Doctor of Philosophy in Global Studies

Priority deadline for all applications is January 15. Applications received after this date will be considered as space allows.

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Admissions Requirements

1. Applicants must show official evidence of having earned a baccalaureate degree or its U.S. equivalent from an accredited college or university. Complete and official undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions must be provided. A master's degree is not required.
2. If an international transcript does not adequately demonstrate that an applicant has the equivalent to an American bachelor's, the applicant must obtain such verification by an independent service such as the Center for Educational Documentation, Boston, MA (617-338-7171).
3. All prior degrees must have been earned with a satisfactory scholastic average to demonstrate that the applicant has adequate preparation for the field in which doctoral studies are undertaken.
4. Applicants must have achieved satisfactory Verbal and Quantitative scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). In some instances, GMAT or LSAT scores may be substituted. The official score report must be submitted; a photocopy of the examiner's report is acceptable.
5. Three (3) letters of reference must be provided. Letters should be from individuals who can comment on the academic potential of the applicant (2 letters minimum). A maximum of one letter related to the professional performance of the applicant is acceptable.
6. Applicants must submit a personal statement of about 750 words which indicates why the applicant wishes to pursue a doctoral degree in Global Studies.
7. A writing sample (published article, thesis, etc.)
8. A current resume/CV

Your personal Statement should address the following:

• Describe your personal, professional and academic background, and what has led you to apply for admission to the UMass Lowell doctoral program in Global Studies at this point in your personal and professional journey.
• Please describe your research area of interest, and potential research project that you would like to pursue during the PhD. We understand that research interests may change as your training advances, but this is a way of assessing your research potential.

International applicants whose native language is not English and who have not earned a university degree where English was the primary language of instruction, must also provide official test score of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (the university accepts TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores). A waiver may be given to candidates who have completed at least two semesters of full-time college/university work in the United States by the date of submission of this application.

Note: Each application will be carefully evaluated by an admissions committee comprised of faculty participating in the Global Studies program. All of the items mentioned above will inform their deliberations - thus, an incomplete application will not be considered.

The admissions committee may request an interview from applicants as part of the admissions process. Applicants will be contacted should this step be required.

Application Materials:

Please see the graduate admissions website for details about application materials.

Read the Global Studies Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Graduates of this Ph.D. program will be able to:

• Utilize qualitative and/or quantitative methods to conduct research on major issues of contemporary global significance.
• Understand policies key to addressing critical global problems, ranging from migration to conflict and climate change. 
• Publicize best practices and innovative findings through teaching, presentations, and publications in various formats.

Graduates of the Ph.D. program will also demonstrate the following knowledge competencies:

• Knowledge in globally shared political, social, economic and security issues.
• Current academic research in the fields covered by two of the program areas of study (Conflict, Cooperation, Security and Human Rights; International Political Economy, Trade and Development; or Theory in Global Studies) as well as a broad familiarity with key topics in all three areas.
• An understanding of the key concepts, theories, and methodology in the new and emerging field of Global Studies.
• An understanding of the diverse aspects of global civil society--such as political economy, security, human rights, religion, ethical and historical perspectives--that affect our contemporary world in significant ways.
• A working knowledge of the organizations, institutions and global systems having important roles in the development and maintenance of global civil society, human rights and social justice and economic growth and stability.
• Advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Research and Teaching Positions

The Global Studies program offers funding packages to all full time students. This funding includes a combination of Teaching/Research Assistantships and tuition waivers.

Graduate assistants work 18 hours per week and are assigned to faculty members within a department of FAHSS to assist in research, instruction, and other professional duties. GTAs and GRAs are assigned as instructors or researchers within departments that match their competencies and research interests, as well as satisfy the needs of the departments.