phd online asia

19 Distance Learning PhD Degrees in Asia for 2024

• Distance Learning
• Art Studies (1)
• Business Studies (1)
• Economic Studies (2)
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• Summer Course (0)
• Postgraduate Diploma (0)
• Graduate Diploma (0)
• Foundation Year (0)
• Postgraduate Certificate (0)
• A-level (0)
• Preparatory Program (0)
• Doctor of Education (0)
• Advanced Certificate (0)
• Juris Doctor (0)
• Undergraduate Pathway (0)
• Undergraduate Certificate (0)
• Graduate Pathway (0)
• 2 years (2)
• 3 years (13)
• 4+ years (0)
• Full time (17)
• Part time (12)
• English (19)
• Spanish (0)
• Portuguese (0)
• Italian (0)
• On-Campus (9)
• Distance Learning (19)
• Blended (2)
• Master Degrees
• Masters of Science
• Bachelors of Science
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• Masters in Business Administration
• Bachelor Degrees
• Bachelors of Arts
• Masters of Arts
• Graduate Certificates
• Master of Laws
• Bachelors of Business Administration
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• Associates of Applied Science
• Postgraduate Diplomas
• Doctors of Business Administration
• Business Studies
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• Summer Courses
• Graduate Diplomas
• Foundation Year Programs
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• Advanced Certificates
• Doctor of Education
• Undergraduate Certificates
• Masters of Legal Studies
• Preparatory Program
• Juris Doctors
• Undergraduate Pathways
• Pathway Program
• Pre-Med Programs

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Distance Learning PhD Degrees in Asia

Students who complete a part of their degree in Asia are growing in numbers. Currently, the second and the third biggest economies are in Asia. Without limitation, students have described their time in Asia as the best experience of their lives. Today, three of the four most populated countries of the world are in Asia: China, India, and Indonesia.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.

Online learning refers to use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. With online learning one has the flexibility to access their studies at any time and from anywhere they can log on.

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Flexible PhD Option

The “Flexible PhD Option” is a new alternative to our traditional “On-campus PhD Option” to conduct PhD studies at AIT. It is applicable to selected programs at 3 Schools. Students will receive the same degree and the same academic requirements apply as the program offered in our regular “On-campus Option”. Students can do almost all coursework online via AIT’s Hybrid Mode of Instruction (Certain programs may require a lab and research work on campus).

How it Works

Typically, the coursework is online via AIT’s Hybrid Instruction. Students take the same course offered to on-campus students via Hybrid Mode. All classes are recorded for later viewing.

After completion of the coursework, students can do their PhD research in the AIT Campus at a flexible time. In coordination with the Program Chair, students may come to campus in short blocks or for entire semesters.

This is not an online program; students still need to come to the AIT Campus for certain activities such as labs or research work and the graduation ceremony. However, we will allow high flexibility for such activities at our beautiful green AIT Campus in Thailand.

The total flexible time to complete the program is 6 years.

The Flexible Ph.D. Option gives you the flexibility you need!

• Flexible Time Management, “study when you’re free”, take courses online from home.
• Flexible Payment management, “pay as you study”, payment course-by-course.
• No need to come to the AIT Campus for most of your coursework.
• Work & Study at your own pace from any location.

Participating Programs

The following programs offer the Flexible Ph.D. Option:

School of Engineering and Technology

Department of civil and infrastructure engineering.

• Construction Engineering and Infrastructure Management (CEIM)
• Geotechnical and Earth Resources Engineering (GTE)
• Transportation Engineering (TE)
• Structural Engineering (STE)
• Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Management (DPMM)

DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

• Water Engineering and Management (WEM)

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (IME)

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES

• Computer Science (CS)
• Information Management (IM)
• Telecommunications (TC)
• IoT Systems Engineering (IOT)
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
• Data Science and AI (DSAI)

School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD)

Department of food, agriculture, and natural resources.

• AgriBusiness Management (ABM)
• Agricultural Systems & Engineering (ASE)
• Food Innovation, Nutrition and Health (FINH)
• Natural Resources Management (NRM)

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

• Development and Sustainability (DS)
• Development Planning Management and Innovation (DPMI)
• Urban Innovation and Sustainability (UIS)

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

• Climate Change and Sustainable Development (CCSD)
• Sustainable Energy Transition (SE)

School of Management (SOM)

• Business Administration (DBA)
• Business Analytics and Digital Transformation
• International Finance

The Flexible Ph.D. Option has the same cost as our regular “On-Campus Option”. However, all Schools provide AIT Scholarships for eligible candidates. To give you more flexibility, we allow you to pay course-by-course. You need to register for a minimum of 6 credits per semester. You may take up to 15 credits per semester.

How to Apply

To apply, go to the AIT online application form by  clicking here  and choose “Flexible PhD Degree” in the drop down menu of the selected program.

The application submission is open.

First, you need to decide how many courses you want to enroll in, the minimum enrollment is 6 credits which is equivalent to 2 courses. The Program Secretary can advise you on details. You need to pay the full fee for your courses before the start of the semester. All details to make payments are at this website,  Click here.

Contact & Support

For More Inquiry please contact the School at which you want to study:

School of Engineering and Technology (SET)

[email protected]

It cost the same as the traditional full-time master. However, we provide AIT Scholarships for qualifying applicants. Details are available from the Schools and the Program.

How can I apply for the Flexible Master’s Option?

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Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (Doctoral) | APU Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

• Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies (Doctoral)
• Graduate Academics

DOCTORAL PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The developing world is in great need of internationally-minded individuals possessing specialized knowledge and skills. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly common for international aid organizations to enlist the professional guidance of doctoral graduates. The doctoral program aims to produce independent individuals capable of conducting high-level research. This involves gaining expertise in theoretical and empirical approaches for investigation, acquiring in-depth knowledge of the Asia Pacific region, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing practical solutions for complicated issues in a comprehensive and integrative manner. Alumni of this program become distinguished leaders and take on prominent roles in advanced institutions for research and higher education around the world.

Asia Pacific Studies

*Accelerated completion in 2 years may be possible upon further examination after enrollment. The total tuition for the program will not change even if you complete your degree before the standard period of completion

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS

*Current as of the 2022 academic year.

FACULTY AND THEIR RESEARCH FIELDS

BUI Thanh Huong

Human Geography, Social Psychology, Tourism Management and Development, Sustainability and Resilience

GHOTBI Nader

Public Health and Epidemiology, Health Economics, Environmental Economics, Ethics and Philosophy, Bioethics

Urban Ecology, Material Metabolism, Low-carbon City/Transport, Livable City, Circular Economy, Ecosystem Services, GIS and Remote Sensing

IGUCHI Yufu

Gender Studies, Cultural Studies, Southeast Asian Studies (Malaysian Studies), Intellectual History

JONES Thomas Edward

Environmental Policy, Nature-Based Tourism, Protected Areas, Regional Development

KASEDA Yoshinori

Politics, International Relations

KIKKAWA Takuro

Politics, Area Studies, International Relations

Theoretical Economics, Econometrics, Applied Economics, Economic Policy

KIMURA Rikio

Social Welfare and Social Work Studies, Area Studies, Sociology of Education, Education

Environmental Policy, City Planning, Regional Planning, Traffic Engineering, Social System Engineering

MANTELLO Peter A.

Artificial Intelligence, Chatbots, Human-Machine Relations, Emotional AI, Malicious AI, Surveillance Systems, Predictive Policing, Videogame Theory, Conflict Media

MEIRMANOV Serik

General Life Science, Social Psychology, Human Genetics, Human Pathology, Public Hygiene Studies/Health Science

NATSUDA Kaoru

International Development Studies, International Political Economy, Economic Policy, Industrial Development, Rural and Community Development, Automotive Industry, Apparel Industry

OTSUKA Kozo

Applied Economics

PISHVA Davar

Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs), Simulation and Modeling (SaM), Decision Science (DS)

SATO Yoichiro

SUZUKI Yasushi

Doctoral supervision available only for students that have completed their master's thesis under the professor's supervision

TODOROKI Hiroshi

Geography, Area Studies, Human Geography

VAFADARI M. Kazem

Cultural Heritage Management, Ecotourism, Agriculture Heritage Tourism, Community Based Tourism and Rural Tourism

YAMAGATA Tatsufumi

Development Economics, Textile Industry, Bangladeshi Economy, Health and Development, Disability and Development

YAMASHITA Hiromi

Environmental Sociology, Environmental Communication, Public Participation in Decision Making, Coastal Wetlands Restoration Projects, Ramsar Convention and Local Implementation

YOSHIDA Kaori

Media Studies (Representation Politics: Gender, Ethnicity, Nation), Cultural Studies, Popular Culture, Comparative Culture Studies

YOSHIMATSU Hidetaka

International Relations, International Political Economy, Regional Studies (East Asia)

YOTSUMOTO Yukio

Sociology, Tourism

LE Hoang Anh Thu

Cultural Anthropology, Folklore Studies

ROTHMAN Steven B.

International Relations Theory, International Policy Making, International Environmental Policy, Subject Pedagogy

Information Network, Web Informatics, Service Informatics, Management, Commerce

Area Studies (East Asia), Area Studies (European Union), Politics, International Relations, Political Economy

YAMAURA Koichi

Food and Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics

YOUN Seung Ho

Tourism Studies, Social Psychology

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

Completion of the doctoral program requires fulfillment of doctoral coursework in addition to submission and approval of a final dissertation. The dissertation should integrate the results of in-depth investigation into Asia Pacific issues and incorporate individual findings that outline strategic, policy-oriented, and practical solutions to issues arising from current developments in the region. APU provides support for doctoral students conducting field research for their dissertations. Research supervision can be provided in areas such as diversity and integration, environment and development, international political economy, and tourism development.

PH.D. CURRICULUM STRUCTURE

Dr. Cindy Lyn Banyai (USA, Graduated in 2010)

US Congressional Candidate, Founder and Principal of Banyai Evaluation & Consulting, LLC, and Adjunct Faculty, Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Florida Gulf Coast University, USA

“Getting my doctorate at APU allowed me to conduct field work both within Japan and throughout Southeast Asia. This research that culminated in my dissertation also lead to additional peer-reviewed publications and my own book. I was fortunate to also work with my supervisor on JICA international development projects, which gave me practical skills in training, evaluation, and program design needed for my career. This experience helped me learn about emergent leadership and gain the global perspective necessary to start my own evaluation and organization development consultancy and contribute to the global community as the representative to the UN for the International Association for Community Development.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Graduate School

East Asian Studies

General information, program offerings:, department for program:, affiliated departments:, director of graduate studies:, graduate program administrator:.

Welcome to East Asian Studies. Princeton’s Ph.D. program in East Asian Studies (EAS) has long been recognized as one of the leading graduate programs of its kind in the Western world. At present, we offer doctoral (Ph.D.) training in Chinese and Japanese history and literature, Korean literature, cultural and media studies, anthropology of Japan, and in the transnational social and cultural study of contemporary East Asia.

