A PhD in international relations offers diverse career options, from academia to diplomacy and international trade. Admission requirements vary, but typically include a bachelor’s degree, foreign language proficiency, high GPA, and letters of recommendation. The program involves 2-3 years of classes, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation, taking at least 4 years to complete.
A doctorate in international relations is attractive to many students because of its diverse career potential. With a strong emphasis on study and research, many PhDs in this field choose careers in academia, but there are certainly other options that include working as diplomats or in high-level jobs related to international trade relations. Exactly how to earn a PhD in international relations often depends on each school’s requirements. A summary of typical requirements for admission to doctoral programs and for completion of a degree should not replace the information provided by each university offering that degree.
For any form of doctorate, the minimum entry requirement is a completed undergraduate degree. Colleges that offer a doctorate in international relations accept some students who hold only a bachelor’s degree but may be more likely to take a master’s degree. The specific field of any bachelor’s or master’s degree is important. Students generally study in related fields such as political science, business, law, economics and finance. Again, applicants should specifically consult with each college to determine eligible degrees.
In addition to suitability for the degree of any undergraduate or graduate study, candidates for a doctoral program in international relations are generally required to have competence in at least one foreign language. Universities can test competency through examinations.
Other admission requirements for most schools include a high grade point average (GPA), usually greater than 3.0, and letters of recommendation that are professional or academic in nature. Students may need to prove availability for doctoral studies by taking standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Most schools also ask for a personal statement, which must be very well written to show your writing strengths.
Once students have been successfully accepted into a doctoral program in international relations, the work really begins. Two to three years of classes are expected, usually accompanied by comprehensive exams. Doctoral candidates complete a lengthy original scholarship called a dissertation. It usually takes a few years to prepare from the first proposal of a topic to the final presentation. Students present their final work to a faculty committee and must defend it orally before it is accepted as completed.
Between classes, dissertation preparation, and other possible requirements, such as working as a professor or researcher, completing the doctoral program in international relations can take at least four years. Many students need more time and can take five to six years to complete all of their work. In most cases, the last thing completed is the dissertation, and once the faculty committee approves it, students are eligible to graduate and receive their degree.
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