SIT Graduate Institute - Doctorate in International Relations (PhD)

About this program

SIT’s Doctorate in International Relations (PhD) is a four-year, online program designed for working professionals who want to build expertise and increase influence in international affairs. The program challenges conventional approaches to geopolitics while building evidence-based research and analysis skills focused on human security, forced migration, peace and conflict, and global governance. Two 10-day international residencies deepen applied insight, with study in Belgrade, Serbia centered on the refugee crisis and the rise of illiberalism, and study in Amman, Jordan examining conflict dynamics and the regional and global alliances shaping foreign affairs.

• Year partnership began: 2024
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 2

Application requirements

SIT does not require the GRE. Bachelor’s and master’s degree from regionally accredited institutions with a minimum preferred cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0 Application requirements include:

• A completed online application
• Writing sample (master’s thesis or capstone paper, literature review, publication, or similar)
• Statement of Purpose
• CV/Resume
• Official transcripts
• Three references

Admissions process

• Complete SIT's online application and check the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows box
• Submit a copy of your Description of Service (DOS)

Degrees awarded

Doctorate in International Relations (PhD)

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $10,040

Cost savings details

As part of our standard partnership, Coverdell Fellows will be eligible for a 25% tuition discount for SIT’s Doctoral degrees. There will be one competitive award available per degree each year. This discount is applied to the tuition cost after transfer credit consideration and is not combinable with any other SIT scholarships.

Internship

As part of the Coverdell Fellowship, fellows must complete a practicum of 150 to 300 hours in a high-need American community (as defined by SIT Graduate Institute). The practicum must relate to the student’s coursework and career goals and be for a minimum of six weeks. Practicums may be paid professional positions or unpaid internships. More information about the internship requirement can be found on SIT’s website on the Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program partnership page.

Other opportunities

SIT will waive the $50 application fee for all Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

Jobs for alumni

Through the social, academic, and professional network SIT provides, students have an easy and dynamic way to connect with like-minded individuals and learn about potential employers worldwide. SIT's alumni work at the government, nonprofit, and grassroots levels in the US and abroad. Students who have graduated with this degree work in careers such as the following, among others:

• Foreign Affairs Specialist
• University Faculty
• Crisis Operations Specialist
• Security Analyst for Intelligence Agency
• Policy Consultant

Nontraditional options

Online degree program

Fellowships are awarded to RPCVs enrolling in one of the following degree programs:

Global Master’s Degrees

• Global MA in Climate Change & Global Sustainability
• Global MA in Diplomacy & International Relations
• Global MA in Humanitarian Assistance & Crisis Management
• Global MA in International Education
• Global MA in Sustainable Development Practice

Online Doctoral Degrees with International Residencies

• Doctorate in Global Education (EdD)
• Doctorate in International Relations (PhD)
• Doctorate in Sustainability (PhD)