GBLSOC:PHD - Doctor of Philosophy in Global and Sociocultural Studies

Admissions Information for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies (GSS)

(1) Application forms and fees:

(a) Admissions Office: https://fiuonline.fiu.edu/admissions/

(2) Please send to the University’s Admission Office:

(a) Official transcripts from previous undergraduate and graduate programs. The minimum requirements are a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 in undergraduate courses and a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in any prior graduate courses.

(b) Applicants from non-English speaking countries, including internationally educated American students, must demonstrate proficiency in English. Please refer to the Admissions English Proficiency criteria at https://admissions.fiu.edu/international/graduate-school/english-language-proficiency/index.html.

(3) Additionally, please submit through the University’s Admissions portal.

(a) Research Statement (maximum of three single-spaced pages): describing your research interests and a potential research project; prior research/academic experience; and GSS faculty members with whom you would like to work.

(b) Personal Statement (maximum of two single-spaced pages): describing your background, career goals and why you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree with GSS

(c) One or more writing samples: course papers, thesis chapters, or other examples of writing and analytical abilities.

(d) Unofficial (such as photocopied) copies of the academic transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable.

(4) Three letters of reference that comment on your potential for success in graduate studies and beyond.

Application Deadline: Students are admitted to begin the program in the fall semester only. The application deadline is February 1; January 1 to be considered for funding.

Applicants are reviewed only in the spring term for fall admission. Admissions to the PhD program are competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. See the Admissions Process and Requirements for the GSS Graduate Program for full details. Students who originally applied to the Master of Arts (MA) program must apply separately to be admitted into the PhD program. A positive evaluation of the student’s performance at the MA level (hereafter called the MA review) will be the most important of the factors considered in evaluating applications to the PhD program. All students, including those who originally applied directly to the PhD program, must undergo a successful MA review upon completion of the master's program requirements in order to continue toward the PhD. The Graduate Committee conducts these reviews. The purpose of the MA review is to determine the ability of the student to do PhD-level work with the department’s faculty. Among the information considered during the review are students’ performance and grades in courses and faculty recommendations.

Students who have obtained a master's degree at another institution may be admitted directly into the PhD program, but first must undergo the equivalent of the MA review.

Other Curricular Offering: Master of Arts in African and African Diaspora Studies and PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies Joint Degree Pathway

The combined MA in African and African Diaspora Studies/PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies joint degree pathway allows qualified graduate students to develop an expertise in African and African Diaspora Studies by earning an MA in African and African Diaspora Studies while progressing toward a PhD in one of the three major areas in the Global and Sociocultural Studies Department: geography, sociology, or anthropology.

Degree Requirements for MA in African & African Diaspora Studies

This 30-credit, one year, three-semester program occurring over the Fall, Spring, and Summer includes 9 credits of core African and African Diaspora Studies courses, which includes 3 credits for the directed research paper exit option, 9 credits of core Global and Sociocultural Studies courses, and 12 credits of electives. There is also a foreign language requirement.

MA in African and African Diaspora Studies Core: 9 credits

--course African & African Diaspora Studies Theory: 3 credits
--course Research Methods in African and African Diaspora Studies: 3 credits
--course African & African Diaspora Studies Graduate Colloquium (3 credits: 1 credit over three semesters) 

Combined MA in African and African Diaspora Studies/PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies Core

--course Research Methods and Design: 3 credits

MA in African and African Diaspora Studies Elective: 15 credits

Nine credits of elective courses with an African and African Diaspora Studies focus must be from the Global and Sociocultural Studies Department. Six credits may be from outside of the department but within the Green School and/or the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. Students wishing to take courses outside of the Green School and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education must seek prior approval. Note: Students are advised to take at least 9 of these elective credits in their chosen major discipline for GSS (anthropology, geography, or sociology).