With its current full-time faculty of ~40 professors and language instructors in the EAS department, frequent international visiting professors, and an additional 13 professors specializing on East Asia in the Departments of Art and Archaeology, Comparative Literature, Sociology, Religion, and Politics, Princeton is home to a vibrant community of scholars and students working on East Asia. All EAS historians have joint appointments in the Department of History.

The richness of class offerings and research interests of the combined faculty of the East Asian Studies Program and Princeton University at large offers students a unique opportunity to pursue training in the most varied fields related to China, Japan, and Korea. Students have the chance of acquiring skills, competences, and theoretical mastery in different disciplines within the humanities, media studies, and the social sciences. Research can be dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in established disciplines or in interdisciplinary form; it can be confined to one country or be transnational; and it can focus on specific time periods (antiquity, medieval, early modern, and modern) or cover wider spans of time.

The Graduate School maintains an informative website, and we encourage all prospective students to explore its many sections regarding general academic questions as well as issues such as housing, insurance, and benefits.

Additional departmental requirements

Sample of written work, 25 page maximum. Applicants are required to select an academic subplan when applying.

Program Offerings

Program offering: ph.d..

Students are expected to complete twelve graduate seminars during the first two years of study in addition to all necessary language classes. In exceptional cases, and with permission of the Director of Graduate Studies obtained prior to enrollment, a 400-level undergraduate seminar can be counted as one of the twelve seminars with the expectation that the work produced in the course is commensurate with graduate level work. The Director of Graduate Studies will determine the course load in each semester in consultation with the student and their advisor.

The Department encourages students to do part of their coursework in other departments as appropriate and pertinent to their fields of study. Students in East Asian history are expected to take History 500 (Introduction to the Professional Study of History) in their first semester. Students in literature are encouraged to take Comparative Literature 521 (Introduction to Comparative Literature). Students in the social and cultural study of contemporary East Asia are encouraged to take an introductory course specific to their discipline, for example, Anthropology 501 and 502 (Proseminar in Anthropology)and/or 503A or B (Co-seminar). 

In addition to the official course offerings, students may ask individual faculty for an independent reading course.

While doing graduate coursework, students are expected to write final research papers (or the equivalent thereof) in each of their courses. These papers must be written in English. At the end of the first and second academic year, students should deposit one sample of their best written work in their departmental file. 

Students can take courses at neighboring institutions like Columbia University, New York University, Rutgers University, and University of Pennsylvania. Princeton is also part of the  Exchange Scholar Program (link is external) , a student-exchange consortium of research universities that allows students to study for a semester or a year at another participating institution. 

Language(s)

Every student in the Department is required to demonstrate competence in at least two foreign languages: one in the East Asian language appropriate to the field of specialization (Chinese, Japanese, or Korean), the other in a European language, typically French or German. Students specializing in the pre-modern or early modern periods must be proficient in both the classical and the modern language of their field of specialization. In addition, students in Chinese studies are required to take at least two years of modern Japanese and are advised to take EAS 563-564 (Readings in Japanese Academic Style).Depending on the field of specialization, individual faculty may impose additional language requirements. 

The European and (for students in Chinese studies) Japanese language requirements must be fulfilled prior to the General Examination. These and any other language requirements may be fulfilled through regular courses during the academic year and/or through intensive summer programs that typically provide the equivalent of a full year of language study, for which students may apply for additional Princeton (or outside) funding dedicated to this purpose. Princeton maintains its own summer language programs in  Beijing, China (link is external)  and  Kanazawa (Ishikawa prefecture), Japan (link is external) . Students may also take examinations to place out of their additional language requirements. These examinations must be taken before the General Examination.

Upon arrival at Princeton, new students are evaluated in the language of their field of specialization and, if necessary, placed into appropriate language courses. Foreign students are required to take an examination to demonstrate adequate mastery of the English language and, in some cases, they may be asked to take a dedicated English language course.

Additional pre-generals requirements

The department has arranged with the Department of Comparative Literature for a minor in comparative literature. This involves choosing comparative literature as the third field in addition to other requirements that can be explained by the Director of Graduate Studies in this department or in the Department of Comparative Literature.

Qualifying for the M.A.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy.  It may be earned after a student has successfully completed all pre-general examination coursework (normally, at least twelve seminars); produced research papers using original sources in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean; and fulfilled departmental language requirements. It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that these requirements have been met.

The University offers graduate students the opportunity to gather teaching experience by leading discussion sections (“preceptorials”) in undergraduate lecture courses. The Department requires all Ph.D. students to have served at least once as a preceptor before being able to schedule the Final Public Oral Examination. Students are eligible to precept after having successfully completed the general examination. Preceptors are remunerated in accordance with University policy.

Students are encouraged to precept beyond the one-course requirement and should actively seek out precepting opportunities both within and beyond the department. This course may be within or outside the student’s disciplinary or linguistic field of specialization. In exceptional circumstances, the Director of Graduate Studies may waive the teaching requirement.

Before being able to precept, students must complete a two-day training session at the University’s  McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning .

Students can also apply to team-teach a new undergraduate course with a member of the EAS faculty. Applications must be approved by the Department Chair and the Director of Graduate Studies and should be sent to the  Collaborative Humanities  initiative of the  Humanities Council .

Dissertation and FPO

After the successful completion of coursework, language requirements, and General Examination, students, now Ph.D. candidates, focus on their dissertation research. The first step is the development of a Dissertation Prospectus, which must be approved by a committee of advisors in the form of a written statement and a public oral defense. The committee includes the primary advisor and two other faculty from within or outside the Department who may or may not have served on the student’s General Examination committee.

While there is no set format for the prospectus paper, it consists of a synthetic statement of the dissertation research that candidates develop in close consultation with their primary advisor. On average, it is expected to be a 10 to 15 page-long paper, which includes a clearly defined topic of research, an account of the state of the field and how the proposed research relates to it, an outline of the methodology employed, an account of the sources to be explored, a specific research plan and timeline. The paper may include a preliminary chapter outline. In addition to the paper, candidates should add a substantial bibliography of primary and secondary sources pertinent to the project.

The dissertation prospectus paper must be submitted to the Department at least one week before the oral presentation and will be distributed to the Department faculty and graduate students. At the prospectus defense, the candidate is given about twenty minutes to introduce the prospectus; this will be followed by faculty comments and an open-floor discussion.

The prospectus defense is typically planned according to the following schedule:

General Examination Date             Prospectus Presentation

October of 3rd year                  No later than January of 3rd year

January of 3rd year                   No later than May of 3rd year

It is the responsibility of the student to observe this schedule. If candidates do not successfully complete the general examination and the dissertation prospectus defense by the end of the third academic year, their reenrollment will be deferred until a successful prospectus defense.  As per Graduate School rule, no student should be readmitted to a fourth year (seventh term) of graduate study without having successfully completed the general examination.

The possible outcomes of the prospectus presentation are: 1) accepted; 2) accepted with revisions; 3) rejected. If the prospectus is accepted with revisions, the student has four weeks to present a revised version to the committee, which will decide on its acceptance without a second public presentation. If the initial prospectus is rejected, a new date for another public presentation must be scheduled in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies. A second rejection results in withdrawal from the University with the M.A.

Dissertation Write-up Support Students who have exhausted their five years of University funding and do not hold other outside fellowships may apply for write-up fellowships from the East Asian Studies Program. The awarding of such fellowships is contingent on the demonstrated progress—typically chapter drafts—toward the completion of the dissertation. Fellowships are given for one semester and are renewable for a maximum of one more semester.

The Final Public Oral Examination The Final Public Oral Examination (FPO) is a final defense of the dissertation and of the student’s competence in their field of study.

The dissertation should represent an original and significant contribution to knowledge in the field of specialization. It should be grounded in original source material and demonstrate the candidate’s capacity to pursue independent research in their field and to effectively conceptualize their findings. The scope and length of the dissertation should be such that a finished project can be completed within three years of work. The dissertation must be written and submitted in English.

While writing the dissertation, all students are expected to stay in regular contact with their primary dissertation advisor, regardless of whether they are in residence or elsewhere.

After the main advisor has agreed that the completed dissertation can be moved forward to the FPO, the Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the advisor and the student, assigns two principal readers to write a report to the Graduate School on the quality of the dissertation. Candidates are urged to consult with their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies well in advance to set a tentative date for their FPO as well as to identify the two principal readers. The advisor cannot act as reader, but for the benefit of the Department and the student, they will submit a similar report, too. External readers outside the Princeton community must be of comparable rank in a relevant branch of the scholarly community. External readers or examiners must be approved by the Graduate School prior to the submission of the FPO application. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely and in regular communication with the two readers, ideally one year prior to the FPO.

The composition of the dissertation defense committee can vary, but it is comprised of at least three principal examiners, all of them normally members of the Princeton faculty at the rank of assistant professor or higher, at least two of whom have not been principal readers of the dissertation. At least one of the examiners must be from the student’s home department. The two readers must submit their reports to the Department no later than two weeks before the FPO. If both readers agree that the dissertation is acceptable, the student may proceed to the Final Public Oral Examination. If one of the readers deems the dissertation unacceptable, the Director of Graduate Studies will appoint a third reader and a final determination will be made in discussions among the advisor, the readers, and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Candidates must submit two unbound copies of the complete dissertation to the Department eight weeks before the FPO. The dissertation must include the entire text of the dissertation, with footnotes and bibliography, and it must be thoroughly edited. After submitting the dissertation to the Department, only minor changes (correction of occasional typos, etc.) are allowed. Thereafter, in accordance with Graduate School rules, the dissertation must be submitted to the Department in its bound and final form no later than two weeks before the FPO.

At the FPO, the student and the examiners should be present in person. In extraordinary circumstances, a department may request that the Graduate School approve virtual, video-conferenced participation of an examiner, but in no case may there be fewer than two examiners who participate in person. Acting on the advice of the examiners, the department determines whether or not the candidate has passed the examinationThe department does not offer to hold Final Public Oral Examinations in the months of June, July, and August.

• Federico Marcon

Director of Graduate Studies

• Steven Chung

Director of Undergraduate Studies

• Amy B. Borovoy
• Janet Y. Chen
• Thomas D. Conlan
• Sheldon M. Garon
• Martin Kern
• Anna M. Shields
• Atsuko Ueda

Associate Professor

• Ksenia Chizhova
• Paize Keulemans
• Brian R. Steininger

Assistant Professor

• Paul A. Vierthaler
• Trenton W. Wilson
• Junko Yamazaki

Associated Faculty

• Jonathan C. Gold, Religion
• Thomas W. Hare, Comparative Literature
• G. John Ikenberry, Schl of Public & Int'l Affairs
• Bryan D. Lowe, Religion
• Ryo Morimoto, Anthropology
• James M. Raymo, Sociology
• Stephen F. Teiser, Religion
• Rory Truex, Schl of Public & Int'l Affairs
• Cheng-hua Wang, Art and Archaeology
• Yu Xie, Sociology

University Lecturer

• Shinji Sato

Senior Lecturer

• Ho Jung Choi
• Hisae Matsui
• Tomoko Shibata
• Yukari Tokumasu
• Fang-Yen Hsieh
• Luanfeng Huang
• Xinyue Huang
• Ding Wang-Bramlett
• Megumi Watanabe
• Namseok Yong

Visiting Professor

• Nicola Di Cosmo

For a full list of faculty members and fellows please visit the department or program website.

