Degree Progression
To pursue a PhD at SIS, you will identify a field concentration, take comprehensive examinations, and write and defend both a dissertation prospectus and a dissertation. You'll emerge ready to take your place among international relations scholars and contribute to the body of knowledge in this exciting field.
Year One
During their first year, students take six required courses. In the fall semester students take , , and . During the spring semester, students take , , and .听
Students will also join more advanced PhD students in regularly scheduled research colloquia as well as events to help mentor students in grant writing, conference presentations, publications, and professional skills for the job market.
At the end of their first year, students take a written and oral qualifying comprehensive exam that requires them to demonstrate competency in theoretical, epistemological and methodological literature and issues in international relations, comparative politics, and social theory.
Year Two
Field Concentrations
During their second year, students will identify a field of concentration聽aligned with one of the SIS departments, or in consultation with the Director of Doctoral Studies, construct one of their own. Each concentration comprises 3 courses plus a field comprehensive paper and oral exam.听
Required Coursework
Also required during the second year, normally during the fall semester, is 听补苍诲 . Students will also select one聽elective聽to develop an additional area of concentration, further explore a potential dissertation topic, or for additional methods training. This聽elective聽can be chosen from graduate courses at the School of International Service, as well as graduate courses in other programs at 小蓝视频 or at other universities in the National Capital area that are members of the Washington Metropolitan Consortium of Universities.
Year Three
Coursework
In their third year of study, students take 听补苍诲 register for SIS-898 Doctoral Continuing Enrollment to maintain full-time enrollment.
Dissertation Prospectus
Before advancing to candidacy, all PhD students must write and defend a dissertation prospectus that reviews the relevant literature, identifies relevant theoretical, epistemological, and methodological issues, and provides a detailed research design that includes a timetable for the completion of the work. Students are expected to successfully defend their prospectus no later than the end of their third year. For information about the process leading up to and including the prospectus defense, please see the SIS PhD Handbook.
Doctoral Dissertation
Each student must complete and successfully defend a dissertation (or three scholarly papers) that contributes to knowledge that is relevant to international affairs. This dissertation is defended orally before the student's dissertation committee and members of the academic community. The required processes for assembling a dissertation committee, and writing and defending the dissertation are laid out in specific detail in the聽SIS PhD Handbook.
For full detailed information on courses and requirements, explore the SIS PhD handbook.
Field Concentrations
During their second year, students will affiliate with a department at SIS for their field concentration, or in consultation with the Director of Doctoral Studies, construct one聽of their own. Students will take three courses (9 credits) as for聽their chosen concentration and will take the field鈥檚 comprehensive exam at the end of their second year.
The Department of Environment, Development, and Health (EDH)聽defends and cares for life on Earth through research, teaching, advocacy, and policy. We work on justice- and equity-informed approaches to climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, migration, urbanization, emerging technologies, governance, and global health.听
Resolving today鈥檚 transnational crises requires a global perspective that unites pioneering research with a foundational understanding of economics, politics, and governance. In SIS鈥檚聽Politics, Governance, and Economics (PGE) department, our faculty of political scientists, economists, and top regional specialists investigate longstanding and emerging questions related to power, identity, and institutions. Our courses train students with the foundational knowledge and data analysis skills to resolve pressing international, regional, and local issues.听
Through ethical engagement, the SIS Department of Peace, Human Rights & Cultural Relations (PHRCR) seeks to eliminate violence, from war and genocide to interpersonal and structural violence. We work to achieve this聽through theoretical, policy-oriented, and ethical research and by educating our students in conflict resolution, human rights, international and intercultural communication, economic justice, and the role local, national, transnational, and international actors play.听
The Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security (FPGS) produces new knowledge on international policy and security challenges and trains the next generation of leaders to navigate those challenges effectively. We are a multidisciplinary hub for research and teaching, comprised of a diverse group of renowned scholars and practitioners. In our community, we examine the policies of the United States, other countries, and global and transnational actors, as well as the determinants of security at all levels.听
The Department of Global Inquiry (DGI) is engaged in producing knowledge and educating students in ways that contribute to the overall transformation of the world. We equip students with the skills they will need to keep up with our rapidly changing world order. With an emphasis on theory and history, DGI courses focus on how and why international relations change over time, allowing students to forecast and envision future change.
Application At a Glance
View a detailed admission and degree requirements listing for your degree of interest.
- Entrance Semester
- Fall
- Application Deadline
- December 15
- Additional Requirements
- Undergraduate degree
- GRE score
- TOEFL/IELTS score if international applicant
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Application
- Completion of online application