Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in International Affairs, Science, & Technology

Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. program will provide an unparalleled opportunity for students with backgrounds in either politics or science and technology to deepen their understanding of international affairs through the advanced study of sub-fields such as international relations theory, international security, international political economy, comparative politics, and methods for social scientific research.

The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs exceptional faculty conduct research on a range of topics in the fields of international political economy, comparative politics, and international security policy. In addition, faculty members possess strong regional expertise in East Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The level of experience and diversity of interests among the faculty offer an extensive and enriching educational experience. The Nunn School also hosts a variety of programs that allow close interaction with scholars and practitioners of international affairs.

Admission Overview 

All qualified persons are equally welcome to seek admission to the Ph.D. in International Affairs, Science and Technology (IAST) Program at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs. The School admits approximately three-five doctoral students each year. Since the number of eligible applicants generally far exceeds the number of admission spots available, satisfying minimum admissions standards does not guarantee admission. Many well-qualified applicants cannot be accommodated. The Graduate Review Committee will examine each applicant and determine the admissions decision. Notification of admission will be sent to all applicants via mail. Please include a functional e-mail address on your admission application. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, or national origin. The criteria used in determining each applicant’s eligibility for consideration shall include:

Pre-Master’s level:

  1. Completion of a B.A. or B.S. degree in any discipline from an accredited institution
  2. Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores (GRE test scores are valid for five years)
  3. Completion of introductory courses in general economics, political science, and science or engineering
  4. Demonstrated capability with information technology through coursework in computer programming, web design, human-computer interaction, geographic information systems, or other acceptable coursework or work experience
  5. Demonstrated proficiency in foreign language through two years study in a single language or if English is not the applicant’s native language, a paper-TOEFL score of 550 or computer score of 213

Post-Master's level:

  1. Completion of a M.A. or M.S. degree in any discipline from an accredited institution
  2. Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test scores (GRE test scores are valid for five years)
  3. Completion of introductory courses in general economics, political science, and science or engineering
  4. Demonstrated capability with information technology through coursework in computer programming, web design, human-computer interaction, geographic information systems, or other acceptable coursework or work experience
  5. Demonstrated proficiency in foreign language through two years study in a single language or if English is not the applicant’s native language, a paper-TOEFL score of 550 or computer score of 213

The committee makes the final admission decisions based on a combination of factors, including academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, and relevant work experience. Additional information about tuition, GRE and TOEFL scores, the application process, financial aid, and international student information is available via the graduate admissions Web site.

Degree Requirements

We are committed to a broad, rigorous, and student-centered curriculum. As we expect students to come from a wide range of backgrounds, we will be open to flexibility, allowing students to substitute or pass-out of core requirements based upon previous experiences and coursework and under the guidance and approval of their committee. Reduction in credit is limited to nine hours total. Supported by over 20 outstanding faculty members in their fields of specialty, the Ph.D. program will specifically offer training to improve dual competency in several key areas, including:

  1. International security
  2. Cyber security
  3. Information communications technology (ICT)
  4. Innovation and economic welfare

Core Classes:

  1. INTA 6003 Empirical Research Methods
  2. INTA 6004 Modeling, Forecasting, and Decision Making
  3. INTA 6102 International Relations Theory
  4. INTA 6103 International Security Policy
  5. INTA 6202 Comparative Politics
  6. INTA 6302 International Political Economy
  7. INTA 7010 Introduction to International Affairs Pro-Seminar
  8. INTA 8000 Seminar in Science, Technology, and International Affairs
  9. INTA 8001 Seminar in Science, Technology, and International Affairs II

Minor Concentration:

Students must complete a minor concentration that complements the student’s pre-existing competencies enforcing their broad understanding in the areas of science, technology, and international affairs. Three related INTA courses at the 6000 and 8000 levels in international innovation or security or three courses in other Schools of the Ivan Allen College, or in colleges or interdisciplinary fields of the Institute or elsewhere.

Example of a minor concentration with the School (security):

  1. INTA 6105 Technology and Military Organization
  2. INTA 6132 Korean Security Policy
  3. INTA 8803 Problems of Proliferation

Example of a minor concentration with College of Computing (security):

  1. CS 6250 Computer Networks
  2. CS 6262 Network Security
  3. CS 6725 Information Security Strategies and Policies

Language/Advanced Methods:

All students must satisfy either the language or advanced methods requirement.

Language:

Demonstrated competency (reading proficiency only) in one language other than English (equivalent of four semesters of college-level coursework or an equivalent exam).

Advanced Methods:

Two semesters of coursework (in addition to core requirements) of advanced statistics, methods, and/or computer science taken either within the School or in other colleges of the Institute.

Comprehensive Exams:

At the end of year two, students will be required to complete two written Field Exam Papers (reading list approved by faculty).

Theories of International Relations

  1. International Relations Theory
  2. Comparative Politics

Functional Issues in International Relations

  1. International Security Policy
  2. International Political Economy

Ph.D. Thesis and Defense:

After passing the comprehensive exams and S&T paper, the student will submit a dissertation prospectus that must be approved by the dissertation committee. the dissertation committee will be composed of relevant experts in the fields and should include a member external to the institute. when the committee chair deems that student is ready, a public oral defense of the final written dissertation will be scheduled.