Permanent Courses

Courses listed below are graduate-level courses that have been approved by the program’s faculty as well as the Curriculum Subcommittee of the Faculty Committee on the Graduate School as permanent course offerings. Permanent courses may be offered by the department or program on an ongoing basis, depending on curricular needs, scheduling requirements, and student interest. Not listed below are undergraduate courses and one-time-only graduate courses, which may be found for a specific term through the Registrar’s website. Also not listed are graduate-level independent reading and research courses, which may be approved by the Graduate School for individual students.

ART 568 - Art Production, Consumption, and Collection in Ming-Qing Suzhou (also EAS 570)

Art 569 - state of the field: historiography of chinese painting (also eas 569), art 572 - chinese painting in the collection of puam (also eas 573), art 575 - antiquarianism in chinese art (also eas 571), com 540 - ocean media: islanding, space, modernity (also eas 528), com 581 - topics in non-western and general literature (also eas 589), eas 502 - pro-sem in chinese & japanese studies, eas 503 - early china, eas 504 - early china, eas 506 - classics, commentaries, and contexts in chinese intellectual history (also his 531), eas 507 - chinese intellectual history, eas 508 - chinese intellectual history, eas 513 - special topics in chinese history, eas 514 - special topics in chinese history (also art 570), eas 517 - qing history: working with archival documents, eas 518 - qing history (also his 532), eas 525 - sources in ancient and medieval japanese history (also his 525), eas 526 - research seminar in ancient and medieval japanese history, eas 531 - chinese literature, eas 532 - chinese fiction and drama, eas 533 - readings in chinese literature, eas 534 - readings in chinese literature, eas 536 - cultures at play: the history, aesthetics, and theory of games (also com 544), eas 538 - literary sinitic and transnational literatures, eas 539 - history of the book in japan, eas 540 - primary sources in japanese literature, eas 541 - classical japanese prose, eas 542 - modern japanese prose, eas 543 - classical japanese poetics, eas 544 - 20th-century japanese literature, eas 545 - readings in kanbun, eas 546 - introduction to kanbun, eas 548 - the quest for health: contemporary debates on harm, medicine, and ethics (also ant 548), eas 549 - japan anthropology in historical perspective (also ant 549), eas 550 - topics in social theory and east asia (also ant 550), eas 553 - chang'an: china's medieval metropolis, eas 557 - korea post present, eas 563 - readings in japanese academic style, eas 564 - readings in japanese academic style ii, eas 568 - readings in ancient and medieval japanese history (also his 568), eas 576 - critical trespasses: theorizing political and intellectual borders, eas 580 - script theories: korea, east asia, and beyond (also com 580/mod 581), eas 581 - japanese film and media studies, eas 582 - readings in manchu language and history, eas 588 - the chinese erotic novel: jin ping mei, eas 594 - seeing the interior: cinema, media, inverse visuality (also com 594), his 526 - readings in early modern japanese history (also eas 521), his 527 - 20th-century japanese history (also eas 522), his 530 - modern china (also eas 520), hum 596 - humanistic perspectives on literature (also cla 596/eas 537/hls 596), phi 505 - history of chinese philosophy (also eas 505), rel 533 - readings in japanese religions (also eas 535).

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Our 100% online postgraduate programmes, refined through years of experience, offer flexibility and expand your Asian industry network.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Successful participation in our online and blended programmes or for remote teaching requires students to have uninterrupted access to the following: 

• Mobile or desktop device with a camera and microphone that has internet access 
• The latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge web browsers 
• Mobile or desktop device where Zoom, Panopto and Microsoft Office 365 (licenses will be provided) can be accessed  
• Mobile or desktop device that allows software to be downloaded and updated from the internet 
• Mobile or desktop device that allows media to be played such as Vimeo or YouTube videos

Hardware Requirements

Recommended

• Processor: I3 2.5GHZ dual-core or equivalent
• RAM: 8.0 GB
• Hard drive: 240 GB+
• Ethernet card
• Wireless card: 802.11g/n
• Headset with microphone
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.2 GHz or higher)
• RAM: 4.0 GB
• Hard drive: 120 GB
• Operating System: PC - Vista, Windows 7, 8, or 10. MAC - 10.7 or better
• Wireless card: 802.11b/g
• Webcam: 1.3 Megapixel (640x480 minimum resolution)
• Speakers or Headphones

Software Requirements

• Microsoft Office 2013 (PC), 2016 (PC or Mac), or 365
• Windows Media Player, Apple QuickTime, or VLC Media Player
• Adobe Flash Player
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• IE/Edge, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari

Note : You will see some recommended software above but must be able to confirm unrestricted regional access to the aforementioned technologies.

Do all students have access to the learning facilitators?

Yes. As an online student, you will benefit from the support of learning facilitators throughout the entire programme. Reach out to the facilitators when in need of academic support to ease your learning.  

I have a Bachelor’s degree not relevant to the field of study that I have an interest in. Am I eligible, and can I consider enrolling in the programme?

Yes, however, a bridging module is required for students who are not from a degree in the relevant field. If you require additional information, use the chat function and our education counsellor will assist you. 

Am I eligible for scholarships?

Yes, Taylor's University scholarships are available for selected students. Please refer to our  Scholarship Page  for further information.

Can I switch from a 100% Online Learning programme to a conventional programme, and must I do so within a certain timeframe?

Yes, transfers are available and subject to credit transfer requirements. Thus, it is advisable to complete the 7 weeks module you are enrolled in before requesting for transfer.  

How long is a programme term?

The programme term is 8 weeks long, including 1 week of induction to be briefed on the module you are about to take, 6 learning weeks and 1 week for the preparation of the final assessment and a summary of the learning throughout the module.

Is it compulsory to attend the weekly live session?

No, attendance is not compulsory as all live sessions are recorded and made available on the platform. However, it is to your advantage to attend the live session as you will have the opportunity to connect with your lecturers.

How are examinations conducted?

Students are assessed through the completion of several assignments. A module commonly includes three assessments that can be completed at home and uploaded on the learning platform by the submission date.

How is a programme conducted and how do I know if I am learning effectively?

The weekly content you will be required to go through includes bite-sized activities designed to help you check if you have correctly acquired and understood the intended learning. The online activities take a few minutes to complete, and help you progress confidently from one topic to another.

Are the 100% Online Postgraduate Programmes by Taylor's University in Malaysia recognised by employers worldwide?

Yes, as a leading global institution Taylor's is ranked among the TOP 1 % in employer reputation. Taylor’s University  r etains its position as Malaysia’s leading private university in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, ranking 16th in the world for the Graduate Employment Rate indicator. 

Can I study Taylor's 100% Online Postgraduate Programme from any where in the world?

Yes, to date we welcome students from more than 40 countries and look forward to welcoming more nationalities to join Taylor's University.

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PhD in Management

Areas of Specialisation

• Accounting and Control
• Decision Sciences
• Entrepreneurship
• Organisational Behaviour
• Technology and Operations Management

INSEAD Doctoral Courses

• Core Courses
• Advanced Courses
• Admissions and Financing
• View PhD Student Profiles

Your doctoral journey is the start of your exciting career as an innovative researcher and professor of management.

Message from the Academic Director

Ella Miron-Spektor

Academic director, phd programme professor of organisational behaviour the insead dutch alumni fellowship in leadership, diversity and governance, your passport to a prestigious academic career.

The INSEAD PhD Programme is designed to amplify your talents by offering the best training, experience and advice to set the foundations for a successful career in business academia. Our curriculum gives you the depth and breadth needed to develop rigorous and relevant research in a truly unique, diverse and global environment. As a doctoral student at INSEAD, you will have the opportunity to start collaborations with globally renowned faculty and thought leaders from our campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi as well as from our alliance partners - The Wharton School, Sorbonne University and Tsinghua University. INSEAD’s faculty are deeply committed to your well-being, training and development to help you become an outstanding scholar in your field and place you among the best academic departments worldwide. Our programme provides a generous fellowship that offers health insurance coverage for you and your family and the necessary...

The INSEAD PhD Programme is designed to amplify your talents by offering the best training, experience and advice to set the foundations for a successful career in business academia. Our curriculum gives you the depth and breadth needed to develop rigorous and relevant research in a truly unique, diverse and global environment. As a doctoral student at INSEAD, you will have the opportunity to start collaborations with globally renowned faculty and thought leaders from our campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi as well as from our alliance partners - The Wharton School, Sorbonne University and Tsinghua University. INSEAD’s faculty are deeply committed to your well-being, training and development to help you become an outstanding scholar in your field and place you among the best academic departments worldwide. Our programme provides a generous fellowship that offers health insurance coverage for you and your family and the necessary freedom to develop your research interests. Moreover, INSEAD’s close connection to business, government and society offers numerous resources and opportunities to conduct your research in the real world, along with access to our behavioural laboratory facilities in France and Singapore. The world is full of complex problems that we need future generations of scholars to solve. Join the INSEAD PhD Programme on this journey to push the boundaries of your field and make a difference!

Why an INSEAD PhD?

The transformation of your career path starts from here, the only two-continent programme, the most culturally diverse in the world, …and yet the most intimate, close relationships with world experts, a stimulating interdisciplinary environment, full financial support, outstanding career potential.

Our eight choices of specialisation cover the whole breadth of business – and the entire business school curriculum. During the first two years of the programme, there are core courses common to all areas, giving you...

Our eight choices of specialisation cover the whole breadth of business – and the entire business school curriculum. During the first two years of the programme, there are core courses common to all areas, giving you insights from other disciplines and confidence for your future career. As a PhD student, along with these core courses, you will take a set of advanced course requirements applicable to your chosen field of specialisation, and these must be met in order to qualify in the field.

Experience the INSEAD PhD

When you join the INSEAD PhD in Management, you become part of an extraordinary global community. Explore the programme through the experiences of our students, alumni and faculty experts.

Why the INSEAD PhD?

Life as a PhD Student

Life as a Business Professor

Intellectual Leadership and Influential Scholarship

Join us and start living the insead experience.

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Doctorate in International Relations – PhD (Online)*

Career paths, residencies.

• Faculty & Staff

Tuition & Fees

A doctorate for international affairs professionals seeking to analyze, critique, and improve responses to conflict, displacement, and human security.

