Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework in international relations theory, national security and research methods with a sustained, original doctoral dissertation. Early years typically emphasise core seminars in IR theory, security studies, comparative politics and international political economy, together with intensive training in qualitative and quantitative research methods and causal inference. Students choose elective modules that reflect regional specialisms (for example Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Asia) and substantive concentrations (such as terrorism and insurgency, intelligence studies, cybersecurity, conflict resolution, human security, migration and development).

Typical elements include:

• Core seminars: advanced IR theory, security studies, and the politics of war and peace.
• Research methods: multivariate statistics, experimental and survey methods, process tracing, case study design, and mixed-methods approaches.
• Regional and thematic electives: area studies, comparative foreign policy, transnational governance, and regional security challenges.
• Comprehensive examinations: written and/or oral assessments to demonstrate mastery of literature and methods.
• Doctoral dissertation: an original research project making a substantive contribution to scholarship and policy debates, conducted under faculty supervision.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to teach undergraduate courses, present at conferences, and participate in policy workshops and practicum placements.

Entry requirements

Admission is selective and intended for candidates with demonstrated academic potential for doctoral-level research. Typical requirements include:

• A completed master’s degree in international relations, political science, public policy, or a closely related social science. Exceptional candidates with a strong bachelor’s degree and research experience may also be considered.
• A strong academic record showing preparation in international relations and social science research methods.
• A research statement outlining proposed areas of inquiry and fit with the department’s faculty expertise.
• Academic transcripts and curriculum vitae.
• Letters of recommendation, normally two or three, from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s research potential.
• A writing sample that demonstrates analytical ability and familiarity with scholarly literature; this is often an academic paper or chapter.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, in line with the university’s requirements.

Some applicants may be invited to an interview. The programme looks for evidence of intellectual independence, research aptitude, and a clear fit between the applicant’s interests and the faculty’s expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across academia, government, international organisations, and the private sector. Common career paths include:

• University faculty and postdoctoral research positions in international relations, security studies, and related fields.
• Policy analyst, researcher or adviser roles in government agencies, defence and intelligence organisations, and foreign affairs ministries.
• Analyst and research positions in think tanks, policy institutes and non-governmental organisations working on security, human rights, migration and development.
• Roles in international organisations and multilateral institutions addressing regional security, conflict prevention and governance.
• Private-sector positions in risk analysis, geopolitical consultancy, security firms and organisations that require expertise in international political risk and strategic planning.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University’s programme is housed in a school with a strong regional focus and a global outlook, offering faculty expertise in security studies, Latin American and Caribbean politics, transnational issues and US foreign policy. The university’s location in Miami provides distinctive proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean, enhancing opportunities for regional fieldwork, local policy engagement and internship placements with diplomatic missions and NGOs.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across centres and institutes, access to diverse primary source networks, and regular seminar series and conferences that bring policymakers and scholars to campus. Funding and assistantship opportunities are available to support research, teaching and doctoral training, while teaching experience and professional development activities prepare graduates for both academic and applied careers in national security and international affairs.