With UMass Lowell's Global Studies Ph.D. Program, you'll gain an interdisciplinary education, the opportunity to work with diverse faculty conducting cutting-edge research and a supportive, multinational community committed to understanding and solving pressing global issues.

The Ph.D. in Global Studies at UMass Lowell is an interdisciplinary program, based in the Department of Political Science, designed to prepare you for advanced research on global challenges. With expert faculty from diverse fields—political science, economics, education, history, philosophy, psychology and sociology—you’ll gain a broad and integrated perspective on global issues.

The Ph.D. program in Global Studies offers three areas of concentration to meet the specific research interests of students.

  • Conflict, Cooperation, Security and Human Rights: Investigate the wide range of issues that challenge peace and human security in the modern world, from traditional conflict to illicit economies.
  • International Political Economy, Trade and Development: Analyze the complex economic, political and social factors shaping global development, and its consequences.
  • Theory in Global Studies: Explore theories and innovative paradigms of global studies.

Equipped with strong theoretical and empirical understanding of global issues, you'll graduate prepared for careers in academia, government, non-profits and policy think tanks.

For a complete list of academic requirements and courses, please visit the Academic Catalog.

All students are required to take 12 credits of core coursework, 12 credits of research methods courses, 27 credits of elective courses (a maximum of 21 credits of which can be transferred from a MA/MS degree program with program director approval) and a minimum of 9 dissertation credits.
Core Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
Total12
GLST.7010Contemporary Global Studies3
GLST.7011Seminar in Interdisciplinary Education  & Research3
GLST.7012Conflict, Cooperation, Security and Human Rights3
GLST.7017International Political Economy, trade and Development 3

Research Methods and Analysis Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
Total6
GLST.7030Global Research and Data Analysis3
GLST.7031Quantitative Approaches to Research in Global Studies3

Research Methods and Data Analysis Electives (chooses 2 courses)
Course#Course NameCredits
EDUC.6423Program Evaluation3
EDUC.6600Ethnographic Inquiry3
EDUC.7040Qualitative Research Methods3
EDUC.7050Survey Research3
PUBH.6740Applied Biostatistical Methods3
PUBH.6800Intro to SAS3
PUBH.6890Advanced Regression Modeling3
PSYC.6110Program Evaluation3
ECON.7310Statistics I3
ECON.7330Econometrics I3
ECON.7340Econometrics II3
ECON.7350Cost-Benefit Analysis3
CRIM.6900Advanced Regression Analysis3
CRIM.6910Advanced Research Design3
CRIM.6920Qualitative Research Methods3
CRIM.6930Survey Methods3
CRIM.6950Program Evaluation Methods3
CRIM.7900Categorical and Limited Dependent Variables3
CRIM.7910Structural Equation Modeling3
CRIM.7920Survival Analysis and Longitudinal Data3
CRIM.7930Data Reduction and Factor Analysis3
Total6
Though students are encouraged to take courses in all of the following three areas, students must select 2 of these 3 areas in which to focus, and take 2 (3 credit) electives in each focus area. After meeting the methodology course requirement (described above), students can take additional advanced research methods courses as electives. The lists below present a sample of relevant elective courses across campus, but these lists are subject to change and availability every semester.
Conflict, Cooperation, Security and Human Rights Concentration
Course #Course NameCr.
TotalN/A
CRIM.6640
Weapons of Mass Destruction
3
CRIM.6660Terrorist Networks3
CRIM.5710Domestic Terrorism and Violent Extremism 3
PCST.5030Diplomacy and Cross Cultural Negotiations 3
GLST.7220Civil Wars3
GLST.7130Special Topics in Security and Human Rights3
PCST.5450Politics of Repression and Dissent3
SOCI.5100Asylum and Refugee Policy3

International Political Economy, Trade and Development Concentration
Course #Course NameCr.
TotalN/A
ECON.7300Microeconomics3
ECON.7330Econometrics I3
ECON.7340Econometrics II3
FINA.6910International Financial Management3
GLST.7170Development Economics3
MPAD.5030Public and Non-Profit Management and Leadership