At a Glance

For the program beginning summer 2025

Residency Locations

Serbia, Jordan

Priority Deadline

November 1, 2024, followed by rolling admissions

Final Deadline

January 31, 2025

Critical Global Issue of Study

Geopolitics & Power

Program Cost

Why a phd in international relations from sit.

Citizens around the world are witnessing major shifts in world order as new centers of power arise, populist movements grow, and political instability and conflict drive people across national borders. SIT’s PhD in International Relations is a professional doctorate designed for those eager to better understand and tackle these challenges, while also advancing their careers.

This part-time PhD is designed for working professionals in international affairs with an interest in peacebuilding, conflict and refugee response, and humanitarian affairs. Across four years, students critique traditional approaches to geopolitics and offer evidence-based approaches to improved human security.

The program includes two 10-day international residences. During the first-year residency in Serbia, you will examine the refugee crisis and the rise of illiberalism. During the second-year residency in Jordan, you will examine the landscape of conflict and the power of regional and global alliances in shaping foreign affairs. Specialized online courses on forced migration, peace and conflict studies, and global governance and human security complement each residency and provide you with the skills to lead complex projects and influence policy and practice through original research.

Featuring professors, advisors, and diplomats from across the globe, this program draws upon SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide a unique global perspective students can apply, in real-time, to their work contexts as they earn their doctoral degree.

Working professionals who complete this PhD may expect to expand their careers as:

Foreign affairs specialist

Crisis response or operations specialist

Security analyst for intelligence agencies

Policy advisor and consultant

Director of policy for refugees and conflict response agencies

Senior leader in humanitarian and emergency affairs organizations

Risk analyst and early-warning consultant

Crisis operations specialist for international humanitarian agencies

Think tank researcher

University faculty

Read about SIT Graduate Institute alumni careers through the SIT blog and our Career Impact page.

First-Year Residency: Belgrade, Serbia

This 10-day residency focuses on the refugee crisis and the rise of illiberalism. Engage with EU policymakers, local activist organizations, and scholars to learn about the shifting power relations of contemporary Europe in the context of forced migration, war, and shifting European identity.

Second-Year Residency: Amman, Jordan

This 10-day residency focuses on peace and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through visits with academics, government officials, local NGOs, and international organizations in Amman, students will examine the landscape of conflict in the MENA region and the power of regional alliances in shaping foreign affairs.

Please note that in order to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, program excursions may occasionally vary.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD in International Relations, students will be able to:

• Identify, analyze, and critique contrasting approaches to international political order through the lens of foundational theories, both mainstream and critical.
• Contribute professional scholarship related to discourses on international relations, international peace and conflict studies, refugee and forced migration studies, and human security via presentations at professional conferences and publication of academic scholarship.
• Design and conduct original, ethical research informed by relevant literature and grounded in appropriate methodologies and approaches.
• Interpret original and secondary data to produce actionable findings with a capacity to improve the way policymakers approach critical global issues, particularly those related to conflict, refugees, and crisis response.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes .

Students complete 64 credit hours of work across four years (12 semesters) of study in small personalized cohorts. Courses focus on theory, research methods, applied practice, professional development, and dissertation preparation. Throughout, you will learn from professors and advisors from across the globe. This PhD draws on SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide students with a unique and powerful learning experience.

Students can request to transfer up to 15 credits of relevant previous graduate coursework upon admission, thereby reducing the overall credit requirement from 64 to 49.

With approval, students can pursue an accelerated pathway to complete the degree in 10 semesters. The research and dissertation writing phase of the program may vary, dependent on individual student progress, outside commitments, and type or scope of research.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course descriptions and admissions information.

This is SIT

• We value active togetherness, reciprocity, and respect as the essential ingredients for building a sustainable community .

• With open minds, empathy, and courage, we facilitate intercultural understanding and respect for the commonalities and differences between people.
• We champion social inclusion & justice in all that we are and all that we do, from ensuring our community and our programs amplify the voices, agency, and dignity of all people to deliberately instilling the principles and practices of inclusion in all of our work.
• We are committed to human and environmental well-being through sustainability and contributing to a better world for all living and future generations.

Theories and Polemics of International Relations (3 credits)

This course explores the role theory plays in shaping our understanding of international relations and global affairs. Dominant theories which make up the cannon of the field—such as realism and neorealism, liberalism and neoliberalism, constructivism, and Marxism—are explored, as well as critical theories such as feminism, post-colonialism, and indigenous approaches.

Global Governance and Human Security (3 credits)

This course examines the complex field of global governance, focusing on the theoretical underpinnings, institutional structures, and contemporary challenges of designing systems of international governance without international government. Students will engage with advanced literature, conduct original research on a topic related to global governance of their choosing, and critically analyze issues related to global governance, including perspectives from critical theories, realism, and constructivism.

Forced Migration and Humanitarian Response (3 credits)

Conflict-induced and disaster-induced displacements are impacting hundreds of millions of people around the globe annually. In response, humanitarianism—the promotion of the general welfare of people impacted by conflict, disaster, environmental disruption, famine, and political and economic collapse—has become a dominant feature of international affairs. Unfortunately, the international political system remains a flawed vehicle for satisfying global humanitarian demand. Carefully guarded national sovereignty, the relatively weak power of international institutions and non-governmental organizations, and growing skepticism about a liberal global order now threaten the international humanitarian aid system. This class considers these developments as well as the drivers of forced migration, the history of humanitarian response, and the search for new evidence-based frameworks to improve it.

Seminar in Peace and Conflict Studies (3 credits)

This seminar will give students an in-depth understanding of the origins of intra- and inter-state conflicts, the debates over why such conflicts emerge, escalate, and de-escalate, and the pathways and possibilities for sustainable peaceful transformations. Simulations, case studies, and scenario-based exercises are used to give students a realistic understanding of the drivers of violent conflict and the challenges and possibilities of building peace across a variety of settings and contexts. Of particular interest is considering how dominant theories about the nature of conflicts connect to the conflict management strategies adopted by various stakeholders in international politics.

Preliminary Review (0 credits)

At the conclusion of year one of the program, students must pass a preliminary examination. Preliminary exams demonstrate mastery of content covered in core courses and demonstrated progress towards the dissertation research proposal. Upon completion of all coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination and begin a prospectus (proposal) for their dissertation research.

Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to statistical concepts and procedures as prerequisites for conducting quantitative and mixed-methods research. Students will learn how to display data distributions using graphs and describe distributions with numbers using measures of central tendency and dispersion. Additionally, students will examine relationships among data and learn how to produce data using various quantitative designs. This course will introduce students to inferential statistics, including simple linear and multiple regression analyses and ANOVA. Students will develop knowledge and skills using and interpreting descriptive and inferential statistical data and will use Stata software to analyze data.

Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to a range of approaches and methods used in qualitative inquiry. Among the approaches covered are process tracing, discourse analysis, ethnographic research, case studies, comparative historical analysis, archival research, interviewing, ethnography, content analysis, ethnographic research, political profiling, and agent-based modeling. Students will deepen their knowledge about these approaches and enhance their data collection skills by conducting surveys, analytical frameworks, designing case studies, and reflecting on each method’s strengths and limitations. Students will also learn how to code data inductively and deductively, develop codes, look for patterns emerging in data, develop overarching themes, and interpret findings.

Research Colloquium (3 credits)

The Research Colloquium gives a platform for doctoral students to present and discuss possible PhD research projects, exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback, and workshop ways to prepare and improve their dissertation research proposals. Across 10 days, students interact in a conference format, presenting their research ideas, the literature and debates attached to those ideas, and the methods they are considering using in their inquiry process. Students are also expected to critically evaluate the work of their peers, providing constructive criticism to help them advance their research agenda, operationalize their research questions(s), and identify and develop plans for overcoming challenges in the data collection and analysis phases of their research. Prior to the in-person colloquium, students will work with their advisor as needed to develop their presentations.

Electives and Transfer Credits (15 credits)

Students must take 15 credits of elective courses prior to sitting for comprehensive exams. Elective credits can be fulfilled by two means: transferring prior graduate credits earned at SIT or another accredited institution or completing an advisor approved elective offered through one of SIT’s course offerings in the master’s or PhD programs.

Comprehensive Exams (0 credits)

Comprehensive exams confirm the students’ mastery of their chosen field of study and serve as the basis for their doctoral dissertation literature review. After passing the comprehensive examination and prospectus defense, students enter candidacy.

Proposal Defense, IRB approval (3 credits)

The proposal defense is designed to evaluate the feasibility, significance, and originality of each student’s proposed dissertation research project. It serves as a critical checkpoint to ensure that the research project is well-structured and has a high likelihood of success. The defense is conducted in front of the student’s three dissertation committee members: their primary advisor and their first and second reader. It consists of a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. After the questioning, the committee deliberates, then provides feedback to the student regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal. The outcome of the defense will be one of the following: 1) Pass: the student may proceed with their research, 2) Conditional Pass: the student is allowed to proceed, but they must address specific issues or complete requested revisions to the proposal before doing so, or 3) Fail: the proposal does not meet the required standards, and the student will be required to revise and redefend it at a later date. *Requires successful completion of comprehensive exams.

Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 1-4 (1 credit each)

The Doctoral and Professional Development Seminars 1-4 seek to build a community of practice of IR PhD students as they work to complete their doctoral dissertations. Students meet bi-weekly with each other and their advisors to share their dissertation progress, problem solve, and share drafts of their work for feedback. The seminar will also feature occasional guest speakers who will share their own doctoral dissertation journeys and their professional transitions after receiving their PhD.

Dissertation (20 credits across 4 semesters)

At least 20 credits of the PhD program of study consists of research and dissertation. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The culminating experience for the doctoral degree program is publication of the dissertation. The non-coursework portion of the program usually lasts 2 years.

Dissertation Defense (1 credit)

In this course students will prepare for an oral defense working closely with their primary and secondary advisors, and deliver and defend their work. Students will be able to present their dissertation remotely.

Admissions Criteria

Our admissions staff work one-on-one with every applicant to facilitate a highly informed and multidimensional admissions experience: applicants are required to undertake an interview with SIT faculty during the application process.    

As applicants become familiar with the attributes of an SIT education—grounded in the experiential learning model and focused on social justice and leadership skills in intercultural environments—they determine for themselves  how  SIT can help them meet their educational and career objectives.  

For the PhD in International Relations, admissions will evaluate candidates to ensure they meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution
• Strong academic writing and scholarly potential, as evidenced by a statement of purpose
• Demonstrated English language proficiency (see details below)
• Intercultural and professional experience
• A minimum preferred cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0
• Demonstrated ability to use experience as a source of learning
• All applicants are required to interview with program faculty

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• three letters of recommendation
• resume or curriculum vitae
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information The statement of purpose should not exceed 750 words and should demonstrates your interest in the PhD in International Relations at SIT; describe how your prior academic and/or professional experience have prepared you to undertake doctoral studies; describe how completion of the degree will support long-term professional goals; and proposes your research topic and guiding question(s) and their significance to the field. You will be prompted to provide contact information for three references who can attest to your academic and professional achievements. At least one should know you in an academic capacity.

