SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
American University · Washington, D.C.
PhD Program
PhD Links
Objectives
The PhD program at American University's School of International Service (SIS) trains students to produce new knowledge of the highest scholarly caliber. The program prepares students for careers as teachers and scholars at universities and research institutes in both the private and public sectors.
Philosophy
The School of International Service is committed to a broad, interdisciplinary approach to the study of international relations. The School of International Service does not embrace or promote any particular theoretical school or method of analysis. Its tradition is one that values theoretical diversity, intellectual breadth, analytical rigor, and scholarly excellence. SIS is committed to maintaining among its faculty and within its doctoral program the expertise needed for the full range of rigorous analysis of cross-national phenomena.
Our curriculum offers excellent preparation in the foundational fields of transnational study: Comparative and Regional Studies, International Relations and Social Theory. Our students also take a two-course multiple-methodology sequence that trains them in theories of knowledge and in the breadth of qualitative and quantitative research techniques used in the social sciences today. To ensure the highest quality, these core seminars are limited to PhD students only. Once students acquire a firm foundation, they have considerable opportunities for pursuing further study with depth and focus. SIS offers programs in Comparative and Regional Studies, International Communication, International Development, International Economic Policy, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, International Politics, Global Environmental Policy and United States Foreign Policy. Students are also welcome to develop their own field of specialization. Students plan their programs with the Director of Doctoral Studies, the Doctoral Program Academic Adviser and individual faculty. Our emphasis is on tailoring the program to fit each student's needs.
The School of International Service values diversity among its student population, drawing qualified applicants from all over the United States and beyond. Our program promotes a cooperative and congenial environment among students and between students and faculty.
Our students are encouraged to submit articles to academic journals and to engage in collaborative work with faculty members. They also receive financial support to present conference papers. SIS PhD students have recently published journal articles in Alternatives, International Studies Quarterly, Middle East Insight, PS: Political Science and Politics, Security Studies, and Third World Quarterly.
Students interested in entering the academic job-market have the opportunity to participate in a mentored teaching program that provides classroom teaching experience.
The School of International Service
American University's School of International Service is the largest school of international affairs in the United States. SIS has over 60 full-time faculty and over 2,000 students at the BA, MA, and PhD levels. This provides SIS with ample resources to support doctoral study. Our diverse faculty has degrees from the finest universities throughout the world in a wide vary of disciplines, including economics, history, international relations, law, political science and sociology. At SIS, students enjoy the benefits of a broad selection of specialized courses as well as the advantages offered by small seminars and a highly accessible faculty. Our ratio of faculty to PhD candidates of 2 to 1 ensures that each doctoral student receives extensive individual attention. A diverse faculty, American University's resources, membership in the consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area and the considerable opportunities available in greater Washington (e.g., archives, federal agencies, the Library of Congress and non-governmental organizations) combine to provide SIS doctoral students with a remarkable breadth of research and learning opportunities.
In recent years, SIS PhD students have won Fulbright, Smithsonian, Soros Foundation, and Jacques Delors fellowships, as well as a Hubert Humphrey Dissertation Fellowship from the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. Recent SIS graduates currently teach at a range of colleges and universities including Brandeis University, Brigham Young University, Florida International University, Georgetown University, Ohio University, the U.S. Naval Academy, the University of Arizona, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Wagner College and several institutions overseas.
Admission
The School of International Service ranks among the most selective International Relations PhD programs in the United States. Each year, SIS selects a class of eight students from approximately 150 applicants. The small and selective size of the program enables SIS to provide individualized attention to students. All entering students are guaranteed three years of full funding, including tuition remission and a stipend, as well as opportunities to gain additional years of internal financial support.
Prospective applicants may use this Web site to apply online. We would also be happy to send a paper or pdf version of the application form. To receive either of these, send an e-mail with your mailing address to: sisgrad@american.edu. More on Graduate Admissions
The deadline for applications is January 1.
More Information
Should you have questions about our PhD program, do not hesitate to contact the Director of Doctoral Studies, Prof. Stephen Silvia (e-mail: ssilvia@american.edu; tel.: 202-885-2462), or the Doctoral Program Academic Adviser, Ms Mary Barton (e-mail: mbarton@american.edu; tel.: 202-885-1607).
We encourage prospective candidates to visit the University to meet faculty members and current PhD students. If you would like to visit, please contact Prof. Silvia to make arrangements.