MA in African and African Diaspora Studies Research Proposal option

To graduate from the MA in African and African Diaspora Studies, students enrolled in this combined MA/PhD joint degree pathway must elect to complete either a research proposal or research paper for their exit option. Those who elect to write a research proposal must take AFA 6911 Research Paper/Proposal Writing in African and African Diaspora Studies.

MA in African and African Diaspora Studies Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English according to the nature of their thesis or research paper/proposal and professional interests.

Application for Graduation from MA in African and African Diaspora Studies

Students should apply for graduation for the MA in African and African Diaspora Studies during the summer term if they are on track for completing all requirements for the degree — including the exit option. Ordinarily, the MA will be conferred before the student advances to candidacy for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies. 

Matriculation to PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies

All students must undergo a successful MA review upon completion of the MA in African and African Diaspora Studies program requirements in order to continue toward the PhD in GSS. The GSS Graduate Committee, along with an appointee from African and African Diaspora Studies, conducts these reviews. The purpose of the MA review is to determine the ability of the student to do PhD-level work with the department’s faculty. Among the information considered during the review are students’ performances and grades in courses, and faculty recommendations.

Degree Requirements for PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies

The PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies requires a minimum of 75 credits beyond the baccalaureate including a dissertation based on original research. 30 credits of the MA in African and African Diaspora Studeis will count toward the 75-credit minimum. Thus, a minimum of 45 credits must be earned beyond the MA.

Major Courses: 33 credits

All doctoral students will choose a major in Anthropology, Geography, or Sociology. The following distribution of coursework is required.

(a) Major theory: 3 credits

(b) Major methods: 3 credits

(c) Major course electives: 6 credits minimum

(d) Exam and dissertation credits

--Doctoral Exam Preparation: 6 credits maximum

--Doctoral Dissertation: 15 credits minimum

General Electives: 12 credits

--GSS and non-GSS department electives

PhD General Examination

After successfully completing the common core requirements, the major's course requirements, and electives, a student prepares for the PhD General Exam by enrolling in a maximum of six credits of exam preparation for their major. In preparation for the exam, a student forms a dissertation committee according to the regulations published on the University Graduate School web page (http://gradschool.fiu.edu). The PhD General Exam addresses the student’s anticipated dissertation topic, and is conducted according to the University Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual and the Department’s PhD General Exam guidelines.

The Dissertation Proposal and Defense/Candidacy Exam

After passing the PhD General Exam, a student works under the guidance of the dissertation committee to prepare a dissertation proposal and defend it orally before the committee. The chair of the dissertation committee must hold Dissertation Advisor Status from the University Graduate School. The proposal defense serves as the doctoral candidacy exam for the PhDprogram in Global and Sociocultural Studies. Upon passing the proposal defense, a student is admitted to candidacy status. 

The Dissertation and Dissertation Defense 

After successfully defending a dissertation proposal, a student conducts the proposed research and completes a dissertation under the guidance of a dissertation committee. Only after successfully defending the dissertation proposal may a student register for dissertation hours (ANG 7980, GEO 7980, or SYA 7980). The PhD program requires a student to be continuously enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits of Doctoral Dissertation each semester from the time of advancement to candidacy until completion of the dissertation, including summers. Upon completion of the dissertation manuscript and authorization by the committee, a student defends the dissertation before the committee and the niversity community. The University Graduate School’s regulations governing the dissertation are described at http://gradschool.fiu.edu.

Financial Aid Information for Applicants to the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies

Applicants to FIU may qualify for one of several different opportunities to finance their studies:

(1) FIU’s Presidential Fellowship for outstanding applicants, nominated by the Graduate Program Committee.

(2) Departmental Teaching Assistantships (TAs). Teaching assistantships are allocated on a competitive basis and include a 12-month stipend, tuition waiver, and medical insurance. To be considered for an assistantship, the applicant must make such a request in the online application. The awarding of teaching assistantships will be made by the Graduate Program Committee. Students receiving an assistantship are required to perform approximately 20 hours of teaching related duties per week during the 12-month appointment. TA positions are renewable on a competitive basis by annual evaluation.

