
• Financial Aid
• Contact an Admissions Counselor
• Information Sessions & Webinars
• International Students
• Affiliations
• Contact a Graduate Ambassador
• Academic Resources
• Career Services
• Registrar’s Office
• Accessibility Services
• Safety & Security
• Participant Insurance
• Mental Health & Well-Being
• Sexual Safety & Title IX
• MEDIA CENTER

Doctorate in International Relations – PhD (Online)*

Career paths, residencies.

• Faculty & Staff

Tuition & Fees

A doctorate for international affairs professionals seeking to analyze, critique, and improve responses to conflict, displacement, and human security.

At a Glance

For the program beginning summer 2025

Residency Locations

Serbia, Jordan

Priority Deadline

November 1, 2024, followed by rolling admissions

Final Deadline

January 31, 2025

Critical Global Issue of Study

Geopolitics & Power

Program Cost

Why a phd in international relations from sit.

Citizens around the world are witnessing major shifts in world order as new centers of power arise, populist movements grow, and political instability and conflict drive people across national borders. SIT’s PhD in International Relations is a professional doctorate designed for those eager to better understand and tackle these challenges, while also advancing their careers.

This part-time PhD is designed for working professionals in international affairs with an interest in peacebuilding, conflict and refugee response, and humanitarian affairs. Across four years, students critique traditional approaches to geopolitics and offer evidence-based approaches to improved human security.

The program includes two 10-day international residences. During the first-year residency in Serbia, you will examine the refugee crisis and the rise of illiberalism. During the second-year residency in Jordan, you will examine the landscape of conflict and the power of regional and global alliances in shaping foreign affairs. Specialized online courses on forced migration, peace and conflict studies, and global governance and human security complement each residency and provide you with the skills to lead complex projects and influence policy and practice through original research.

Featuring professors, advisors, and diplomats from across the globe, this program draws upon SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide a unique global perspective students can apply, in real-time, to their work contexts as they earn their doctoral degree.

Working professionals who complete this PhD may expect to expand their careers as:

Foreign affairs specialist

Crisis response or operations specialist

Security analyst for intelligence agencies

Policy advisor and consultant

Director of policy for refugees and conflict response agencies

Senior leader in humanitarian and emergency affairs organizations

Risk analyst and early-warning consultant

Crisis operations specialist for international humanitarian agencies

Think tank researcher

University faculty

Read about SIT Graduate Institute alumni careers through the SIT blog and our Career Impact page.

First-Year Residency: Belgrade, Serbia

This 10-day residency focuses on the refugee crisis and the rise of illiberalism. Engage with EU policymakers, local activist organizations, and scholars to learn about the shifting power relations of contemporary Europe in the context of forced migration, war, and shifting European identity.

Second-Year Residency: Amman, Jordan

This 10-day residency focuses on peace and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through visits with academics, government officials, local NGOs, and international organizations in Amman, students will examine the landscape of conflict in the MENA region and the power of regional alliances in shaping foreign affairs.

Please note that in order to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, program excursions may occasionally vary.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD in International Relations, students will be able to:

• Identify, analyze, and critique contrasting approaches to international political order through the lens of foundational theories, both mainstream and critical.
• Contribute professional scholarship related to discourses on international relations, international peace and conflict studies, refugee and forced migration studies, and human security via presentations at professional conferences and publication of academic scholarship.
• Design and conduct original, ethical research informed by relevant literature and grounded in appropriate methodologies and approaches.
• Interpret original and secondary data to produce actionable findings with a capacity to improve the way policymakers approach critical global issues, particularly those related to conflict, refugees, and crisis response.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes .

Students complete 64 credit hours of work across four years (12 semesters) of study. Courses focus on theory, research methods, applied practice, professional development, and dissertation preparation. Throughout, you will learn from professors and advisors from across the globe. This PhD draws on SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide students with a unique and powerful learning experience.

Students can request to transfer up to 15 credits of relevant previous graduate coursework upon admission, thereby reducing the overall credit requirement from 64 to 49.

With approval, students can pursue an accelerated pathway to complete the degree in 10 semesters. The research and dissertation writing phase of the program may vary, dependent on individual student progress, outside commitments, and type or scope of research.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course descriptions and admissions information.

This is SIT

• We value active togetherness, reciprocity, and respect as the essential ingredients for building a sustainable community .

• With open minds, empathy, and courage, we facilitate intercultural understanding and respect for the commonalities and differences between people.
• We champion social inclusion & justice in all that we are and all that we do, from ensuring our community and our programs amplify the voices, agency, and dignity of all people to deliberately instilling the principles and practices of inclusion in all of our work.
• We are committed to human and environmental well-being through sustainability and contributing to a better world for all living and future generations.

Theories and Polemics of International Relations (3 credits)

This course explores the role theory plays in shaping our understanding of international relations and global affairs. Dominant theories which make up the cannon of the field—such as realism and neorealism, liberalism and neoliberalism, constructivism, and Marxism—are explored, as well as critical theories such as feminism, post-colonialism, and indigenous approaches.

Global Governance and Human Security (3 credits)

This course examines the complex field of global governance, focusing on the theoretical underpinnings, institutional structures, and contemporary challenges of designing systems of international governance without international government. Students will engage with advanced literature, conduct original research on a topic related to global governance of their choosing, and critically analyze issues related to global governance, including perspectives from critical theories, realism, and constructivism.

