The Gari School of Government and International Relations

Ph.D. of International Relations

OVERVIEW

The Gari School of Government and International Politics’ doctoral (Ph.D.) curriculum in International Relations is designed to help the exceptional candidates develop into pioneering academics, erudite scholars and advanced researchers in international relations, politics and diplomacy. 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 Read more on the ESAP. Our goal is to develop our doctoral candidate into an expert of both, theory and practice, in the field of international relations. The program places emphases on the following sub-fields of the discipline of international relations: diplomacy, defense and strategic studies, foreign policy, economics, political economy, modern political institutions 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. In addition, we regularly recruit high profile executives from international organizations and most illustrious professors from premier universities of Europe, 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 international relations, or 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. The Ph.D. program in international relations 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 doctoral 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.

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 our 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. This will allow them to become closely acquainted with international academic and political cultures, people and unique traditions of different nations and civilizations.

CURRICULUM & TUITION*

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

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

9 Political Science (graduate course) Credits
3 Economics (graduate course) 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 595 – Classical Economics 5: Sowell
POL 596 – Classical Economics 6: von Mises
POL 530 – Foreign Policy and Decisionmaking
ECON 500 – Essential Economics

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