Become a thought leader in international affairs.

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

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

Degree Progression

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

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

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

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

Field Concentrations

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

Required Coursework

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

Coursework

In their third year of study, students take SIS-811 Dissertation Development Workshop and 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.

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

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

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 of their own. Students will take three courses (9 credits) as for their chosen concentration and will take the field’s comprehensive exam at the end of their second year.

The Department of Environment, Development, and Health (EDH) 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. 

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Resolving today’s transnational crises requires a global perspective that unites pioneering research with a foundational understanding of economics, politics, and governance. In SIS’s 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. 

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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 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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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