DIA vs. PhD
At Johns Hopkins SAIS, both the Doctor of International Affairs and the Doctor of Philosophy involve mentored research and in-depth investigation. Graduates of both programs earn the title “Doctor.” There are a few key differences as noted below.
DIA |
PhD |
|
|---|---|---|
| Locations | School-wide; interdisciplinary in Washington, DC or SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy | Department Based in Washington DC or SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy |
| Guiding Philosophy | International relations practice and application | International relations theory and scholarship |
| Typical Student | Mid-career | Early-career |
| Student Goal | Leadership role in private, nonprofit, multilateral or public sector | Academic, research, and policy careers |
| Qualifications Needed | 5+ years of full-time, professional experience in international affairs or a related field 48-credit track – Relevant master’s degree 80-credit track - Bachelor’s degree GRE/GMAT optional |
No professional experience Master’s degree (or bachelor’s degree plus significant prior research experience) GRE/GMAT required |
| Program Method of Delivery | Residential, on-campus for coursework in Washington DC or SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy Non-residential for doctoral thesis *NO ONLINE OPTION AVAILABLE |
Residential, on-campus, full-time for coursework in Washington DC Non-residential for dissertation *NO ONLINE OPTION AVAILABLE |
| Duration | Fixed: 2-3 years, full and part-time options | Variable: 4-7 years (5.5 year average), full-time only |
| Curriculum | 48-credit track – 8 courses; full-time (1 yr) or part-time (2 yrs), plus 1 yr, part-time for thesis research and writing 80-credit track – 16 courses; full-time only (2 yrs), plus 1 yr, part-time for thesis research and writing Research methods training |
Variable credit Research methods and quantitative training Three comprehensive exams Two foreign languages |
| Research Product | Doctoral thesis Applied research Original argument or synthesis and contribution to policy Mostly secondary or tertiary sources |
Doctoral dissertation Original contribution to scholarship (creation of new knowledge, theory, concepts) Significant use of primary sources |
| Funding | Students self-fund or through employer support | SAIS funded |
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