Applicants will be able to transfer up to 15 credits of related graduate coursework toward the PhD program.

English Language Ability

Applicants whose first language is not English and who did not graduate from an English-speaking institution must demonstrate English language proficiency.

*This new program is pending accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) in accordance with the Commission's Policy on Substantive Change. The approval process is anticipated to be finalized in fall 2024.

Faculty & Staff

International relations – phd (online)*.

Discover the Possibilities

SIT’s Student Financial Services Office  provides guidance on all aspects of funding your degree throughout the application process and during your degree program. Tuition costs vary by program and scholarships are available.

Ph.D. in Asian Literature, Religion, and Culture

Introduction.

The Field of Asian Literature, Religion, and Culture at Cornell University offers the Ph.D. degree to students who wish to major in the literature, religion(s), and intellectual history of countries in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Only on-line applications are accepted at Cornell University. A link to the online application  is available on the Graduate School web site.

The absolute deadline for completed applications and test scores to reach the Graduate School is  January 10 . However, earlier applications are encouraged to enable us to consider each applicant carefully.

The Field of Asian Literature, Religion, and Culture is designed primarily for students who wish to obtain a Ph.D. degree. Students entering with only a B.A. degree (or with an M.A. degree in another field) may be required by their faculty advisor to earn their M.A. degree in Asian Literature, Religion, and Culture in the course of working towards the Ph.D. degree. A written M.A. thesis is not required before proceeding to the Ph.D. degree. Students whose faculty advisor requires the M.A. degree may receive a non-thesis M.A. when they take their oral A exam. Highly qualified students wishing to work only toward an M.A. degree are sometimes accepted, but Cornell funding for such students is rare.

Applicants should have a good reading and speaking knowledge (a minimum of three years of course work) of an Asian language relevant for proposed specialization. Prior work in literature, religious studies, or cultural history is desirable. Applicants with less language training might consider entering the M.A. program in Asian Studies at Cornell, and then applying to Asian Literature, Religion, and Culture for the Ph.D. degree after the M.A. program has been completed.

The Graduate Records Exam (GRE) is not required for application to the Ph.D. program.

The English Language Proficiency requirement has changed for all applicants. Please see a full description of the requirement on the Graduate School's web site.

Each applicant must submit an  on-line application ; which includes a statement of purpose, a personal statement, CV/Resume, three letters of recommendation, college transcripts, and a sample of academic writing of approximately 25 pages (in English). It is not necessary to mail a hard copy of these materials to the field office. All foreign transcripts must be translated to English by the institution or university that issues them before they are scanned. The Selection Committee will weigh all of these materials in addition to the student's academic background in making decisions on admission to the field. If the Selection Committee needs additional information or materials, we will contact the applicant.

Since all fields of graduate study at Cornell are competitive, you are advised to write a clear, thoughtful statement of purpose, select your referees carefully and inform them of your goals, request your undergraduate records early, and complete your application as soon as possible.

The Director of Graduate Studies and appropriate faculty members are happy to talk to or meet with applicants, but interviews are not required for admission. We encourage applicants to make direct contact to learn more about our program. Please visit our on-line list of faculty for a brief description of their research interests and e-mail addresses at  Asian Literature, Religion, and Culture Faculty.

Financial Aid

Most students who are accepted into the Ph.D. program are offered a multi-year financial aid package that combines guaranteed fellowships and teaching assistantships. In order to apply for fellowships (which are highly competitive) simply check the appropriate boxes in the "Financial Support Application" part of the application form. Students are also urged to apply for any national or regional fellowships for which they may be eligible (Mellon Fellowships, Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) awards).

If an applicant is a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident they may be eligible to apply for a FLAS award. FLAS awards are administered by the Asian area programs at Cornell: South Asia Program and Southeast Asia Program. The FLAS is an academic year award which covers tuition, individual medical insurance, and a living stipend.

For more information about the FLAS awards, other funding opportunities, or for a FLAS application please see the relevant area program web page.

Courses of Study

Students will form a three-member Special Committee that will enable them to focus their studies on a major field, a minor field, and an emphasis on theory and method. The Graduate School requires that a student's Special Committee be constituted by the end of the third semester of graduate study. The major field will be designated by specialization in a literary, religious, or intellectual tradition or traditions within a single cultural or linguistic zone. The minor field will provide a basis for comparative work with at least one tradition or discipline ancillary to the major field. The theory and methods emphasis will provide competence in one or more theoretical orientations appropriate to the chosen area of specialization.

The first two to three years of the Ph.D. course are spent taking classes, learning to teach, and preparing for the A exams (both written and oral). Students take four or five general courses covering both pre-modern and modern aspects of their chosen major field and eight or nine specialized seminars in areas of interest. Courses should be chosen in consultation with, and with the approval of, the student's Special Committee. Students have the opportunity to participate in teacher training workshops and to teach for at least two semesters in introductory courses, language courses and first-year writing seminars. At least one year of experience as a teaching assistant is required as part of the Ph.D. training. Teaching assistantships cover tuition, living stipend, and individual medical insurance.

Students in the Graduate Field of Asian Literature, Religion, and Culture will be expected to give a short, formal presentation to the faculty of the field at the end of their second year of study. This presentation could summarize a seminar paper or another work in progress. The purpose of this presentation is to monitor a student's progress, to make suggestions about additional course work for the third year if relevant, and to give students an opportunity for professional experience.

Most students go to Asia during their third or fourth year to conduct dissertation research and then return to Cornell for at least a year to finish writing the dissertation and to begin the search for career opportunities. The Ph.D. course of study r equires five to seven years  depending on prior training and language ability.

Language requirements:

Fluency in one or more Asian language(s) sufficient for access to primary sources in the original language(s) is required. This means reading, writing, and speaking fluency in the modern language(s) and appropriate study of classical language(s). Students will acquire reading knowledge of additional language(s) deemed necessary by their Special Committees.

After demonstrating the above areas of competence, students will prepare for three qualifying exams (oral or written and oral) in each of the areas of major field, minor field, and theory and method. Students will arrange for a member of the Special Committee to represent each of these areas.

Students generally take their A exams in their fifth semester. The A exam is a meeting of the Special Committee at which they discuss work in at least three separate fields; its form and the form and content of student preparation for the A exam is determined by consultation between the Special Committee members and the student. A exam work is designed to take approximately six months of full-time preparation. Its two main goals are to support a student's future research and to help students develop into well-prepared teachers. The timing of the A exam can be extended with the support of the Special Committee; the Graduate School requires that the A exam be completed before the beginning of the seventh semester.

The graduate field recommends that students prepare a dissertation prospectus by the end of the sixth semester. A dissertation prospectus can include key ideas and questions addressed by the dissertation, a plan for future work, and/or a prospective bibliography. Some committees will encourage more or less formal documents. Some will meet to discuss the prospectus; some will create other structures for feedback.

Terminal M.A. degree:

Students who leave the field prior to completing the required areas of competency may seek a terminal M.A.

Graduate Field Faculty

Please feel free to contact the faculty member whose interests most closely match yours. For detailed descriptions, click here to see our  complete list of ALRC field faculty .

Asian Area Programs

Students in the Graduate Field of Asian Literature, Religion, and Culture are members of the relevant area program(s) at Cornell, which provide a wide range of programs, opportunities for research and training, and competitive fellowships for travel, language training, and research.

Asian Literature, Religion, and Culture Ph.D. Graduate Student Handbook

Ph.d. graduate student handbook.

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• Online Courses /

Top Universities for PhD in International Relations: Online & Distance Learning 

• Updated on  
• Sep 3, 2024

PhD in International Relations online is a doctoral degree program that will prepare you to become a research scholar. The degree for anyone wanting to pursue a career in academics or research. Generally, this degree program can take 4-5 years to complete. You can pursue a career as an international relations professor , political analyst, international lawyer or a diplomat after completing this program. An online Phd in International relations is flexible, and can be completed at the comfort of your home. This blog covers some of the top PhD in International Relations Degrees online.

This Blog Includes:

University of sussex , salve regina university, euclid university, sit graduate institute, university of leicester (online), university of brimingham , manchester metropolitan university, admission requirements phd in international relations online, phd in international relations online.

Here is a list of the top universities that offer PhD degrees in International relations online. The course fees, duration, and other details are provided. Note: there are only limited universities that provide this course completely online.

Learn about the University of Sussex ’s PhD in International Relations Online

The University of Sussex offers a doctoral degree in International Relations online and on campus. This degree can be completed either full time (4 years), or in 8 years (part time). Some of the areas of study covered in this course are-global political economy, historical and normative international theory,international development, global health policy, and global environmental politics. You can choose to start this course in January 2026, September 2025, or April 2026.

Website: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/international-relations-phd

Learn about the Salve Regina University’s Online Ph.D. in International Relations

The Salve Regina University offers one of the top notch PhD in International Relations online  (4 years). You need to complete the coursework, language requirement, comprehensive examination, and a dissertation writing phase to obtain this degree. You can choose a first reader who will assist you in choosing the dissertation topic. After the topic is decided, the 1st reader would choose the 2nd reader. Both of them would supervise your work. The drawback? The financial aid is only available to US citizens.

Website: https://salve.edu/graduate-and-professional-studies/international-relations-phd

Learn all about PhD in Political Science

Learn about the Euclid University’s Online PhD in Diplomacy and International Affairs (DDIA)

The Euclid university is an intergovernmental university that was established with a multilateral treaty (2008). The University aims to train civil servants and diplomats in international relations. General public can also apply for the Euclid University’s PhD in International Relations Online degree program. This program has 126 credits. Some of the suggested areas of focus are: Inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations, IGOs and non-governmental organizations.International and treaty law, and Regional diplomatic affairs

Website: https://www.euclid.int/online_doctorate_in_diplomacy/

Learn about the SIT Graduate Instiute’s Doctorate in International Relations (PhD) online 

SIT Graduate Institute offers another leading PhD in International Relations Online. This is a part time degree program that you can complete in 3 years. The course is suitable for those who have an interest in conflict, peacebuilding, humanitarian affairs, and refugee response. You can learn from advisors, professors and diplomats from around the world.The drawback? You need to complete two 10 day residencies. The 1st year residency is held in Serbia, and the second year residency in Jordan. 

Website: https://graduate.sit.edu/program/doctorate-international-relations-phd/

PhD in International Relations Distance Learning 

Few Universities offer International Relations PhD degrees via Distance Learning. A distance learning degree program is different from an online degree. While an online degree is a 100% virtual course, a distance learning course is not. However, all the study materials will be provided to you so that you can prepare well.

