Ph.D. in Global Studies

The Ph.D. program in Global Studies is a five-year program comprising two years of coursework followed by three years of dissertation research and writing. The program is divided into two specialization tracks:

1. Historical, Political, and Social Studies track: This track explores the dynamics and structures shaping societies globally, focusing on historical, political, and social contexts.

2. Cultural, Visual, and Literary Studies track: This track examines the role of culture, art, and literature in the global experience, emphasizing cultural, visual, and literary perspectives.

Graduate students have the flexibility to select elective courses from a broad range of disciplines within the social sciences, humanities, and the arts. This allows them to tailor their learning to their specific research interests.

The Ph.D. Common Core

At The Africa Institute (GSU), all Ph.D. students participate in a core set of foundational courses designed to provide a shared academic experience. These courses establish a common ground for students across the program.

Foundational Courses (32 credits):

• Introduction to Globalization (4 credits)
• Theories of Globalization and the Rise of Capitalism
• Colonization and Decolonization (4 credits)
• The Global 60’s (4 credits)
• Theory and Method I (4 credits)
• Theory and Method II (4 credits)
• African and African Diaspora Intellectual Tradition/Critical Imagination (4 credits)
• Methods in the Social Sciences and the Humanities: A Summer Research Laboratory (2 credits)
• Bi-weekly Seminar: From Area Studies to Global Studies I & II (2 credits)
• Non-Western Languages

Language Course (9 Credit Hours)

Students must complete courses in a chosen non-Western language:

• GSLT 501 Language (Elementary) (3 credits)
• GSLT 502 Language (Intermediate) (3 credits)
• GSLT 503 Language (Advanced) (3 credits)

Program Elective Courses (24 Credit Hours)

Ph.D. students must complete a total of seven elective courses, totaling 24 credits. These courses are organized into five programs or concentration tracks. In consultation with their advisors and the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), students can choose a curricular path either within a single program area or through an interdisciplinary approach that spans multiple areas, based on their scholarly interests, research questions, thematic field interests, and career goals.

Specialization Tracks/ Program Areas

The Ph.D. program in Global Studies offers two major specialization tracks, each with distinct academic programs for concentration. Students select their elective courses according to these tracks:

Track 1: Cultural, Visual, and Literary Studies

• African Languages and Translation Studies
• History of Art, Visual Studies, and Performance Studies
• Literary and Cultural Studies

Track 2: Historical, Political, and Social Studies

• Historical Studies
• Social and Political Studies

The major components of the Ph.D. in Global Studies program are summarized in the table below:

The A Exam is a critical step in the Ph.D. program, as it serves as a formal admission to Ph.D. candidacy. The ability to declare major and minor fields, present a dissertation proposal, and meet language proficiency requirements are key elements in this academic journey. Students should work closely with their Special Committee and the Graduate School to ensure successful completion of The A Exam.

The A Exam, which is a significant milestone in the Ph.D. program at GSU, involves both written and oral components. Here’s a breakdown of the key details regarding The A Exam:

A Exam Components:

The A Exam consists of both a written and an oral component. The examination is designed by the student’s Special Committee, which includes the major and minor fields.

Timing and Preparation

No later than the fourth semester of the program, the student must request a meeting with their Special Committee to:

1. Declare their major and minor fields of study
2. Discuss the format and content of The A Exam
3. It is recommended that The A Exam essays be provided to the Special Committee at least two weeks before the oral examination

The oral exam includes questions and discussion based on the written section of the examination.

Additionally, a brief dissertation proposal may be included as part of The A Exam, further detailing the student’s research plans.

Eligibility for Funding

To qualify for third-summer funding, students must:

Attempt The A Exam by the end of their third year or have it scheduled during the third summer.

Preconditions for Scheduling The A Exam

Before scheduling the A Exam, students must:

• Complete all required coursework
• Demonstrate proficiency in two languages

Dissertation Proposal

After being admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D., each student is required to write a brief dissertation proposal. The proposal should typically be between Fifteen to Twenty (15–20) pages in length and should clearly define the goals, methodology, and scope of the dissertation project. The proposal should also include a bibliography, listing the relevant sources and references. The student is expected to circulate the written proposal to their Special Committee for feedback and guidance.

Research Workshop

Following the circulation of the written proposal to the Special Committee, the student should schedule a Research Workshop. During the Research Workshop, the student presents the dissertation project formally to their committee. This presentation allows for discussion, feedback, and refinement of the project under the guidance of the committee.