Forced Migration and Humanitarian Response (3 credits)

Conflict-induced and disaster-induced displacements are impacting hundreds of millions of people around the globe annually. In response, humanitarianism—the promotion of the general welfare of people impacted by conflict, disaster, environmental disruption, famine, and political and economic collapse—has become a dominant feature of international affairs. Unfortunately, the international political system remains a flawed vehicle for satisfying global humanitarian demand. Carefully guarded national sovereignty, the relatively weak power of international institutions and non-governmental organizations, and growing skepticism about a liberal global order now threaten the international humanitarian aid system. This class considers these developments as well as the drivers of forced migration, the history of humanitarian response, and the search for new evidence-based frameworks to improve it.

Seminar in Peace and Conflict Studies (3 credits)

This seminar will give students an in-depth understanding of the origins of intra- and inter-state conflicts, the debates over why such conflicts emerge, escalate, and de-escalate, and the pathways and possibilities for sustainable peaceful transformations. Simulations, case studies, and scenario-based exercises are used to give students a realistic understanding of the drivers of violent conflict and the challenges and possibilities of building peace across a variety of settings and contexts. Of particular interest is considering how dominant theories about the nature of conflicts connect to the conflict management strategies adopted by various stakeholders in international politics.

Preliminary Review (0 credits)

At the conclusion of year one of the program, students must pass a preliminary examination. Preliminary exams demonstrate mastery of content covered in core courses and demonstrated progress towards the dissertation research proposal. Upon completion of all coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination and begin a prospectus (proposal) for their dissertation research.

Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to statistical concepts and procedures as prerequisites for conducting quantitative and mixed-methods research. Students will learn how to display data distributions using graphs and describe distributions with numbers using measures of central tendency and dispersion. Additionally, students will examine relationships among data and learn how to produce data using various quantitative designs. This course will introduce students to inferential statistics, including simple linear and multiple regression analyses and ANOVA. Students will develop knowledge and skills using and interpreting descriptive and inferential statistical data and will use Stata software to analyze data.

Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to a range of approaches and methods used in qualitative inquiry. Among the approaches covered are process tracing, discourse analysis, ethnographic research, case studies, comparative historical analysis, archival research, interviewing, ethnography, content analysis, ethnographic research, political profiling, and agent-based modeling. Students will deepen their knowledge about these approaches and enhance their data collection skills by conducting surveys, analytical frameworks, designing case studies, and reflecting on each method’s strengths and limitations. Students will also learn how to code data inductively and deductively, develop codes, look for patterns emerging in data, develop overarching themes, and interpret findings.

Research Colloquium (3 credits)

The Research Colloquium gives a platform for doctoral students to present and discuss possible PhD research projects, exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback, and workshop ways to prepare and improve their dissertation research proposals. Across 10 days, students interact in a conference format, presenting their research ideas, the literature and debates attached to those ideas, and the methods they are considering using in their inquiry process. Students are also expected to critically evaluate the work of their peers, providing constructive criticism to help them advance their research agenda, operationalize their research questions(s), and identify and develop plans for overcoming challenges in the data collection and analysis phases of their research. Prior to the in-person colloquium, students will work with their advisor as needed to develop their presentations.

Electives and Transfer Credits (15 credits)

In addition to the above, students must take 15 credits of elective courses prior to sitting for comprehensive exams. Elective credits can be fulfilled by two means: transferring prior graduate credits earned at SIT or another accredited institution or completing an advisor approved elective offered through one of SIT’s part-time hybrid master’s or PhD programs.

Comprehensive Exams (0 credits)

Comprehensive exams confirm the students’ mastery of their chosen field of study and serve as the basis for their doctoral dissertation literature review. After passing the comprehensive examination and prospectus defense, students enter candidacy.

Proposal Defense, IRB approval (3 credits)

The proposal defense is designed to evaluate the feasibility, significance, and originality of each student’s proposed dissertation research project. It serves as a critical checkpoint to ensure that the research project is well-structured and has a high likelihood of success. The defense is conducted in front of the student’s three dissertation committee members: their primary advisor and their first and second reader. It consists of a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. After the questioning, the committee deliberates, then provides feedback to the student regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal. The outcome of the defense will be one of the following: 1) Pass: the student may proceed with their research, 2) Conditional Pass: the student is allowed to proceed, but they must address specific issues or complete requested revisions to the proposal before doing so, or 3) Fail: the proposal does not meet the required standards, and the student will be required to revise and redefend it at a later date. *Requires successful completion of comprehensive exams.

Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 1-4 (1 credit each)

The Doctoral and Professional Development Seminars 1-4 seek to build a community of practice of IR PhD students as they work to complete their doctoral dissertations. Students meet bi-weekly with each other and their advisors to share their dissertation progress, problem solve, and share drafts of their work for feedback. The seminar will also feature occasional guest speakers who will share their own doctoral dissertation journeys and their professional transitions after receiving their PhD.

Dissertation (20 credits across 4 semesters)

At least 20 credits of the PhD program of study consists of research and dissertation. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The culminating experience for the doctoral degree program is publication of the dissertation. The non-coursework portion of the program usually lasts 2 years.