(3) There are innumerable additional sources of funding for graduate students best researched by applicants. A good start is the University Graduate School website.

(4) Graduate students are routinely employed as research assistants (RA) on faculty grants. Students in their second or later years are particularly encouraged to seek RA positions to enhance their research skills and career options. The hiring of research assistants is at the discretion of the project’s principal investigators. While these arrangements vary, they usually cover the student’s tuition and provide a stipend.

Other Curricular Offering: Master of Arts in Asian Studies and PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies Joint Degree Pathway

The combined MA in Asian Studies/PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies joint degree pathway allows qualified graduate students to pursue both degrees at the same time. Students can develop an expertise in Asian Studies while progressing towards a PhD in one of the three majors in the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies: geography, sociology, or anthropology.

Degree Requirements for MA in Asian Studies

(30 credits Thesis Option/30 credits Non-Thesis Option) Up to 30 credits earned for the MA in Asian Studies will count towards the 75 credits required for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies. Exceptions can be made based on the needs of the doctoral program

Core: 6 credits

--course Methods in Asian Studies
--course Asian Studies Colloquium
--course Topics in Modern Asia
--course Independent Research in Asian Studies
--course Seminar in Asian Studies
--course Internship in Asian Studies

Courses required for Global and Sociocultural Studies Track: 12 credits

--course Research Design and Methods
--course Theory and Inquiry
--course Social Research Quantitative Methods
--course Writing Research Proposals

Asian Studies Courses: 6 credits

Students must take 6 credits of Asia-specific courses pertaining to main concentration (from courses listed below):

--course Graduate Seminar in Urban Sociology
--course Japanese Society in Global Perspective
--course State and Society in China

Language Requirement

Depending on the research topic students may be required to demonstrate language competency by the Asian Studies Graduate Committee.

MA in Asian Studies Exit Options, Thesis or Non-Thesis Master's Essay

Thesis Exit Option (6 credits):

--course Thesis

Non-Thesis Master's Essay Exit Option (6 credits):

--course Master’s Essay (3 credits)
--One additional Asia-specific course (3 credits)

Master’s Essay can be taken multiple times. Some students may be encouraged to develop their research projects by taking this course.

Application for Graduation from MA in Asian Studies

Students should apply for graduation for the MA in Asian Studies as soon as they have completed all requirements for the degree – including the exit option.

Matriculation to PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies

All students must undergo a successful MA review upon completion of the MA in Asian Studies program requirements in order to continue toward the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies. The Global and Sociocultural Studies Graduate Committee, along with an appointee from Asian Studies, conducts these reviews. The purpose of the MA review is to determine the ability of the student to do PhD-level work with the department’s faculty. Among the information considered during the review are student’s performances and grades in courses, and faculty recommendations. 

Degree Requirements for PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies

The PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies requires a minimum of 75 credits beyond the baccalaureate including a dissertation based on original research, up to 30 credits of the MA in Asian Studies will count toward the 75-credit minimum. Thus, a minimum of 42 credits must be earned beyond the MA.

Major Courses: 36 credits

All doctoral students will choose a major in Anthropology, Geography, or Sociology. The following distribution of coursework is required:

-- Major theory methods: 3 credits
-- Major methods: 3 credits
-- Major course electives: 9 credits minimum
-- Doctoral Exam Preparation: 6 credits maximum
-- Doctoral Dissertation: 15 credits minimum

General Electives: 6 credits

--GSS and non-GSS Department electives

PhD General Examination

After successfully completing the common core requirements, the major's course requirements, and electives, a student prepares for the PhD General Exam by enrolling in a maximum of six credits of exam preparation for their major. In preparation for the exam, a student forms a dissertation committee according to the regulations published on the University Graduate School web page (http://gradschool.fiu.edu). The PhD General Exam addresses the student’s anticipated dissertation topic, and is conducted according to the University Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual and the Department’s PhD General Exam guidelines.

