Salve Regina launches online Ph.D. program in international relations

Salve Regina has launched an online Ph.D. program in international relations that officials say is the first of its kind in the United States. Designed primarily for faculty at military institutions, military officers from both the U.S. and abroad, and those employed in the government services professions, the program is currently enrolling students for classes that will begin in the fall.

Candidates for the 48-credit program should already hold master’s degrees and have at least five years of related professional experience. Seasoned professionals whose busy careers do not allow them time to attend a traditional full-time terminal degree program are also prime candidates.

“Salve Regina is thrilled to be the first university in the United States to offer an online Ph.D. in international relations,” said Dr. Symeon Giannakos, program director. “The mission of the degree – which emphasizes justice with a primary focus on seeking wisdom – is to provide an innovative understanding of area studies through comparative analysis.”

Giannakos said Salve’s unique approach fills an important void by providing flexible learning options for career educators and other professionals working in military institutions and government services jobs. “Military officers who cannot logistically attend a traditional Ph.D. program find themselves in a disadvantage despite their tremendous practical and academic credentials,” Giannakos said. “Our program will give these professionals the opportunity to do so without taking time off from their work. They are dedicated, disciplined, intelligent and hard-working professionals who can handle the rigor of graduate work while maintaining their important jobs.”

To complete the program, students must complete 36 credit hours (12 required courses) focusing on area studies such as Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Africa, Latin America, North America, the Middle East, Russia and China, followed by the 12-credit dissertation writing phase.

Program faculty for upcoming fall courses are drawn from Salve Regina, the University of Rhode Island, the U.S. Naval War College and Roger Williams University, where each is a full-time teaching faculty, all holding Ph.D. degrees, and all known regionally, nationally and internationally for their scholarship and expertise in a specific area study.

This is Salve Regina’s third doctoral program and is accredited, along with its existing programs in humanities and nursing practice, by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

For more information or to register, call the Office of Graduate studies and Continuing Education at (800) 637-0002 or visit salve.edu/international-relations-phd.