The Gari School of Government and International Relations

Ph.D. of Georgian Studies

OVERVIEW

The Gari School of Government and International Politics’ doctoral (Ph.D.) program in Georgian Studies is designed to prepare students to become pioneering scholars and expert academics, or foreign affairs practitioners, diplomats and analysts with the highly specialized knowledge of Georgia and the geo-political region of the Caucasus. Fluency in Georgian language is required. Our curriculum in Georgian Studies is designed to help the exceptional doctoral candidates develop into pioneering academics, erudite scholars and advanced researchers in international relations, politics, economics and diplomacy in this very unique and dynamic region which bears the highest geo-political and strategic significance to the U.S. political and economic long-term success, and America’s standing as the global political leader and the ultimate political, economic and military super-power in the world.

The Gari School of Government and International Politics is the only graduate school in the United States that offers a doctoral program with the major in Georgian Studies. Our mission is to provide the doctoral candidates with the most accurate and scholastic information on Georgia. For this purpose, we have recruited international experts in different academic fields of political science from the country of Georgia as faculty, adjunct professors and lecturers.

We recognize that some of our graduates may pursue careers as outstanding foreign affairs practitioners and analysts. For that purpose our doctoral program entails important practical elements, along with theoretical studies, such as the mandatory study and teach abroad program in Georgia. Our goal is to develop the doctoral candidate into an expert of both, theory and practice, in the field of Georgian Studies. The program places emphases on the following sub-fields of the discipline of political science: Georgianology, Georgian history, Georgian literature, political economy, foreign policy, economics and international organizations.

FACULTY

The Gari School of Government and International Politics boasts of a distinguished faculty. Many of our faculty members have served as directors, advisors, counselors and notable executives to governments and/or government units, foundations, investment companies, private companies and public corporations in the United States and Europe, including the country of Georgia. In addition, we regularly recruit high profile executives from international organizations, and most illustrious professors from premier universities of Europe, Georgia in particular, Asia, Middle-East and Africa, to serve as adjunct professors or lecturers, in order to share truly international political and economic perspectives with our graduate students.

IDEAL CANDIDATES

Ideal candidates for our doctoral program would have achieved the highest standing in taking the M.S. degree study in Georgian Language and Literature, Georgian Studies, political science or any of its subfields at a recognized university, and are able to demonstrate exceptionally strong propensity for contributing to political theory on international relations and performing advanced scholastic research. Applicants with the previous M.S. degree in economics, business, philosophy and journalism will also be strongly considered for this program. Fluency in Georgian language is required. The Ph.D. program in Georgian Studies is designed to prepare the students for university teaching and research, and for positions as high profile analysts and diplomats in government, public service, international organizations and private sector. Our graduates have obtained leadership positions in government offices, large international organizations and multinational corporations, as well as fellowships and faculty positions at the top universities and research institutions in the United States and Europe, including the country of Georgia.

TIMELINE

Typically the first year of the candidacy is spent in advancing knowledge in general theories of the discipline and its different subfields. Upon finishing the coursework, at the end of the second year, the candidate usually enters the research stage, which involves studying additional literature, preparing the dissertation proposal, and writing the dissertation. The candidate is guided by the Curator, who is a full member of the faculty and the Graduate Committee, and serves as the academic and dissertation advisor to the candidate. Typically at the end of the second year the candidate submits the proposal. The Ph.D. student should successfully propose, submit, and defend the doctoral dissertation under the supervision of the Graduate Committee.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE AND STUDY ABROAD

The Gari School of Government and International Politics offers more than just the traditional online experience. It combines in-class seminars and examinations with online guidance. It provides the doctoral students with valuable extracurricular opportunities to exchange ideas with high-level public servants, participate in political debates, and attend the ESAP, the European Study Abroad Program of Georgian International University which gives our students unique opportunities to study, as well as teach in Europe, and receive full certifications and dual degrees from premier European academic institutions. Attending the ESAP program is mandatory for the doctoral students of Georgian Studies. This will allow them to become closely acquainted with Georgian academic culture, people and unique traditions of this ancient civilization.

CURRICULUM & TUITION*

Tuition is approximately $800 per course, subject to change.

*Additional expenses may apply.

ADMISSIONS

We admit graduate students on a quarterly basis. We welcome international students, as well as transfer students of good academic standing into our graduate programs.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. A transcript(s) with undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or instead a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test score of 550 on the verbal and 600 on the quantitative portion. In some cases Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may be also acceptable.
2. Two Letters of Recommendation from the school(s) previously attended.
3. TOEFL score for international students.

PREREQUISITES

3 Political Science (graduate course) Credits
6 Georgian Language Credits
6 Georgian Literature Credits

Prior undergraduate or graduate courses in which a grade of B- or higher was attained can be used to meet the prerequisites of the program. Areas in which the student does not have prior coursework can have the necessary requirements met by taking the following foundation courses at Georgian International University:

POL 591 – Classical Economics 1: Friedman
GEO 450 – Basics of Georgian Language
GEO 500 – Basics Georgian
GEO 510 – Georgian Literature
GEO 582 – Culture of Georgia (Science and Arts)

Truly exceptional applicants, who do not meet the enrollment requirements, still may be considered for the program. They must be interviewed in person and evaluated by the Graduate Committee. Taking additional prerequisite courses will be a part of the provisional admission. Prospective applicants must take under consideration that the university rarely makes such exceptions.

Download the PDF ADMISSION APPLICATION FORM