Learn about the University of Leicester online degree program below:

The University of Leicester online offers PhD by distance learning program. This is an alternative program for PhD in International Relations Online. The program is available to students who find it difficult to meet the requirements of a full time or a part time course. This is a structured Politics and International Relations PhD course of 12 months. You will be provided module books, and you are required to complete interactive tasks, and discussions on the University Blackboard (virtual learning environment). You will receive supervisory support either electronically or by telephone.

Website: https://le.ac.uk/politics/study/distance-learning/phd

Learn all about Masters in International Relations 

Learn about the University of Birmingham PhD Political Science and International Studies by Distance Learning.

The University of Birmingham offers one of the best alternatives to PhD in International Relations online. This degree program can be completed either full time or part time.  The university accepts applications on theme that meet their research groups. For example, Asian Politics, International Relations and Security Theory, European Studies, British Politics, Parties, Voters and Elections, Political Theory, and Political Economy. You can take part in several research events. Moreover, individual training plan is drawn to meet the requirements of each student.

Website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/distance/govsoc/political-science-international-studies-phd

Learn about the Manchester Metropolitan University ’s Politics and International Relations online.

The Manchester Metropolitan University offers a PhD in politics and International relations (distance learning). This is also a good alternative to PhD in International Relations Online. You will get to work with respected experts,  get professional training, and take part in public lectures, performances, film screening, fairs, etc. Acceptable research areas include-European Union, Russian foreign policy,International relations theory, Foreign policy of the United States since 1945, Critical and poststructuralist international politics, and more.

Website: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-study/subject/politics-and-international-relations

You need to meet the admission requirements to apply for a PhD in International relations course online. The basic eligibility criteria is provided below:

• Must have completed a Master’s degree in international relations or a related field. Generally, you need at least 60% overall in a master’s program to apply. However, this differs from university to university.
• Only in exceptional circumstances are you considered if you do not have a master’s degree in a related field.
• You need to present your research proposal of 2-3 pages and answer the main questions of your research project.
• You need to meet the English language requirements of the University

You can complete your PhD online. Online PhD degrees are offered by several universities abroad. You can also pursue a distance learning course in your selected course of study.

Definitely! You can complete a PhD in International Relations online. Universities such as the University of Sussex, and Salve Regina University offer this degree program completely online.

Yes. A PhD in International Relations is a suitable degree program for research and academia fields. After completing this degree you can work in the fields of news industry, diplomacy, political analysis, teaching, and more.

Hope this blog provides you with all the important details. For more information about such courses, visit our online courses page .

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Blessy George

Blessy George is a Content Marketing Associate at Leverage Edu, boasting over a year of experience in the industry. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling content tailored to online courses, making her a go-to source for those navigating the vast landscape of digital learning. In addition to online classes, she writes content related to study abroad, English test preparation and visas. She has completed her MA degree in Political Science and has gained valuable experience as an intern.She is known for her extensive writing on various aspects of international education, garnering recognition for her insights and contributions. Apart from her professional pursuits, Blessy is passionate about creative writing, particularly poetry and songwriting.

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• PhD Study in Japan – A Guide for 2024

Written by Ben Taylor

Japan welcomes thousands of international students each year, many of whom are PhD students attracted by the country’s world-class reputation for technology and innovation, as well as its exceptional heritage sites.

A PhD in Japan represents an excellent opportunity to hone your research skills in a safe, stable society that values education very highly.

This page will give you an introduction to everything you should know about studying a PhD in Japan, with information on the Japanese university system, the structure of a doctoral programme and how fees, visas and PhD scholarships in Japan.

PhD opportunities in Japan – what’s on offer for 2024?

Futuristic cities, stunning nature and fascinating history. . . Japan has plenty to occupy curious PhD students looking for a truly unique destination in which to pursue a doctoral programme.

The Japanese government has a long-standing commitment to increasing the numbers of international students in the country, setting itself some ambitious targets to meet. This drive goes hand-in-hand with Japan’s excellent universities, many of which are ranked among the best in Asia.

These are a few of the best reasons to study a PhD in Japan this year:

• World-class universities – There are a clutch of Japanese universities in the top 100 of the various global university rankings, and the country also performs well in regional metrics.
• Quality of life – Japan is rightfully famous for its high quality of life and it provides a safe, efficient environment for PhD students.
• International outlook – Along with its ambitious targets for international student numbers, the Japanese government has introduced the Top Global University Project, which gives extra funding to 37 universities to help develop links with other top universities from around the world.
• Technology – Japan has long embraced technology, making it an ideal place for PhD students who want to innovate in any number of scientific fields.

Coronavirus updates for international students at Japanese universities

For the latest information on the impact of coronavirus on studying a PhD in Japan, please check the official Study in Japan website for updates.

PhD life in Japan

Want to know more about what it's like to live in Japan during a PhD? Our detailed guide covers everything from accommodation and living costs to culture and entertainment.

Japanese universities

There are currently over 600 universities in Japan, around 74% of which are private institutions. The three main types of universities are:

• Private universities – Private universities have been established by independent organisations and each have their own unique education and research strengths. Over the years, they have greatly contributed to the development of Japanese higher education.
• National universities – These have been established in all local prefectures (the equivalent of local councils in the UK) to make sure that each region of Japan has access to quality higher education. Such institutions are an important part of the Japanese government’s Top Global University Project, promoting the globalisation of Japan’s higher education sector.
• Public universities – Established and managed by local public entities or public university corporations, public universities provide higher education opportunities to local people and act as intellectual and cultural centres.

Graduate schools

Since their introduction to the Japanese higher education system in the mid-20th century, graduate schools have trained doctoral candidates at some of the country’s top universities. As a relatively small percentage of students in Japan become postgraduates, these specialist graduate schools play a significant role in training the next generation of teaching and research staff.

Japanese university rankings

Japanese universities perform strongly in the various global league tables – there are six universities in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, for example. Japan also features heavily in regional rankings covering the rest of Asia.

Do rankings matter for PhD study?

University rankings can help you choose a PhD project or programme, provided you know what to look at. Our guide explains how to use rankings as a prospective postgraduate.

PhD structure

In Japan, PhDs usually take place within a specialist graduate school associated with a university. Much like the rest of the world, a Japanese doctorate is an advanced research qualification.

PhD programmes

PhDs in Japan are often split into two phases – the first phase is aimed at graduates and incorporates a Masters qualification as part of the programme. The second phase is designed for student who already have a Masters. If you study a Masters as part of your PhD, you’ll gain a total of 30 credits.

Programme length

Japan’s academic year begins in April, with the first semester running until September. The second semester begins in October and finishes in March.

For holders of Masters degrees, a PhD lasts a minimum of three years (four years if your research project is in the areas of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or veterinary science).

At some institutions, students also have the option to study for a PhD directly after their four-year undergraduate degrees, although the duration of a PhD is then five years. There are also additional requirements in the first two years of study which consist of taught courses, a project proposal and an examination.

Supervision

Before applying for your PhD, you should contact a potential supervisor at a Japanese university in advance, telling them about your research plans and why they’d be the perfect fit. You should also send them a letter of recommendation from your current (or previous) academic advisor.

Professors command a great deal of authority at Japanese university and the supervisor-supervisee relationship is more akin to a master-disciple interaction. If you feel you need to challenge your supervisor, do so with the highest level of diplomacy and respect.

There is also a strict hierarchy within research teams which is determined by age and position, with post-docs commanding more seniority than PhD students who, in turn, are considered as seniors to masters and undergraduate students. As such you may find that discussions within a research teams are generally top down rather than on an equal footing.

Professors are often busy with administrative, pastoral and other activities, delegating their day-to-day supervisory role to junior academics, post-docs or even final year PhD students. As a PhD student, you will be expected to be an independent researcher and the support you receive is likely to be minimal. In this context, your graduate school will provide the training structure you need.

Assessment and examination

PhDs in Japan are typically assessed based in the quality of the doctoral thesis, as well as a public oral examination similar to the viva . Sometimes you may also have to make a formal presentation about your thesis.

Fees and funding

PhD study in Japan is relatively affordable and there are plenty of funding options for international doctoral students .

In national universities, the PhD tuition fees for pursuing a doctoral programme in Japan are fixed by the Ministry or by local authorities for public universities. They are currently:

• National universities: ¥820,000 (USD $5,508) per year
• Local public universities: ¥900,000 (USD $6,043) per year

In private universities, annual tuition fees range from approximately ¥800,000 to ¥1,000,000 (USD $5,372-$6,715).

Additional expenses

All international PhD students are required to enrol in the National Health Insurance system. This is done through the office which has processed your residence registration. The annual premium varies depending on where in Japan you live.

Optional expenses include:

• University student health insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Personal liability insurance

PhD scholarships in Japan

There are several PhD scholarships in Japan available to international students. Some of these you’ll apply for before you arrive, while you can apply for others once you’ve arrived (with, however, no guarantee of securing the funding). The most prestigious research scholarships are those awarded by MEXT.

• Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships – Applied for through the Japanese embassy in your home country, these highly selective scholarships provide return air fare, university fees, a monthly grant of ¥143,000 (USD $960), an optional six-month course in Japanese and help finding accommodation. The scholarships are available in all subject areas.
• The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students – These scholarships, awarded by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), provide a monthly allowance of ¥48,000 (USD $322) for graduate students who do not hold a scholarship (from any source).
• Scholarships offered by local authorities and private organisations

Living costs

The Japanese government estimates that the average monthly living cost of an international student in Japan is ¥93,000 (USD $624).

For more information, check out our guide to living in Japan as a PhD student .

PhD funding in Japan

Our guide to PhD funding in Japan has more information on PhD scholarship opportunities and how to pay for your doctorate.

Applying for a PhD in Japan

PhD students are normally referred to as ‘PhD students’ (no surprise there!) but the term ‘research students’ will normally mean visiting PhD students (i.e. for six to 18 months) so be aware of this when you apply for admissions.

Entry requirements

You should have a Masters degree or an international equivalent . Alternatively, if your university offers the option, you may be able to enter a five-year PhD programme directly after a four-year undergraduate programme such as a Bachelors.

You might have to sit an entrance examination in your subject area or provide a graduate entry test score such as GRE , so check what the practice is at your chosen university.

Some universities apply a minimum age policy. However, if you believe you have the necessary qualifications but are too young then it is worth speaking to the international office or the body responsible for admissions at your university.

Language requirements

Unless your PhD requires you to demonstrate Japanese proficiency, you are most likely to be asked to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language through an English language test , such as TOEFL or IELTS.

If you studied your Bachelors or Masters in English, this will usually be considered proof of English proficiency.

Even if your programme isn’t taught in Japanese, it’s worth learning some Japanese so you can communicate with your peers, at least informally. If your level of Japanese is only basic, then use English to talk about your research.

Application process

Visit your prospective university’s website and, if available, submit an admission inquiry form, along with your CV. Alternatively, if an email address is available (it might not), then contact individual supervisors to discuss your preliminary research plans. Once you are sure this is the right programme for you, submit the application form.