3


Theory in Global Studies Concentration
Course #Course NameCr.
TotalN/A
EDUC.6302Educational Policy and Law3
EDUC.6502Educational Reform3
CRIM.6050Advanced Theories of Political Violence3
PCST.5030Diplomacy and Cross Cultural Negotiations3
PCST.5450Politics of Repression and Dissent3
GLST.7132Comparative Political Theory3
Dissertation (minimum 9 credits)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total9
GLST.7530Doctoral Dissertation/Global Studies3
GLST.7560Doctoral Dissertation/Global Studies3
GLST.7590Doctoral Dissertation/Global Studies3

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.

Funding Opportunities

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.

Admissions Requirements

All College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences master’s and doctoral applicants must submit:

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Official test score report - only required for:
    1. (GRE) Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
    2. (GRE) Global Studies, Ph.D.
    3. Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Music Education, Master of Music (M.M.)
  7. Resume - only required for:
    1. Music Education, M.M.
    2. Public Administration, Master of Public Administration (M.P.A)

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated. If you need to introduce new references or add other supporting documents, log on to your application, click on “Program Materials” to update your application. Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.  

Program Application Deadlines for Fall Admissions:

  • Global Studies Ph.D. - January 15
  • Psychology Ph.D. - January 15
  • Criminology Ph.D. - February 1
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies - February 15

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will need to apply via the application portal. Visit the Bachelor's to Master's page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Applications are only being accepted using the online process. Instructions are included in the online application link.

Tips for accessing and completing the online application:

  • Capitalize your proper name.
  • Once the form is submitted, changes can only be made by calling the Office of Graduate Admissions at 978-934-2390.

Apply for Spring 2025

Apply for Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026

The Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. is a cohort based program that begins each year in May. Applications are accepted during the preceding year, between April - November 30.

Apply for Trimester (Summer) 2025 Leadership in Schooling

app-fee 2. Application Fee

The application fee is $50 for each application and is non-refundable. Applications will not be processed until this fee is received or application fee waiver has been approved and delivered to the Office of Graduate Admissions.


3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.


4. Letters of Recommendation recommendation

Master's applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Doctoral applicants will be asked to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide (names and email addresses) referees during the application process and then an automated request will be sent out after the completion of your application. Alternatively, you may use the graduate admissions recommendation form (pdf) to request letters of recommendation.

Criminal Justice, M.A.: Letters of recommendation are optional, not required.

Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. Recommendations may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers. Please use the recommendation form for these.

5. Official Transcripts transcripts

Provide a complete and official transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor’s degree. You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

Transcripts should be sent in sealed and signed envelopes mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions. If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Graduate Admissions
Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) Center
839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01854-3941

International transcripts that do not clearly indicate to the Office of Graduate Admissions that you have received a four-year bachelor’s degree, the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree must be demonstrated before an application will be processed. Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated. Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee at:

Center for Educational Documentation, Inc.
P.O. Box 170116
Boston, MA 02117
Telephone: 617-338-7171
Fax: 617-338-7101
Center for Educational Documentation website
World Education Services website


test-score 6. Official Test Score Report(s)

Submission of the GRE test score report is required for applicants to the following programs:

  • Criminology and Criminal Justice, Ph.D.
  • Global Studies, Ph.D.

Submission of passing MTEL(Massachusetts Teachers Education License) is required for the following programs: 
  • Master of Music in Music Education, MM - Applicants to this program must also submit proof of successfully passing the MTEL test in Music within the last five years. 

Please request that the appropriate agency send an official test score for the GRE/GMAT or MTEL to the Office of Graduate Admissions, UMass Lowell's school code is 3911.

For more information about standardized tests, our Admissions Standards page and Admissions Requirements page provide current information.

7. Resume

The programs listed below require a resume for admissions consideration:

  • Music Education, M.M.
  • Public Administration, M.P.A

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Start your online application today!

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