The Dissertation Proposal and Defense/Candidacy Exam

After passing the PhD General Exam, a student works under the guidance of the dissertation committee to prepare a dissertation proposal and defend it orally before the committee. The chair of the dissertation committee must hold Dissertation Advisor Status from the University Graduate School. The proposal defense serves as the doctoral candidacy exam for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies program. Upon passing the proposal defense, a student is admitted to candidacy status.

The Dissertation and Dissertation Defense

After successfully defending a dissertation proposal, a student conducts the proposed research and completes a dissertation under the guidance of a dissertation committee. Only after successfully defending the dissertation proposal may a student register for dissertation hours (ANG 7980, GEO 7980, or SYA 7980). The Ph.D. program requires a student to be continuously enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits of Doctoral Dissertation each semester from the time of advancement to candidacy until completion of the dissertation, including summers. Upon completion of the dissertation manuscript and authorization by the committee, a student defends the dissertation before the committee and the university community. The University Graduate School’s regulations governing the dissertation are described at http://gradschool.fiu.edu.

Transfer of Credits

Credits may be transferred in accordance with the FIU Graduate Policies and Procedures Manual (see https://policies.fiu.edu/policy/128). While a student may transfer credits into the program, the substitution of transferred credits for specific core and substantive area requirements is not generally allowed. A student seeking to transfer credits must submit a written petition to the Graduate Program Director detailing the courses and hours of credit s/he is seeking to transfer. In addition, students requesting substitution of transferred credits for program requirements must include supporting documentation as part of the petition. The screening and initial decision regarding transferring of credit and substitution will be made by the Graduate Program Director and the Graduate Program Committee. Final approval will be made by the University Graduate School.

Other Curricular Offering: Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies Joint Degree Pathway

The combined MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS)/PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies joint degree pathway allows qualified graduate students to pursue both degrees at the same time. Students can develop an expertise in Latin American and Caribbean Studies while progressing towards a PhD in one of the three majors in the Global and Sociocultural Studies: geography, sociology, or anthropology.

Degree Requirements for MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies

The 30 credits earned for the MA in LACC will count towards the 75 credits required for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies.

MA on LACS Core: 9 credits

--course Survey of Latin America
--course Research Seminar
--course Research Methods and Design OR course Social Research Quantitative Methods I

Dept Courses or Area of Focus: 12 to 15 credits (These must include courses Required for GSS Pathway)

--course Theory and Inquiry
--course Research Methods and Design OR course Social Research Quantitative Methods I
--course Writing Research Proposals

Breadth Requirements: 3 credits

Students select three credits from the MA in LACS approved course list.

MA in LACS Research Proposal

To graduate from the MA in LACS program, students enrolled in this combined MA/PhD joint degree pathway must take the proposal writing course, course, during the semester prior to enrolling in the required exit options in the MA in LACS program.

MA in LACS Exit Options: 3 to 6 credits

Students select one of the following options:

--course Thesis: 6 credits (Students complete a thesis paper supervised by three committee members. All members of the committee must have FIU Graduate Faculty status.)

or

--course Internship in Latin American and Caribbean Studies: 3 credits (Supervised internship leading to a major research paper in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.)

or

--course Directed Research in Latin American and Caribbean Studies: 3 credits (Students complete one directed research paper of about 35 -40 pages.)

MA in LACS Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English according to the nature of their thesis or research paper/proposal and professional interests.

Application for Graduation from MA in LACS Program

Students should apply for graduation for the MA in LACS degree as soon as they have completed all requirements for the degree – including the exit option. Ordinarily, the MA will be conferred before the student advances to candidacy for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies.