An admission panel will review your application based on your qualifications, documents supplied and test scores (such as GRE and language proficiency, if applicable). Some departments operate a two-stage selection process so you may be invited to an interview (face-to-face or by telephone) if selected at this stage.

These are some of the documents you’re likely to supply as part of your PhD application:

• Official diplomas of your previous degrees
• Official transcripts (you may also be asked for a copy of your Bachelor or Masters dissertation)
• Graduate entry test score and language proficiency certificates (if applicable)
• At least two letters of recommendation (generally from a senior member of staff such as a department head or academic advisor)
• An up-to-date CV
• A research proposal
• A medical certificate
• Three passport-style photos
• A photocopy of your valid passport
• A certificate of non-Japanese Registration, if you already live in Japan

What happens during a PhD interview?

Your interview for a PhD in Japan will follow a fairly standard format (even if the actual process takes place online). Our guides explain what happens at a PhD interview and look at some of the questions you might be asked .

Student visas

If you live outside Japan, you’ll need to apply for a “Student Visa” once you have your PhD offer.

You will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence (COE). Once this has been issued, you can formally apply for your visa

You can apply for your visa at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. There are a few documents you’ll need to supply as part of your application:

• A letter of admission from your university
• A valid passport
• A completed visa application form

You might also be required to show proof that you have enough money to support yourself while living in Japan.

Registering with the local authorities

All foreign nationals must register with the municipal authorities in their local area within 14 days of arrival, regardless of their nationality and visa requirements.

Studying a PhD in Japan represents a fantastic opportunity to produce research in one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries. What’s more, Japan has the third biggest economy in the world, meaning that there are plenty of exciting career possibilities for talented postgraduates – like you!

If you want to work in Japan after your studies, you’ll need to apply for a suitable employment visa that fits your skills and plans. You can find out more on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website .

Find a PhD in Japan

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in Japan ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad .

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

Japan is a fantastic place for PhD study, offering many financial incentives for international students. This guide will take you through the cost of studying a PhD in Japan and all the key funding opportunities.

What are the best universities for PhD study in Japan? Our guide looks at the latest league tables to identify top-ranked Japanese universities and help you discover the best doctoral research opportunities in your subject.

Read about the language requirements and recognised tests for PhD study at Japanese-speaking universities.

What's it like to live in Japan during a PhD? Our guide covers accommodation, student living costs, working and other key information.

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PhD in Computing (ODL) - 100% Online

(N-DL/481/8/0790)(11/27)(MQA/PA 14010)

Specialist Doctoral Topics for Supervision

• Database Development
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• Big Data Analytics
• Cloud Computing
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• Natural Language Processing

Full time: 3-5 years Part time : 4-6 years

Total: Malaysian - RM 38,500 | International - RM 38,500

ODL - Fully Online Full-time & Part-time • 03 Sep 2024 • 01 Oct 2024 • 05 Nov 2024 • 03 Dec 2024

Asia Pacific University, Malaysia

Application Process

Ideally, student works with potential supervisors to develop proposal.

• The ODL (Open & Distance Learning) PhD programmes are designed to address the theoretical, practical and scientific skills and contribute towards new and meaningful knowledge in their field of expertise.
• ODL allows students to learn anytime, anywhere at their own pace - this power of freedom has ignited more interest & excitement in learning.
• Students will reinforce their independent learning skills, as well as demonstrate their ability to produce a professional document.
• The supervision and monitoring will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and Moodle.
• There is an option to undertake additional research workshops organised jointly by Graduate School of Technology and Graduate School of Business.
• Students must participate in online research seminars/colloquiums/conferences.
• For PhD in Computing/ Technology, students are required to publish 1 journal article (indexed) as a requirement for the PhD award.
• Assessment of the fundamental knowledge is carried out through assessment of the students’ performance based on oral and written assessment. The final assessment is the viva voce and the dissertation.
• Open Distance Learning (ODL) PhD students at APU will need to take the Research Methods Modules and subsequently produce the Dissertation. .

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Admission to PhD Programmes – Sixth Merit List

The candidates in the list below have been selected for admission to the PhD Programmes.

Email will be sent to the selected candidates for the further procedure.

In order to secure the admission, the candidates will be required to pay Admission Fee + Security Deposit by 10.09.2024 .

The payment link will be shared in the email being sent to the selected candidates.

The admission will be confirmed once the candidates report to the university physically and produce their documents in original. A separate communication will be sent in this regard.

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Master of science in cyber security (odl) - 100% online.

MORE THAN JUST A CYBER SECURITY MASTER PROGRAMME

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

This programme is specifically designed to provide:

• Opportunity for professional development at an advanced level within the area of Cyber Security.
• Ability to further develop specialisation gained in taught modules through an extensive research-based and/or technical based dissertation, to prepare a subject matter expert in the field.
• APU is also poised to become a frontrunner in cyber security research through the establishment of the Forensics and Cyber Security (FSEC) Research Centre, through which research activities will be undertaken to challenge boundaries in the application of cyber security.

• The curriculum covers a wide range of industry relevant subject areas in Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Incident Response, Security Auditing and Assessment, Advanced Ethical Hacking, E-Investigation, Data Analytics in Cyber Security etc.
• External reviews conducted by Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM), KPMG and F-Secure during the development of the programme curriculum.
• Programme Support by an Industry Advisory Panel involving cyber security experts from Cyber Intelligence, Cyber Test Systems, Akati Consulting Group and Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM).
• A fully-functional Security Operations Centre (SOC) that allows students to have handson cybersecurity operations platform to monitor live data which allows them to perform real-time cyber security monitoring to fortify network defense with global threat intelligence and launching faster response on cyber security incidents.
• A full-fledged Cyber Threats Simulation and Response Centre – Cyber Range is also included within the Cyber Security Talent Zone in APU. Cyber Range incorporates latest technologies and a military grade cyber-defence system, enabling students to understand and formulate defence strategies, and practice the entire chain of cyber defence, while preparing them to deal with real cyber threat attack when it happens.
• A technical project related to Cyber Security as dissertation in the final semester.
• Research opportunities for students via APU’s Forensic and Cyber Security Research Centre - FSEC.

This programme is geared towards practicing IT/Computing professionals within industry who seek further formal qualifications in Cyber Security. In addition, professionals and managers who wish to enhance themselves with Cyber Security knowledge and skills to postgraduate level will find this programme attractive. Fresh undergraduate students from Cyber Security / Digital Forensics background will also find this programme worthwhile as a path to further enhance their academic qualifications.

The programme comprises of 10 coursework modules and a Project. There are 7 compulsory Core Modules (including Research Methodology module) and you will have to choose 3 electives from those listed.

As part of this course, you are expected to complete an extensive project paper in relation to Cyber Security for both academic and industry purposes. This project paper will be supervised by a member of academic staff as the main supervisor. It may involve working with an external organisation (probably directly relevant to your work or organisation or any of our industry partners). You are given considerable flexibility in choosing any Cyber Security related topics to base your project paper. As for the deliverables, you are required to come up with a prototype / simulation / framework etc. (the list is just an example and not limited to only these) and to produce one project paper and a publishable conference / journal paper consists of summary of the work.

ROCHESTON CERTIFIED PENETRATION TESTER

The  Rocheston Certified Penetration Tester (RCPT)  program stresses research, live labs and interactive sessions on emerging security findings, offering the scope for defining the information security requirements while finding options to enhance existing methodology assets. The RCPT certification is designed and embedded as part of  Advanced Ethical Hacking  module in the Master of Science in Cyber Security programme, to allow the students to have an industry-standard exposure towards penetration testing as well as an opportunity to upskill themselves in real-life scenarios and simulations through the offered CyberLabs. As such, every student in the programme is given equal opportunity in getting their hands on the certification as part of the syllabus learn in the module without the need of taking up additional training resources. Studen can opt for the Rocheston certification which is valid for 2 years and subject to a renewal process to ensure all Penetration Testers are updated with the current scope of Penetration Testing.

Certified Hacker Forensics Investigator (CHFI)

Certified Security Operation Centre Analyst (CSOC)

APU WINS CYBER SECURITY INNOVATION (EDUCATION) OF THE YEAR 2024 BY CYBERSECURITY MALAYSIA

CAREER OPTIONS

DEMAND INCREASING FOR SKILLED PROFESSIONALS

“As digital transformation agendas continue to dominate, a bigger cybersecurity budget is necessary. Almost all companies are looking at technologies such as robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain and so on. All of that change will come with additional cyber risks and necessary investments.”

COURSE FEES

​*  Fees stated above do not include Enrolment Fees, Registration Fees and other Miscellaneous Fees. Please refer to Fee Guide for details.

APU - Among Highest Rated Emerging Malaysian Universities - 5 STAR (Excellent Rating) -  SETARA - MOHE No.1 for International Students in Malaysia - No. 16 in the World for International Students. QS World University Ranking 2025

2024 Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). All rights reserved.

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College of Graduate Studies

Physical Address: Morrill Hall Room 104

Mailing Address: College of Graduate Studies University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3017 Moscow, ID 83844-3017

Phone: 208-885-2647

Email: [email protected]

Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs List

The University of Idaho’s online graduate degrees reflect our mission of making education accessible across the state and nation and responding to changing employment demands. Delivering the quality instruction expected of a research university, our online master’s and doctoral programs are taught by our esteemed faculty members and build upon our century-old reputation as an educational leader in the Northwest. 

Online graduate students can earn a degree from one of our top-ranked national programs around their existing obligations and have access to the same opportunities and resources, including the on-campus library, research projects, scholarships, and teaching assistantships. If you’ve thought about returning to school but require more flexibility due to your full-time job and raising a family, advance your career with any of the programs listed here.

Available via online or distance learning: 

• Climate Change , P.S.M.
• Geographic Information Skills, Mapping, and Monitoring , P.S.M.
• Precision Nutrition for Human and Animal Health , P.S.M.
• Scientific Communication and Leadership , Certificate
• Sustainable Soil and Land Systems , P.S.M.
• Water Resources , P.S.M.

College of Business and Economics

• Online Master of Business Administration , M.B.A.
• Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership , M.S.
• Educational Leadership , M.Ed.
• Curriculum and Instruction , M.Ed.
• Physical Education , M.Ed.
• Special Education , M.Ed.
• Education , Ed.D., Ph.D. (may vary from all to mostly online)

Engineering

• Advanced Semiconductor Design
• Civil Engineering , M.Engr.
• Computer Engineering , M.S., M.Engr.
• Computer Science , M.S.
• Cybersecurity , M.S.
• Electrical Engineering , M.S., M.Engr.
• Engineering Management , M.Engr.
• Geological Engineering, , M.S.
• High-Speed Circuits and Systems , Certificate
• Mechanical Engineering , M.Engr.
• Power System Protection and Relaying, Certificate
• Secure and Dependable Computing Systems, Certificate
• Smart Grid Cybersecurity
• Technology Management , M.S.

Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

• Criminology , M.S.
• Emerging Media , M.A.
• Music , M.Mus.
• Media Production , Certificate
• Public Administration , M.P.A.
• Psychology: Human Factors , M.S.
• Theatre Arts , MFA
• Strategic Media Management , Certificate

Natural Resources and Environmental Science

• Environmental Science, M.S.
• Environmental Education and Science Communication, Certificate
• Master of Natural Resources, M.N.R.
• Fire Ecology, Management and Technology , Certificate
• Remote Sensing of the Environment, Certificate
• Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Aspects of Sustainable Planning Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Habitat Assessment Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Intelligence Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Geotechnician Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: GIS Programming Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Natural Hazards and Emergency Planning Application , M.S.
• Statistical Science , M.S. 
• Teaching Mathematics , M.A.T.

The University of Idaho General Catalog is available online.

Distance Learning Versus Online Graduate Degrees

U of I’s online graduate degrees utilize two distinct formats. Online learning uses pre-recorded, or asynchronous, lectures that students can then review on their own time. Distance learning simulates a real-time virtual classroom. Wherever an online student is located, they have direct access to a traditional classroom environment where they can interact and participate in discussions with their fellow students and instructors.

The Benefits of U of I’s Online Graduate Programs 

Whichever online degree you begin, being an online learning student at U of I comes with a host of benefits.

• Flexibility: We design our online master’s and doctoral programs around the schedules of working adults, allowing you to maintain existing employment, family, and seasonal commitments without altering your schedule or taking a hit in income.
• Quality: We’re one of the region’s most respected research universities. Whether the class is pre-recorded or virtual, our leading faculty members deliver the same depth and detail of instruction that you expect in an on-campus classroom.
• Place-Based Degrees: Especially where research is concerned, our faculty members partner with regional organizations to support our online graduate students as they complete a place-based thesis or non-thesis research project. You, in turn, can conduct guided research relevant to your geographic region without ever setting foot on campus and may even be able to do so through your existing employer.
• Scholarships: Many erroneously believe that scholarships are off the table to online graduate students. Supporting your endeavors and professional growth, the University of Idaho has opened up teaching assistant opportunities and place-based scholarships to online students.
• Affordability: No matter where you are in the country or world, all online courses for master’s and doctoral programs are charged at our in-state rate. 
• Ahead of the Curve: The University of Idaho championed distance learning ahead of everyone else with our innovative Engineering Outreach program. We introduced these degrees over 35 years ago, and while we’ve adjusted delivery methods to available technologies, our commitment toward advancing your career through quality education has not wavered.

Learn More About U of I’s Online Graduate Degrees

Thinking about enrolling in an online graduate degree program? To get your questions answered, reach out to the College of Graduate Studies by email or by phone at 208-885-2647, or request additional information today .

• Current Students
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PhD—Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science

A Holistic View of Nursing Science

The UW School of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD) program faculty are global leaders in nursing science. Students from all over the world create a community of scholars and learn from expert researchers. Our expert nursing scientists provide mentorship tailored to student needs using technology-driven instruction.

The UW PhD program is ideal for students with diverse backgrounds who want to become premier leaders in nursing research.

We maintain a holistic view of nursing science and our faculty’s scholarship represents a broad array of research projects and innovative methodologies. Some examples include:

• Symptom science
• Laboratory sciences
• Health promotion and disease management across the lifespan
• Policy analysis and advancement of cost-effective health care systems
• Health equity
• Innovative methodologies

Hear from #HuskyNurse Sarah McKiddy and her experience with the PhD program.

A Community of Scholars

We welcome applicants with a baccalaureate degree in any field. We encourage post-baccalaureate students, as well as most master’s and DNP students who are ready to begin intensive study of nursing science, to apply.

UW PhD students have a wide range of academic backgrounds, including:

• Public health
• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Healthcare systems and policy
• Music therapy

Our PhD program is highly individualized to create independent thinkers with demonstrated ability to articulate, investigate, and report on original research that substantially contributes to health care knowledge.

The flexible program reflects the enormous scope and impact of the latest nursing research and policymaking. Although the PhD curriculum can be completed in three years of full-time study, individual student program lengths are expected to vary.

Once offered admission as a PhD student, you are matched with a faculty adviser. Your adviser provides guidance and helps answer questions until you select a supervisory committee chair (between years one and three). Your chair then serves in an advisory capacity and as the supervisor for your dissertation.

View the PhD Sample Curriculum Grid PhD Required and Elective Courses

• Optional: Statistics Concentration

The first year of the full-time PhD program and the first two years of part-time focus on required core courses emphasizing nursing philosophy, conceptual frameworks, theory, and research methodologies.

In addition, students complete their statistics sequence and may take selected electives or engage in research or teaching practicum. Students complete the preliminary exam at the end of the first year of full-time study and the end of two years of part-time study.

Students who enter the PhD program with a BSN can earn an MS in Nursing Science during the program following successful completion of the first year of the PhD program and the preliminary examination.

After the first year of full-time study and the first two years of part-time study, courses and other scholarly activities are determined by you and your supervisory committee to comprise your individual program of study. The supervisory chair is a School of Nursing graduate faculty member whose research approach, interest, or research methods align with your proposed dissertation project.

You and your chair complete the supervisory committee by selecting faculty members from the School of Nursing, the UW at large, and other appropriate experts outside the University. This committee approves your program of study and guides you through the general examinations, dissertation research, and final defense.

The Nursing Science Statistics Area of Concentration requires a minimum of 14 credits of advanced statistical methods coursework above and beyond the 10 credits of statistics required for the PhD degree. Of these, two credits are fulfilled by the CSSS Seminar, and a minimum of 12 credits are fulfilled by at least four advanced statistics courses, three of which must come from the list of CSSS courses approved for the concentration.

All courses taken as part of the statistics concentration must be graded.

However, a 500-level course that is graded credit/no credit may be considered for inclusion in your Area of Concentration proposal if:

• In the course, you submit an individual project (i.e., not a group project); and
• Major course assignments are submitted to your Supervisory Committee for review

CSSS seminar: minimum two credits

A minimum of two quarters in CS&SS is required. The most up-to-date course descriptions for statistics course options can be found on the CSSS website .

Approved CSSS advanced statistics course options

The most up-to-date course descriptions for statistics course options can be found on the CSSS website .

Variation in area of concentration coursework

One advanced methodological course in nursing, political science, psychology, public health, sociology, statistics, economics, educational psychology, social welfare, and other related fields may be considered as part of the Nursing Science Statistics Area of Concentration four course requirements if it contributes to the overall coherence of the student’s program of study and is consistent with the student’s research goals.

This course would be in addition to the ten credits of statistics courses required for the PhD in nursing.

Admissions Requirements

• An in-process or earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in any discipline
• A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0, or a 3.0 GPA for the last  60 semester/90 quarter graded college/university credits
• Meet the  Essential Behaviors for PhD Students
• International applicants   who plan on taking clinical nursing courses  must have an active, unrestricted U.S. RN license  at the time of application
• If your native language is not English,  proof of proficiency in English  (reading, writing, and comprehension)

Serendipity In Science

2024 Centennial Medalist Joan Steitz, PhD ’68

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"It's about time," said Nancy Hopkins, PhD ’71, when told Joan Steitz had been nominated for the Centennial Medal. “She should have won it years ago.”

Hopkins, the Amgen Professor of Biology Emerita at MIT, was an undergraduate at Harvard when she first became aware of Steitz, then a graduate student. “I was kind of in awe of her,” Hopkins recalls. “At the time, people were asking, ‘Can women be great scientists?’ and it wasn’t long before Joan became one of the first to clearly show that, boy, could they ever.”

The work that so impressed Hopkins—and the rest of the scientific world—was on ribonucleic acid (RNA), which recently had a starring role in corralling the COVID-19 pandemic. Steitz’s many discoveries regarding the molecule helped to clarify how proteins form in the body and laid the groundwork for the development of targeted therapeutics, particularly for cancer, autoimmune conditions, and infectious and neurodegenerative diseases.

But she almost didn’t become a scientist. Now the Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, she says she initially intended to go to Harvard Medical School (HMS) to be a physician. “I knew a couple of women doctors,” she says, “but I had never seen a woman professor of science or head of a lab and didn’t think it was conceivable.”

The summer before she was to start at HMS, she got a job in the University of Minnesota lab of the cell biologist Joseph Gall, who later went on to Yale and became known as a pioneer of cell biology. In Gall’s lab, Steitz worked on tetrahymena, a type of single-celled organism that has a nucleus enclosed within membranes. It was there that she decided bench science was her true calling.

I was kind of in awe of her. At the time, people were asking, 'Can women be great scientists?' And it wasn't long before Joan became one of the first to clearly show that, boy, could they ever.  — Nancy Hopkins, PhD ’71, Amgen Professor of Biology Emerita, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was her second turn at lab work; under the work-study program at Antioch College, Steitz had spent several terms working in the lab of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) biophysicist Alexander Rich, where she learned about the molecular building block deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and met James Watson, its co-discoverer. After doing her PhD work with Watson at Harvard, she got a postdoctoral fellowship in Cambridge, England, with his collaborator, Francis Crick, and the molecular biologist Sidney Brenner. “Crick suggested I find a project to do in the library,” Steitz says. “But I wanted to do bench work. So I went around and talked to the other postdoctoral fellows, and found out about an exciting but challenging project—to figure out whether special signals helped bind ribosomes to messenger RNA. None of the male fellows would take this on because they needed something to show when they went back to the US, but as a woman, I figured I’d never have a job like that anyway. And it turned into my whole life in science.”

“Joan predicted and proved how RNA-RNA interactions worked. These interactions play a crucial role in biological processes like protein production and gene regulation, so this set off the whole field,” says Yale biochemist Susan Baserga, a postdoctoral fellow in Steitz’s lab. “Her mind was always turning and thinking about the next big question. So her work really changed the world by showing how important RNA is to being human.”

Another way Steitz changed the world, Baserga points out, is by being an outspoken advocate for women in science. “She has tried to give the same opportunities she had to as many women as she could reach,” Baserga says.

It wasn’t only her mentees who took something away from those interactions. “It’s almost as much fun to share the joy of discovery with a younger colleague as to make the discovery yourself,” says Steitz. “I got very lucky that I ended up in this place and that place and meeting this person and doing that. Serendipity is very important in science. You have to keep your eyes open for opportunities.”

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Centering Dissenters

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MIT Professor Erica Caple James, PhD ’03, traces Haiti's current unrest to its historic roots and says that ultimately, stability and security must come through governance accountable to the country's people.

Alumni Relations

The Office of Alumni Relations encourages connections between alumni and the University, partnering with alumni leaders, students, and administrators to develop opportunities for engagement.