Dissertation Defense (1 credit)

In this course students will prepare for an oral defense working closely with their primary and secondary advisors, and deliver and defend their work. Students will be able to present their dissertation remotely.

Admissions Criteria

Our admissions staff work one-on-one with every applicant to facilitate a highly informed and multidimensional admissions experience: applicants are required to undertake an interview with SIT faculty during the application process.    

As applicants become familiar with the attributes of an SIT education—grounded in the experiential learning model and focused on social justice and leadership skills in intercultural environments—they determine for themselves  how  SIT can help them meet their educational and career objectives.  

For the PhD in International Relations, admissions will evaluate candidates to ensure they meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution
• Strong academic writing and scholarly potential, as evidenced by a statement of purpose
• Demonstrated English language proficiency (see details below)
• Intercultural and professional experience
• A minimum preferred cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0
• Demonstrated ability to use experience as a source of learning
• All applicants are required to interview with program faculty

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• three letters of recommendation
• resume or curriculum vitae
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information The statement of purpose should not exceed 600 words and should describe how the applicant’s experience will contribute to success in the program; describe how completion of the degree will support long-term professional goals; and expand on key research questions the applicant aims to address as part of the plan of study. Letters of recommendation must be from three people who can attest to the applicant’s academic and professional achievements. At least one letter should be academic in nature.

Applicants will be able to transfer up to 15 credits of related graduate coursework toward the PhD program. Please contact us for more information .

English Language Ability

Applicants whose first language is not English and who did not graduate from an English-speaking institution must demonstrate English language proficiency.

*This new program is pending accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) in accordance with the Commission's Policy on Substantive Change. The approval process is anticipated to be finalized in fall 2024.

Faculty & Staff

International relations – phd (online)*.

Discover the Possibilities

SIT’s Student Financial Services Office  provides guidance on all aspects of funding your degree throughout the application process and during your degree program. Tuition costs vary by program and scholarships are available.

College of Arts & Sciences

International Relations

The department’s graduate program in international relations prepares students for successful careers by introducing them to cutting-edge research across the field and training them to be productive and professional scholars. Our faculty members have produced award-winning research in the most selective journals—including the American Political Science Review, Foreign Affairs, International Organization, International Security, International Studies Quarterly, Journal of Conflict Resolution, and World Politics—as well as prestigious university presses—including Cambridge University Press, Cornell University Press, and Princeton University Press.

The best measure of our success as a graduate program is the track record of our students. In recent years, our students have taken tenure-track faculty positions at top universities, including Cornell University, the University of Texas, and McGill University. They have also been awarded highly competitive pre- and post-doctoral fellowships at Harvard University and Princeton University. We encourage our doctoral students to focus on publishing their research, and their work continues to appear in premier journals, including the American Political Science Review, International Organization, International Security, and International Studies Quarterly.

All of the department’s faculty members are well-versed in international relations theory, and the department has also developed a number of more specific core strengths:

-International Security (Andrew Bennett, Daniel Byman, Victor Cha, David Edelstein, Desha Girod, Lise Morje Howard, Matthew Kroenig, Charles Kupchan, Keir Lieber, Robert Lieber, Daniel Nexon, and Elizabeth Stanley): Together, this deep and diverse faculty exposes students to the most pertinent questions in the study of international security today. The specific research interests of the faculty include military intervention and occupation, terrorism, nuclear weapons, U.S. foreign policy, civil-military relations, post-conflict reconstruction, international order, the role of religion in international affairs, and the use of force in the modern world.

-International Political Economy (Marc Busch, Raj Desai, Kathleen McNamara, Abraham Newman, Nita Rudra and George Shambaugh): The evolving structure and behavior of the international political economy is a central concern of the department’s faculty. Approaching these questions from a variety of methodological and theoretical perspectives, our international political economy group investigates issues including the governance of trade and finance, the politics of currency, and international aid and development.

-International Law and Organizations (Anthony Arend, Marc Busch, Kathleen McNamara, Abraham Newman, and Erik Voeten): The department’s faculty produces important scholarship on the politics of international organizations as well as the evolution of international law. As with our other core strengths, the faculty approaches these questions from a variety of perspectives, producing well-trained and creative graduate students. Our faculty’s research in this area includes questions about the role of the United Nations Security Council, the development of the European Union, international financial institutions, the international law of the use of force, and emerging international environmental law.

-Methodology (Andrew Bennett, Marc Busch, and Erik Voeten: Our faculty is equipped to train graduate students in the full range of methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and formal approaches. Beyond the methodological strength of our international relations faculty, our students benefit from the methodological expertise of the department’s faculty in other subfields, including Michael Bailey and Hans Noel in U.S. Politics.

In addition to our core Government department faculty members, doctoral students benefit from faculty in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS), the Graduate Public Policy Institute (GPPI), and the McDonough School of Business (MSB) who teach and research issues in international relations. Abraham Newman (SFS) researches the consequences of the information revolution and standards of privacy for international relations. Dennis Quinn (MSB) explores the causes and consequences of international economic liberalization. Jennifer Tobin (GPPI) works on issues of international aid and development. The School of Foreign Service’s Security Studies Program houses three faculty members—Christine Fair, Bruce Hoffman, and Colin Kahl—who are conducting influential research on terrorism and insurgency. Finally, a variety of scholar-practitioners on the faculty, including Madeline Albright (SFS) and Anthony Lake (SFS), are able to share their real world experiences with our students.