The B Exam is an oral defense of the dissertation and is conducted by all members of the student’s Special Committee. PhD candidates are expected to consult with their Special Committee throughout the dissertation writing process. It is crucial for students to seek advice and guidance from the committee on individual chapters and sections of the dissertation before submitting the entire work. All recommended corrections and revisions by the Special Committee should be addressed by the student before The B Exam. Following the exam, additional corrections may be required based on the feedback and discussions during the defense.

Dissertation Submission

After making all necessary revisions, the final version of the dissertation must be submitted registrar’s office after being approved by the special committee.

Accessibility and Evaluation

It’s important to note that all the work done in preparation for the PhD is expected to be freely available for evaluation and inspection by any interested member of the Graduate Faculty. This transparency and accessibility ensure that academic work is subject to rigorous evaluation. The B Exam marks the culmination of the PhD program and signifies the successful completion of the dissertation. It is a significant event where students defend their research before their committee, and it serves as an opportunity for academic discussion and feedback.

To be considered for the PhD program, applicants must meet the following academic and language proficiency requirements:

Academic Qualifications:

• A four-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent) from an accredited university.
•  Applicants with a two-year master’s degree and a CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent) may also apply. Their application will undergo additional review by the college.

University Accreditation:

•  The bachelor’s or master’s degree must be from a university accredited by both the UAE Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division and the institution to which you are applying.

For UAE Graduates:

• Applicants must submit official transcripts and graduation certificates for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees, attested by the UAE Ministry of Education.

Requirements for International Students:

If the bachelor’s degree was obtained outside the UAE, applicants must submit an equivalency certificate of their degree from the UAE Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division. This is to ensure that the foreign degree is recognized within the UAE. Details on how to apply for this certificate can be found on the Ministry of Education website under “Certificate Equivalency Information” and “Required Documents for Equivalency.”

• Valid passport copy
• Emirates ID and visa (if applicable)
• One passport-sized photo with a white background
• Valid English proficiency score: IELTS 6.5 or IBT TOEFL 91
• Equivalency letter (if applicable)
• Recommendation letters (two referees)
• CV/Resume

For the Ph.D. in Global Studies, students must submit a personal statement of 500 to 1,000 words, covering two main sections:

Section I:

Focuses on the applicant, detailing their personal journey, motivations, and aspirations. This includes

• An introduction that showcases their background and interests.
• The motivation behind pursuing a graduate program in their area of interest.
• Applicants should highlight their accomplishments and the skills that demonstrate their suitability for the program. This can incorporate volunteer work, professional experiences, and personal or academic achievements, and articulate how these experiences align with the field of intercultural communication.

Section II:

Focuses on the applicant’s research interests and their reasons for choosing one of the three tracks/topics within the program. This includes:

• A detailed explanation of their specific research interests within the field of Global African Studies.
• Reasons for their interest.
• How their past academic and professional experiences (if available), have prepared them to pursue research in this area.
• The potential impact they hope to achieve through their research, and how it aligns with their future career objectives.
• A brief proposal for research projects they intend to pursue during their studies in the program.

Applicants must include a research proposal with their online application. Your proposal should be 1,000 to 2,000 words and include the following sections:

• Research Proposal Title: Clearly state the topic of your research.
• Objectives and Research Questions: Outline the main objective of your proposed research and the key questions to be addressed. Ensure that your topic is focused and achievable.
• Significance of Research: Assess existing literature related to your research topic and explain how your research will contribute to the field. Justify the importance of your research by showing how it builds upon existing knowledge.
• Methodology and Indicative Structure: Describe the research methods you plan to use and how you will analyze data. Outline the main sections of your dissertation.
• Planned Research Schedule: Explain how you plan to manage coursework, research tasks, and thesis writing within the four-year timeframe, including how you will balance personal commitments. Provide a year-by-year plan leading to the completion of your dissertation.
• Research Motivations: Briefly outline why you chose this research topic, how it aligns with your past experiences and interests, and how it will benefit your career development. Describe why pursuing a PhD at GSU interests you.

Additional Requirements

• Recommendation Letters: Submit letters from two referees.
• Credit Transfer: For transferring credits to GSU, provide official transcripts and course syllabi from other universities. For details, visit Postgraduate Transfer.