Matriculation to PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies

All students must undergo a successful MA review upon completion of the MA in LACS program requirements in order to continue toward the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies. The Global and Sociocultural Studies Graduate Committee, along with an appointee from LACC, conducts these reviews. The purpose of the MA review is to determine the ability of the student to do PhD-level work with the department’s faculty. Among the information considered during the review are a student’s overall performance, grades in courses, and faculty recommendations.

Degree Requirements for PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies

The PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies requires a minimum of 75 credits beyond the baccalaureate including a dissertation based on original research. 30 credits of the MA in LACS program will count toward the 75-credit minimum. Thus, a minimum of 45 credits must be earned beyond the MA.

Major Courses: 33 credits

All doctoral students will choose a major in Anthropology, Geography, or Sociology. The following distribution of coursework is required.

(a) Major theory: 3 credits

(b) Major methods: 3 credits

(c) Major course electives: 6 credits minimum

(d) Exam and dissertation credits

--Doctoral Exam Preparation: 6 credits maximum
--Doctoral Dissertation: 15 credits minimum

General Electives: 6 credits

GSS and non-GSS Department electives

PhD General Examination

After successfully completing the common core requirements, the major's course requirements, and electives, a student prepares for the PhD General Exam by enrolling in a maximum of six credits of exam preparation for their major. In preparation for the exam, a student forms a dissertation committee according to the regulations published on the University Graduate School web page (http://gradschool.fiu.edu). The PhD General Exam addresses the student’s anticipated dissertation topic, and is conducted according to the University Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual and the Department’s PhD General Exam guidelines.

The Dissertation Proposal and Defense/Candidacy Exam

After passing the PhD General Exam, a student works under the guidance of the dissertation committee to prepare a dissertation proposal and defend it orally before the committee. The chair of the dissertation committee must hold Dissertation Advisor Status from the University Graduate School. The proposal defense serves as the doctoral candidacy exam for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies program. Upon passing the proposal defense, a student is admitted to candidacy status.

The Dissertation and Dissertation Defense

After successfully defending a dissertation proposal, a student conducts the proposed research and completes a dissertation under the guidance of a dissertation committee. Only after successfully defending the dissertation proposal may a student register for dissertation hours (ANG 7980, GEO 7980, or SYA 7980). The PhD program requires a student to be continuously enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits of Doctoral Dissertation each semester from the time of advancement to candidacy until completion of the dissertation, including summers. Upon completion of the dissertation manuscript and authorization by the committee, a student defends the dissertation before the committee and the niversity community. The University Graduate School’s regulations governing the dissertation are described at http://gradschool.fiu.edu.

Admissions Requirements for the Master of Arts in African and African Diaspora Studies and PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies Joint Degree Pathway

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission.

(1) Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution for higher education (or equivalent);

(2) Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for the last two years of undergraduate work and/or a GPA of 3.5 on any previous graduate work;

(3) Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores;

(4) International graduate student applicants whose native language is not English and who have not obtained a degree from an English-speaking academic institution are required to submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A total score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (equivalent to 550 on the paper-based version) or a 6.5 overall on the IELTS is required.

Admissions Procedures

To be accepted into this program, students must submit an application to the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies with a sub-plan for a MA in African & African Diaspora Studies. This designation will appear in the menu of programs in the graduate application. To be accepted into this program, students must submit an application by January 1 in the year in which they wish to begin their studies.

The following documents must be submitted and will be reviewed by the Admissions Committees from both units. The following must be submitted as part of the online application:

(1) Online application and application fee;

(2) Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework;

(3) Official GRE scores;

(4) Official TOEFL scores, if applicable;

(5) Statement of purpose explaining his/her interest for enrolling in both the MA in African and African Diaspora Studies program and PhD in GSS program. The statement of purpose must clearly address the applicant's academic and professional objectives for enrolling in both fields of inquiry. The statement of purpose must also indicate the intended major (anthropology, geography, or sociology) the applicant plans to select while engaged in the PhD in GSS program;

(6) Three letters of recommendation from university professors who are able to comment on the various aspects of the student's academic ability;

(7) A curriculum vitae; and

(8) Writing samples and other relevant professional work that may support their applications.