Aside from classes, a centerpiece of our curriculum is the Georgetown University International Theory and Research Seminar (GUITARS). GUITARS meets on a regular basis each semester to discuss the most recent and most significant research in the field of international relations. Visiting faculty from around the world visit Georgetown to present their research, exposing graduate students to this scholarship as well as allowing them to interact and network with important scholars.

Finally, Georgetown offers a variety of institutional resources that support research and teaching that is of interest to our PhD students. The Mortara Center for International Studies advances the study of all aspects of international affairs. The Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs explores the role of religion in relations between states, communities, and peoples. The Center for Peace and Security Studies is a forum for research at the nexus of theory and practice in international security.

In short, Georgetown’s Department of Government is quickly establishing itself as a leading place to pursue a doctorate in the field of international relations. We have a diverse and distinguished faculty that is eager to train the next generation of scholars of international relations. We hope you will join us.

The Department of Government also offers joint Masters/Ph.D. programs in Public Policy , Security Studies , German and European Studies , Latin American Studies , Eurasian-Russian-East European Studies , Arab Studies , and the Georgetown University Law School . In addition, it also offers Master’s degree in International Law and Government. Taking into account the Department, the School of Foreign Service, the Graduate Public Policy Program, and the Law School, Georgetown has an exceptionally distinguished, diverse, and large group of faculty in international relations, with an unusual blend of theoretical interests and practical policy experience.

Please see the Graduate Handbook for more details about our doctoral program, including requirements, courses, and faculty. Admissions information can be found here . Should any specific questions about the program remain, you may contact the Field Chair or our Graduate Program Officer .

Click here for information about the Georgetown University International Theory and Research Seminar (GUITARS)

What are you looking for?

Suggested search, ph.d. program overview.

The Political Science and International Relations (POIR) Ph.D. program began in 2003 and is part of the POIR Department. POIR is a medium-size Ph.D. program with approximately 60 students currently enrolled across all years. The POIR faculty have expertise in the fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and research methods. Ph.D. students train in three of these areas, with most students emphasizing American politics, comparative politics, or international relations as their first field. Each incoming POIR cohort is approximately 8-12 students in size. Students take courses their first two-three years; take their qualifying exams in their third year; and write and complete their dissertations in years three, four, and five.

Learning Objectives

The Political Science and International Relations Ph.D. program provides a well-structured and suitable education and training that reflects the current state of the disciplines and offers a breadth and flexibility rarely found in separate political science and international relations programs. Through effective and student-centered mentoring, research and teaching assistantships, professionalization workshops, and collaborative support for conference participation and publishing, POIR students train to be leading scholars who are competitive in both the academic and non-academic job markets.

Students will demonstrate mastery in critically applying knowledge and methodologies to address fundamental questions in the fields of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and/or methods, as evidenced by their academic performance in the programs curricular requirements and the qualifying examinations.   Students will gain, practice and evaluate their skills in various quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis to conduct scholarly research consistent with the highest standards of the discipline as evidenced by their academic performance in the core and advanced methodology courses, the acceptance of their dissertation proposal, participation in the POIR Math Bootcamp, and/or completion of the POIR Methods field.

Qualifying Exams

Students will be able to demonstrate mastery in recognizing, assessing and synthesizing the existing literature and research in the fields of political science and international relations as evidenced by students’ academic performance in the program’s core courses and the comprehensive examinations.

Research & Dissertation

Students will gain the intellectual independence and skills to conduct research that results in an original contribution to knowledge as evidenced by the extent of students participating at major conferences, the degree of students with peer-reviewed publications and grant applications, and the completion of their dissertations.

Students will demonstrate a mastery of pedagogical skills and knowledge at a level required for college and university undergraduate teaching in their discipline as evidenced by their academic performance in the teaching practicum seminar, the quality of students’ teaching evaluations, and student participation in POIR and campus wide teaching workshops and trainings.

Professionalization

Students will gain and demonstrate scholarly communication skills adequate to publish, prepare grant proposals and present work not only in the fields of political science and/or international relations, but also across disciplines and diverse audiences as evidenced by the quality of their course papers and presentations, their participation at professional conferences and other research colloquia in various disciplines.   Students will develop the professional skills needed in their intended career placement as evidenced by their level of professionalism in the program, their participation in professionalization activities and training, the quality of their faculty mentorships, and the completion of the placement support group requirements.

Program Concentrations

Pursue your specialized area of study and research within Political Science and International Relations

American Politics

Comparative politics, international relations, methods and research tools, director of graduate studies.

David Kang [email protected]

Graduate Program Administrator and Advisor

Danielle De Rosa Ballard [email protected] DMC 214A

Graduate Program Assistant

Karin Amundsen [email protected] DMC 214B

Graduate Student Association

Miguel Hijar Chiapa, Co-President Melissa Watanabe, Co-President José Alcocer, Treasurer José Múzquiz, Senator Stephen Schick, Communications Director

International Relations

Explores the interaction between states, international law, non-state actors and market forces. 

Traditional subjects of interest have concerned interstate war, deterrence, cooperation, alliances, the balance of power, economic sanctions, economic growth and stability, and international institutions.

