Doctor of International Affairs (DIA)

48-credit Program 

Year One

Advanced standing is available if you possess a relevant master’s degree. You must complete 32 credits prior to the final, non-residential thesis year. 

Schedule

• Eight courses in the academic year, including two methods courses
• Six courses based on your specific interests and research agenda

Year Two 

The final year is completed part-time on a non-resident basis while finishing research and writing a doctoral thesis under the guidance of your faculty advisor.

Schedule

• 8 credits of “Thesis” each semester

80-credit Program 

Years One and Two

You will complete courses on a full-time, resident basis through fall and spring semesters for two academic years. You may begin your studies at either the Washington DC campus or at SAIS Europe.

Schedule

• Fulfill the requirements of the school's Master of Arts in International Relations degree (MAIR) in international economics, quantitative reasoning, research methods, and foreign language proficiency

Year Three

The final year is completed part-time on a non-resident basis while finishing research and writing a doctoral thesis under the guidance of your faculty advisor.

Schedule

• 8 credits of “Thesis” each semester

48-credit Program 

Year One

Build your expertise through classes based on your specific interests and research agenda. 

Schedule 

• Complete four courses of your choice in the academic year, two each semester

Year Two

The second year of study will entail a combination of methods courses and courses based on your specific interests and research agenda.

Schedule

• Complete four courses in the academic year, two each semester. This includes two method courses and two courses based on your specific interests and research agenda.

Year Three

The final year is completed part-time on a non-resident basis while finishing research and writing a doctoral thesis under the guidance of your faculty advisor.

Schedule

• 8 credits of “Thesis” each semester