Other Curricular Offering: Combined Master of Arts in Religious Studies and PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies Degree Pathway

The combined MA in Religious Studies/PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies joint degree pathway allows qualified graduate students to pursue both degrees at the same time. Students can develop an expertise in Religious Studies while progressing towards a PhD in one of the three majors in the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies: geography, sociology, or anthropology. The dissertation may be directed by a qualified professor in either department.

Degree Requirements for MA in Religious Studies

The 36 credits earned for the MA in Religious Studies will count towards the 75 credits required for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies.

Religious Studies Core (9 credits):

--course Seminar in Sacred Sources; 3 credits
--course Modern Analysis of Religious; 3 credits
--course Advanced Fieldwork in Religious Studies; 3 credits

Courses Required for Global and Sociocultural Studies Track (12 credits):

--course Theory and Inquiry (Fall)
--course Writing Research Proposals (Spring)
--course Research Methods and Design (Spring)
--course social Research Quantitative Methods I (Fall)

Electives (9 or 12 credits depending on exit option)

9 or 12 credits or elective courses from within the Department of Religious Studies.

MA in Religious Studies Exit Options (6 or 3 credits)

Students may choose any of the exit options offered by the MA in Religious Studies degree.

--RLG 6971 Thesis (minimum 6 credits) See the Religious Studies program description for more information. The thesis is publicly defended and approved by a committee of three graduate faculty members
--RLG XXXX (3 credits) Preparation of two directed research papers. Both papers require an oral presentation, defense and approval by a committee of three graduate faculty members;
--RLG XXXX Internship and major research paper (3 credits). Supervised internship leading to a major research paper based upon the students work during the internship. The research paper requires an oral presentation and approval by a committee of three graduate faculty members.

School of International and Public Affairs Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English according to the nature of their thesis or research paper/proposal and professional interests.

Application for Graduation from Religious Studies program

Students should apply for graduation for the MA in Religious Studies degree as soon as they have completed all requirements for the degree – including the exit option. Ordinarily, the MA will be conferred before the student advances to candidacy for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies program.

Matriculation to PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies

All students must undergo a successful MA review upon completion of the MA in Religious Studies program requirements in order to continue toward the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies. The Global and Sociocultural Studies Graduate Committee, along with an appointee from Religious Department conducts these reviews. The purpose of the MA review is to determine the ability of the student to do PhD-level work with the department’s faculty. Among the information considered during the review are a students overall performance, grades in courses, and faculty recommendations

Degree Requirements for PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies

The PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies requires a minimum of 75 credits beyond the baccalaureate including a dissertation based on original research. A maximum of 36 credits of the MA in Religious Studies program will count toward the 75-credit minimum. Thus, a minimum of 39 credits must be earned beyond the MA.

Major Requirements (33 credits)

All doctoral students will choose a major in Anthropology, Geography, or Sociology. The following distribution of coursework is required.

(a)    Major theory (3)

(b)    Additional methods (3)

(c)    Major course electives (6 minimum)

(d)    Exam and dissertation credits

-- Doctoral Exam Preparation (6 maximum)

-- Doctoral Dissertation (15 minimum)

General Electives (6 credits)

GSS and non-GSS Department electives

PhD General Examination

After successfully completing the common core requirements, the major’s course requirements, and electives, a student prepares for the PhD General Exam by enrolling in a maximum of six credits of exam preparation for their major. In preparation for the exam, a student forms a dissertation committee according to the regulations published on the University Graduate School web page (http://gradschool.fiu.edu). The PhD General Exam addresses the student’s anticipated dissertation topic, and is conducted according to the University Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual and the Department’s PhD General Exam guidelines. 