Princeton's international relations faculty conduct research and train students across the field's full range of theories and methods (historical, statistical and formal); and substantive research interests (security studies, international law and organization, political economy, transnational civil society, and normative analysis). 

Centers & Programs

The Center for International Security Studies provides a home for the study and debate of national and international security at Princeton University and supports a variety of educational, research, enrichment, and outreach activities with the intent of generating new knowledge on issues of fundamental importance and educating the next generation of strategic thinkers and decision makers. It also seeks to establish research and policy links with other institutions around the world. Professors Aaron L. Friedberg and G. John Ikenberry serve as Co-Directors of the Center.

The Niehaus Center for Globalization and Governance (NCGG) was created in the fall 2004 under the umbrella of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The Center is a large and dynamic community of scholars and students interested in both the academic and policy dimensions of globalization and international governance. It directs a visiting fellows program, fosters greater integration among various parts of the social sciences at Princeton University and promotes engagement with the broader academic and policy community. It involves graduate students and faculty from the Politics Department, among other departments, in its conferences, workshops and research groups.  

The Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) offers a variety of programs for students, faculty and visiting scholars that support research, learning and dialogue on world cultures and issues of global importance. 

The Program on Race, Ethnicity, and Identity in Politics (PREIP) organizes thematic events and other initiatives linked to the study of race, ethnicity, and identity, including a department-wide speakers’ series and workshops on research issues related to the study of the politics of racial, ethnic, and other minoritized subpopulations. This inter-subfield program intends to create a supportive and generative community of faculty and graduate students working on a range of related topics including racism, colonialism, citizenship, contentious politics, social movements, and gender inequalities.

Christopher Blair

Aaron Friedberg

Naima Green-Riley

G. John Ikenberry

John B. Londregan

Helen V. Milner

Andrew Moravcsik

Layna Mosley

Kristopher Ramsay

Jacob N. Shapiro

James raymond vreeland.

• University of Pennsylvania
• School of Arts and Sciences
• Penn Calendar

Search form

Graduate School

I graduated with a double-major, in IR and AMES (with a focus on China) in 2004. Immediately after graduating I moved to DC, where after a few months of job-searching I was obtained a position as a Staff Assistant in the DC office of Senator Rick Santorum. I realized fairly quickly that I would need further education to have an impact on the policy world, and so applied to graduate school that same year. In 2005 I left the Senate office to begin a two-year master's program at the Johns Hopkins University Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). While there I interned for a business magazine in Taiwan and for Foreign Policy magazine in DC. I'm currently on a one-year research fellowship at The National Bureau of Asian Research in Seattle, Washington, researching Chinese banking reforms and working on a number of other programs and publications. I'm not yet sure where I'll be headed after the fellowship concludes, but possibilities include US government work back in DC, a publication focusing on international affairs, and consulting. The IR program at Penn definitely played a big role in enabling me to reach this point. The program at SAIS is very focused on economics; I would likely not have gotten in had I not had the serious economics coursework that the Penn program requires. Having written an honors thesis earned me instant credibility, provided me with something interesting to discuss in job interviews, and provided me with confidence with my own ideas and ability to tackle imposing projects and big ideas. Most importantly, the program faculty and staff were extraordinarily helpful in providing advice and guidance and writing recommendations. They are a terrific resource for students that know to ask for and take advantage of their help.

-Michael H. Cognato, Class of 2004

My career path took me in several directions as I searched for the best opportunities to follow my passions and to fully utilize my skill sets. In the year after graduating from UPenn in 1996, I went on to work in various capacities, including as an Editorial Assistant at a Philadelphia-based foreign policy research institute and as a Paralegal at an immigration law firm in New York City. In 1997 I enrolled as a graduate student in the Department of Politics at New York University, receiving my MA degree in 1998. Though I had originally intended to continue in the program towards the PhD, I decided to defer admission and work for a while, starting work in technology consulting based in NYC. In 2000, I moved to San Francisco to start a technology company with overseas clients, and a year later - when the Internet bubble burst - I again switched jobs to Director of Operations at a SF-based nonprofit organization specializing in the use of documentary films for community outreach efforts. Deciding that it was finally time to return to school, and with a full scholarship I enrolled as a graduate student in the Anthropology Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago, focusing on archaeology. Currently, I am in Vietnam on a fellowship to conduct my archaeological dissertation fieldwork at an ancient citadel dating from the Metal Age, and I am interested in the underpinnings of Vietnamese civilization and the factors that lead to the formation of state-like polities and complex societies. Though I could not have predicted it at the time, my training with IR at Penn has enabled me to pursue work and research in various ways which were either directly or indirectly related to politics, economics, international business, and history. My overall objective, once the dissertation is complete, is to obtain a teaching and research position at a university.

