PhD in Political Science - Security Studies in Syracuse United States | Syracuse University

The Ph.D. is granted to candidates who fulfill all academic requirements, including coursework, qualifying exams, and dissertation defense. A minimum of 42 credit hours of coursework plus 30 dissertation credits must be completed, maintaining a 3.0 GPA or better. Transfer of up to 21 credits from other institutions may be permitted. Students must submit a Program of Study before taking qualifying exams. Ph.D. candidates automatically qualify for an M.A. upon meeting those requirements.

A Security Studies minor demands completion of core courses and extensive supplementary reading. Participants must finish three field-specific courses within their first four semesters. Qualifying Exams occur in August after the second year. Those with relevant language training may adjust this timeline with written approval from the Graduate Studies Director.

Prospective academics should consult advisors about how combining IR with Security Studies might affect job prospects. Security Studies minors must complete coursework in two of political science's four main subfields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Political Theory.