The Dissertation Proposal and Defense/Candidacy Exam

After passing the PhD General Exam, a student works under the guidance of the dissertation committee to prepare a dissertation proposal and defend it orally before the committee. The chair of the dissertation committee must hold Dissertation Advisor Status from the University Graduate School. The proposal defense serves as the doctoral candidacy exam for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies program. Upon passing the proposal defense, a student is admitted to candidacy status.

The Dissertation and Dissertation Defense

After successfully defending a dissertation proposal, a student conducts the proposed research and completes a dissertation under the guidance of a dissertation committee. Only after successfully defending the dissertation proposal may a student register for dissertation hours (ANG 7980, GEO 7980, or SYA 7980). The PhD program requires a student to be continuously enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits of Doctoral Dissertation each semester from the time of advancement to candidacy until the completion of the dissertation, including summers. Upon completion of the dissertation manuscript and authorization by the committee, a student defends the dissertation before the committee and the university community. The University Graduate School’s regulations governing the dissertation are described at http://gradschool.fiu.edu.

Admissions Requirements for the Master in Arts in Asian Studies and PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies Joint Degree Pathway 

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements of Global and Sociocultural Studies to be considered for admission:

(1) Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution for higher education (or equivalent);

(2) Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for the last two years of undergraduate work and/or a GPA of 3.5 on any previous graduate work;

(3) Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores;

(4) International graduate student applicants whose native language is not English and who have not obtained a degree from an English-speaking academic institution are required to submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A total score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (equivalent to 550 on the paper-based version) or a 6.5 overall on the IELTS is required. 

Admissions Procedures

To be accepted into this joint degree pathway, students must submit an application to the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies (GSS) with a sub-plan for a MA in Asian Studies. This designation will appear in the menu of programs in the graduate application. To be accepted into this pathway, students must submit an application by February 1st in the year in which they wish to begin their studies.

The following documents must be submitted and will be reviewed by the Admissions Committees from both units.

The following must be submitted as part of the online application:

(1) Online application and application fee;

(2) Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework;

(3) Official GRE scores;

(4) Official TOEFL scores, if applicable;

(5) Statement of purpose explaining his/her interest for enrolling in both the MA in Asian Studies program and PhD in GSS program. The statement of purpose must clearly address the applicant's academic and professional objectives for enrolling in both fields of inquiry. The statement of purpose must also indicate the intended major (international political economy or Asian cultural studies for the MA in Asian Studies; anthropology, geography, or sociology for the PhD in GSS) the applicant plans to select while engaged in the PhD in GSS program;

(6) Three letters of recommendation from university professors who are able to comment on the various aspects of the student's academic ability;

(7) A curriculum vitae or resume; and

(8) Writing samples and other relevant professional work that may support their applications.

Admissions Requirements for the Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies Joint Degree Pathway

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission.

(1) Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution for higher education (or equivalent);

(2) Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for the last two years of undergraduate work and/or a GPA of 3.5 on any previous graduate work;

(3) Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores;

(4) International graduate student applicants whose native language is not English and who have not obtained a degree from an English-speaking academic institution are required to submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A total score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (equivalent to 550 on the paper-based version) or a 6.5 overall on the IELTS is required.

Admissions Procedures

To be accepted into this joint degre pathway, students must submit an application to the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies with a sub-plan for a MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. This designation will appear in the menu of programs in the graduate application. To be accepted into this pathway, students must submit an application by March 1 in the year in which they wish to begin their studies.

The following documents must be submitted and will be reviewed by the Admissions Committees from both units.

The following must be submitted as part of the on-line application:

(1) Online application and application fee;

(2) Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework;

(3) Official GRE scores;

(4) Official TOEFL scores, if applicable.