-Nam C. Kim, Class of 1996

• International Relations & Diplomacy Students
• International Relations & Diplomacy Alumni
• Business & Economics Alumni
• Overview of AGS
• Accreditation
• Partnerships
• Job Opportunities
• School News
• Faculty Notes
• Student and Alumni Stories
• Conference 2024
• Conference 2023
• Conference 2022
• Conference 2021
• Conference 2020
• Conference 2019
• Conference 2018
• Conference 2017
• Conference 2016
• Conference 2015
• Conference 2014
• Conferences 2006-2013
• Conference Theme
• Conference Program
• Conference Speakers
• Conference Sponsors
• Featured Book
• Dr Ruchi Anand
• Dr Patrick Bratton
• Patrick Clairzier
• Ambassador Dominique Dreyer
• Ambassador Michael Einik
• Dr Manlio Graziano
• Dr Mariam Habibi
• Larry Kilman
• Dr Anton Koslov
• Bertrand de Largentaye
• Dr Steve McGiffen
• Dr Elizabeth Miloidov
• Dr Douglas A. Yates
• M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy
• Additional Degree Option with American University
• Additional Degree Option with Université Paris-Saclay
• Additional Degree Option with Cergy-Paris Université
• Additional Degree Option with Arcadia University
• Ph.D. in International Relations and Diplomacy
• Graduate Course Catalog
• Current Course Offering
• Internships for Credit
• Optional French Language Courses
• Class Schedule
• Academic Calendar
• Certificates and Single Courses
• For Businesses and International Organizations
• Study Abroad Services
• Career Support
• Supplements and Fees
• Online Resources and Downloads
• Student Notice Board
• Academic Information
• Graduate Student Association
• AGS/Arcadia Academic Journal
• Financial aid overview
• Federal Direct loans
• U.S. Veterans Aid
• Private loans (US and Canada)
• John A. Lee Memorial Scholarship
• Black Lives Matter Scholarship
• Enrollment status
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Leaves of Absence and Withdrawals
• Immigration formalities
• Housing Options
• Housing Subsidy
• Working in France
• Student Health Insurance
• Useful tips
• AGS Alumni Board
• Class Representatives
• Program Description
• Tailored Programs
• Graduate Programs
• Additional Degree Options
• M.A. in International Relations
• Ph.D. Program
• Certificates & Graduate Study Abroad
• Credit Policy
• Grading Scale
• Course Catalog
• Course Offering

For any questions, please email us at [email protected] or use the form below.

Your e-mail

Latest e-Edition

• The Brattleboro Reformer

• Print Edition

Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Partly cloudy skies. Low 59F. Winds light and variable..

Partly cloudy skies. Low 59F. Winds light and variable.

Updated: June 4, 2024 @ 5:51 pm

• Full Forecast

Alleged Windham strangler waives bail review

David gartenstein enters windham 9 race, alleged groundworks killer to be transferred to corrections, longtime senator richard 'dick' sears jr. dies at 81.

SIT, World Learning and the Peace Corps honored their shared history with a commemorative Marker Dedication on Aug. 13, 2022.

• Reformer file photo

SIT launches two new online doctoral degree programs

• Jun 4, 2024

BRATTLEBORO — School for International Training (SIT) is launching two new online PhD programs, one in international relations and one in sustainability, as part of the school's 60th anniversary celebration. Both programs expand upon the global university's six decades of experiential education and worldwide network of partnerships.

"These two new dynamic doctorates will be grounded in SIT's powerful experiential learning model and combine online coursework with residencies overseas," says SIT President Dr. Sophia Howlett in a news release. "Students will gain, in real-time, a unique global perspective they can apply to their careers."

SIT's programs are developed around a framework of the world's most critical global issues. The international relations doctorate has been created through the lens of 'Geopolitics and Power,' with courses that specialize in forced migration, peace and conflict studies, and global governance.

"This part-time four-year program is designed for working professionals in international affairs with an interest in peacebuilding, conflict and refugee response, and humanitarian affairs" said Dr. Bruce Dayton, who was instrumental in shaping the new program and will serve as its chair. "Students will critique traditional approaches to geopolitics and offer evidence-based approaches to improved human security."

Dr. Joe Lanning is the chair of the new PhD in sustainability, a degree classified under both the 'Climate and Environment' and 'Development and Inequality' critical global issues. He helped design the curriculum, which focuses on ways to contribute to climate change mitigation, advocate for social equity, and innovate sustainable practices for economic prosperity. 

"This part-time program is for professionals enthusiastic about producing evidence-based analysis for sustainable transformations, the relationship of science and society for sustainable futures, and approaches to community-based problem solving," says Dr. Lanning. "Graduates of the program will be prepared to lead multi-stakeholder groups as they will be effective communicators in policy circles, academic and organizational contexts, and in popular science."

Both programs, which are accepting applications from June 1 to November 1 for their first cohorts beginning June 2025, draw from SIT's brand of in-depth, reflective practice and intensive research training and will engage students where they are in their academic and professional careers. The programs will offer immersive doctoral seminars, and courses will focus on theory, research methods, applied practice, professional development, and dissertation preparation. Each degree will allow students to pursue their specializations in content areas at any level and subfield. Students can also request to transfer up to 15 credits of relevant previous graduate coursework during admission, thereby reducing the overall credit requirement from 64 to 49.

The online degrees include two 10-day international residencies. For the international relations program, students will examine the refugee crisis and rise of liberalism in Serbia, as well as the landscape of conflict and the power of alliances in Jordan. Students in the sustainability program will travel to Portugal to study renewable energy innovation and marine conservation. Then, they will explore case studies in Tanzania's Zanzibar Archipelago, which is at the forefront of blue economy initiatives.

