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

Doctoral Program

The PhD in International Affairs, Science and Technology program provides a unique 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. There is widespread recognition that a number of important problems in international affairs – such as how to control the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, or how to promote economic growth in the developing world – cannot properly be understood without an appreciation of the scientific and technological issues involved. At the same time, it is evident that neither the development nor the impact of new technologies is confined within state or national boundaries. Scientific innovation increasingly depends on international collaboration, while the consequences of those innovations, for example in terms of their environmental impact, similarly demand international coordination to be monitored and regulated. Graduates of this research-oriented program will be well placed to embark on careers in academic research, or to move into the policy world where their dual expertise will be rare and highly valued.

 

Admission Overview 

Qualified persons regardless of race, religion, sex, or national origin are welcome to seek admission to the IAST program. The criteria used in determining each applicant’s eligibility for consideration shall include:

Pre-Master’s level:

  1. Completion of a BA or BS 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, an internet based TOEFL of at least 100.

Post-Master's level:

  1. Completion of a MA or MS 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, an internet based TOEFL of at least 100.

Admission decisions are based on a combination of factors, including academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, and relevant work experience. 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. 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

The PhD program is founded upon a broad, rigorous, and student-centered curriculum. All students must have completed the equivalent of the core courses for the Master of Science in International Affairs (see description of the MS program). Because students come from a wide range of backgrounds, they may petition to substitute or pass-out of certain core requirements based upon previous experiences and coursework and under the guidance and approval of the dissertation committee. However, reduction in credit is limited to a total of 9 hours. In addition, students in the PhD program must successfully complete three additional core courses that include:

  1. INTA 7010 Introduction to International Affairs Proseminar
  2. INTA 8000 Seminar in Science, Technology, and International Affairs
  3. INTA 8001 Seminar in Science, Technology, and International Affairs II

In addition, students must complete a minor concentration that focuses on an approved topic in the field of science, technology, and international affairs. This may be satisfied by completing 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. Students must also satisfy either the language or advanced methods requirement. The language requirement is satisfied through demonstrated competency (reading proficiency only) in one language other than English (equivalent of four semesters of college-level coursework or an equivalent exam). The advanced methods requirement may be satisfied through completion of 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.

Breakdown of hours required for degree:

  1. Thesis Research (INTA 9000) 18 hours
  2. INTA 7010 (Proseminar) 3 hours
  3. INTA 8000/8001 (Seminar in Science, Tech, and INTA) 6 hours
  4. INTA Fundamental Coursework 18 hours
  5. Minor concentration 9 hours
  6. Advanced Methods 6 hours OR Language Requirement 0-12 hours
  7. For a total of 57-69 hours

Other requirements for the PhD include admission to candidacy for the degree through a qualification process that includes successful completion of two comprehensive examinations in specified fields of international affairs; submission of a Science, Technology, and International Affairs Field Exam Paper on an approved topic; and submission of a dissertation prospectus that must be approved and supervised by the dissertation committee composed of relevant experts in the fields and a member external to the school. Finally, students must complete and successfully defend a doctoral dissertation.