SIT says its new new doctorates expand on the institution's diverse strengths in international programming. SIT's global campus comprises 77 programs, nearly 30 learning centers, and 549 faculty and staff across all seven continents. SIT Study Abroad delivers academically rigorous, accredited undergraduate summer and semester programs around the world. In 2018, SIT Graduate Institute introduced a one-year global master's format delivered at SIT's learning centers around the world, and in 2021, SIT launched its first doctoral degree in global education. Its first cohort graduates this year.

"These one-of-a-kind global programs build on SIT's long history of training the next generation of intelligent, compassionate global citizens at a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges," says Dr. Howlett. "Our dedicated faculty have carefully designed these programs to prepare students to tackle urgent issues of the day in a global context — all while reflecting on SIT's core values of community, intercultural understanding, social justice, and sustainability."

Many of SIT's graduates go on to work in high-level positions with organizations such as the United Nations, colleges and universities, nongovernmental organizations, and significant international foundations. Graduates of SIT's PhD programs will similarly benefit from the institute's broad professional and alumni networks throughout the world.

For prospective students interested in learning more about the new PhDs, SIT faculty will be available to answer questions during a summer webinar series. Students can also learn more about the application process or contact an admissions counselor at  graduate.sit.edu/admissions-aid/application-process .

Vermontitude

Vermontitude episode 70: big brothers big sisters, with guest ilene winters.

• Watch more Vermontitude podcasts

Online Features

Rosen, trusted investor counsel, encourages malibu boats, inc. investors to secure counsel before important deadline in securities class action - mbuu.

• By THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A., Malibu Boats, Inc.

OCGN DEADLINE: ROSEN, THE FIRST FILING FIRM, Encourages Ocugen, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important June 10 Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm - OCGN

• By THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A., Ocugen, Inc.

SHAREHOLDER UPDATE: Halper Sadeh LLC Continues to Investigate OSG, IBTX, CALT, SSB

• By Halper Sadeh LLP, Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc., Independent Bank Group, Inc., Calliditas Therapeutics AB, SouthState Corporation

• Notifications

Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.

• SIT Study Abroad
• SIT Graduate Institute
• Request Info
• Letter from the President
• Mission & Vision
• Institutional Plans
• A Framework of Critical Global Issues
• Support for Refugees & Migrants
• Student Consumer Information
• TESOL Center
• Learning Outcomes
• Fulbright-Hays Tanzania
• MEDIA CENTER

May 29, 2024

School for International Training launches two new doctoral degrees with focus on conflict resolution and refugee response, sustainability and climate change

May 15, 2024

Sen. Schatz to speak about the importance of study abroad in an interconnected world

April 30, 2024

New Alice Rowan Swanson Fellow brings human rights education to post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina

Publication Date: May 29, 2024 Publication Location: Brattleboro, VT Contact : Abby Henson  |   [email protected]

School for International Training (SIT) is pleased to announce the launch of two new online PhD programs, one in international relations and one in sustainability , as part of SIT’s 60th anniversary celebration. Both programs expand upon the global university’s six decades of experiential education and worldwide network of partnerships.

“These two new dynamic doctorates will be grounded in SIT’s powerful experiential learning model and combine online coursework with residencies overseas,” says SIT President Dr. Sophia Howlett. “Students will gain, in real-time, a unique global perspective they can apply to their careers.”

SIT’s programs are developed around a framework of the world’s most critical global issues. The international relations doctorate has been created through the lens of ‘Geopolitics and Power,’ with courses that specialize in forced migration, peace and conflict studies, and global governance.

“This part-time four-year program is designed for working professionals in international affairs with an interest in peacebuilding, conflict and refugee response, and humanitarian affairs” says Dr. Bruce Dayton, who was instrumental in shaping the new program and will serve as its chair. “Students will critique traditional approaches to geopolitics and offer evidence-based approaches to improved human security.”

Dr. Joe Lanning is the chair of the new PhD in sustainability, a degree classified under both the ‘Climate and Environment’ and ‘Development and Inequality’ critical global issues. He helped design the curriculum, which focuses on ways to contribute to climate change mitigation, advocate for social equity, and innovate sustainable practices for economic prosperity. 

“This part-time program is for professionals enthusiastic about producing evidence-based analysis for sustainable transformations, the relationship of science and society for sustainable futures, and approaches to community-based problem solving,” says Dr. Lanning. “Graduates of the program will be prepared to lead multi-stakeholder groups as they will be effective communicators in policy circles, academic and organizational contexts, and in popular science.”

Both programs, which will be accepting applications from June 1 to November 1 for their first cohorts beginning June 2025, draw from SIT’s unique brand of in-depth, reflective practice and intensive research training and will engage students where they are in their academic and professional careers. The programs will offer immersive doctoral seminars, and courses will focus on theory, research methods, applied practice, professional development, and dissertation preparation. Each degree will allow students to pursue their specializations in content areas at any level and subfield. Students can also request to transfer up to 15 credits of relevant previous graduate coursework during admission, thereby reducing the overall credit requirement from 64 to 49.

The online degrees include two 10-day international residencies. For the international relations program, students will examine the refugee crisis and rise of liberalism in Serbia, as well as the landscape of conflict and the power of alliances in Jordan. Students in the sustainability program will travel to Portugal to study renewable energy innovation and marine conservation. Then, they will explore case studies in Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago, which is at the forefront of blue economy initiatives.

SIT’s new doctorates expand on the institution's diverse strengths in international programming. SIT’s global campus comprises 77 programs, nearly 30 learning centers, and 549 faculty and staff across all seven continents. SIT Study Abroad delivers academically rigorous, accredited undergraduate summer and semester programs around the world. In 2018, SIT Graduate Institute introduced a one-year global master’s format delivered at SIT’s learning centers around the world, and in 2021, SIT launched its first doctoral degree in global education. Its first cohort graduates this year.

“These one-of-a-kind global programs build on SIT’s long history of training the next generation of intelligent, compassionate global citizens at a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges,” says Dr. Howlett. “Our dedicated faculty have carefully designed these programs to prepare students to tackle urgent issues of the day in a global context—all while reflecting on SIT’s core values of community, intercultural understanding, social justice, and sustainability.”

Many of SIT’s graduates go on to work in high-level positions with organizations such as the United Nations, colleges and universities, nongovernmental organizations, and significant international foundations. Graduates of SIT’s PhD programs will similarly benefit from the institute’s broad professional and alumni networks throughout the world.

For prospective students interested in learning more about the new PhDs, SIT faculty will be available to answer questions during a summer  webinar series . Students can also learn more about the application process or contact an admissions counselor here .

School for International Training (SIT), the academic arm of  World Learning , was established in 1964 as a training center for the first Peace Corps volunteers. Today, SIT is a U.S.-accredited global university offering undergraduate study abroad programs, including the comparative  International Honors Program , and globally focused graduate and doctoral degrees and certificates. SIT prepares students to be effective changemakers and global citizens through experiential education focused on the world's most critical global issues. For more information, visit  sit.edu.

ASU launches new international relations program

Undergrad program will allow students to develop a deeper understanding of international policy.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' international relations program offers students a rich variety of opportunities for professional development and career-readiness. Photo courtesy The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

With a growing demand for diplomacy and global knowledge in an interconnected world, Arizona State University is launching an undergraduate international relations program to equip students with the tools to address today’s challenges.  

The program, offered by the School of Politics and Global Studies in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, allows students to develop a deeper understanding of international policy and relations between nations and non-state actors. 

Students will be better able to make sense of the complexity of world affairs while building skills and knowledge to secure positions in diplomacy, security, international organizations and private enterprises. 

Interested in applying?

Visit the international relations degree page for more information and to apply.

Both the Bachelor of Science in international relations major and the Bachelor of Arts in international relations major will be available starting in fall 2024. The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts offerings will also be available through ASU Online , allowing students the flexibility to pursue international relations studies anywhere in the world. 

Students have the opportunity to learn from award-winning faculty at the School of Politics and Global Studies, with instruction and guidance from acclaimed professors Keith Brown, Craig Calhoun, Magda Hinojosa, Okechukwu Iheduru, Miki Kittilson, Valerie Mueller, Tim Peterson,  Güneş Murat Tezcür, Henry Thomson and Thorin Wright. 

“Our curriculum has always equipped students with analytical rigor and career-relevant skills so that they can distill complex information for decision-makers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors,” says Associate Teaching Professor Tara Lennon, who also serves as the school’s associate director of undergraduate studies. “We are thrilled to combine faculty expertise, our interdisciplinary global outlook and partnerships in the intelligence and diplomatic communities to provide students with high-impact experiential learning opportunities in Arizona, Washington, D.C., and around the world.” 

Notable courses of the program include: 

• INR 205: Perspectives on International Relations:  This course explores new theoretical approaches as well as canonical theories such as realism, liberalism, constructivism and critical theory, and applies these perspectives to current developments in global politics. 
• POS 300: Contemporary Global Controversies: This class examines key controversies in global politics, including security, economic stability, poverty, gender, race and the environment.
• POS 465: International Organization and Law: In this course, students get a dose of the legal world — learning about the political significance and future of international institutions, transnational regimes and international law while also reviewing emerging careers in the field.

The new international relations program offers students a rich variety of opportunities for professional development and career readiness, including partnerships with the Future Security Initiative and the Center for Latino/a Politics Research; internship opportunities in Washington, D.C., and abroad; and State Department connections through the Diplomat-in-Residence Program.

Graduates of the program will join a vast network of policymakers, world innovators and renowned researchers that make up the alumni of the School of Politics and Global Studies. 

International relations majors will be well prepared for a thriving career in global relations, including positions in state, national or international governments, nonprofits and advocacy organizations, academia and journalism.

More Law, journalism and politics

ASU hosts first student-led Model Constitutional Convention

Imagine a congressional floor debate between varying political parties that not only puts personal attacks aside, but is civil, respectful and productive. That’s what took place over the weekend at…

ASU's Carnegie-Knight News21 wins RFK Journalism Award for 'America After Roe'

The Carnegie-Knight News21 program has been honored with two Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards — including the prestigious 2024 Grand Prize, an honor not typically bestowed on college journalists…

ASU Law, Diné College, Navajo Nation partner on first-ever tribally affiliated legal program

In a historic move in the advancement of legal education, the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University has announced a groundbreaking set of partnerships with the Navajo Nation…