(5) Statement of purpose explaining his/her interest for enrolling in both the MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies program and PhD in GSS program. The statement of purpose must clearly address the applicant's academic and professional objectives for enrolling in both fields of inquiry. The statement of purpose must also indicate the intended major (anthropology, geography, or sociology) the applicant plans to select while engaged in the PhD in GSS program;

(6) Three letters of recommendation from university professors who are able to comment on the various aspects of the student's academic ability;

(7) A curriculum vitae; and

(8) Writing samples and other relevant professional work that may support their applications.

Admissions Requirements for the Combined Master of Arts in Religious Studies and PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies Degree Pathway

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission:

(1) Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution for higher education (or equivalent)

(2) Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for the last two years of undergraduate work and/or a GPA of 3.5 on any previous graduate work;

(3) Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores,

(4) International graduate student applicants whose native language is not English and who have not obtained a degree from an English-speaking academic institution are required to submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A total score of 80 on the internet based TOEFL (equivalent to 550 on the paper-based version) or a 6.5 overall on the IELTS is required.

Admissions Procedures

To be accepted into this joint degree pathway, students must submit an application to the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies with a sub-plan for a MA in Religious Studies. This designation will appear in the menu of programs in the graduate application. To be accepted into this pathway, students must submit an application by March 1 in the year in which they wish to begin their studies.

The following documents must be submitted and will be reviewed by the Admissions Committees from both units.

The following must be submitted as part of the online application:

(1) Online application and application fee;

(2) Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework;

(3) Official GRE scores;

(4) Official TOEFL scores, if applicable;

(5) Statement of purpose explaining their interest for enrolling in both the MA Religious Studies program in the Department of Religious Studies and the PhD in GSS program. The statement of purpose must clearly address the applicant’s academic and professional objectives for enrolling in both fields of inquiry. The statement of purpose must also indicate the intended major (anthropology, geography, or sociology) the applicant plans to select while engaged in the PhD in GSS program;

(6) Three letters of recommendation from university professors who are able to comment on the various aspects of the student’s academic ability;

(7) A curriculum vitae; and

(8) Writing samples and other relevant professional work that may support their applications

General Program Information

In addition to the common core curriculum, each PhD program student declares a major in Geography, Sociocultural Anthropology, or Sociology. Each major consists of the corresponding disciplinary theory course; one additional theory course from the other departmental disciplines; one approved methods course; a minimum of two discipline-based seminars; and a dissertation supervised by a faculty member from the department. A student may declare only one major. As students progress through the program, they increasingly pursue their own research interests by taking elective courses across the disciplines and by working with their committee to prepare a doctoral dissertation. A student takes a minimum of 30 hours of electives.

Academic Progression Requirements

A grade of “B” or higher must be earned in all courses and a cumulative average of 3.0 or higher must be maintained. Students may apply to transfer a maximum of 6 graduate credit hours earned in another program or institution. An exception is made for courses contained within an earned master’s or doctoral degree.

In the course of their studies, the student will have met the requirements for, and be awarded, a MA in Global and Sociocultural Studies.

A student should complete the PhD General Exam and defend their dissertation proposal by the end of their third year of study. Then the student prepares a dissertation under the guidance of a faculty committee and defends the dissertation.

General Electives: 30 credits

Students will take 30 credits beyond the common core curriculum and the majors’ requirements. This includes a maximum of one directed studies course (3 credits). Students are allowed a maximum of two courses (6 credits) taken in other departments. In some circumstances, such as the case of a student pursuing a graduate certificate, the Graduate Director may approve additional coursework outside of the department.

PhD General Examination

After successfully completing the common core requirements, the major’s course requirements, and electives, a student prepares for the PhD General Exam. In preparation for the exam, a student forms a dissertation committee according to the regulations published on the University Graduate School web page (http://gradschool.fiu.edu). The PhD General Exam addresses the student’s anticipated dissertation topic, and is conducted according to the University Graduate Policies and Procedures Manual and the Department’s PhD General Exam guidelines.

Dissertation Proposal and Defense/Candidacy Exam

Concomitant with preparation for the PhD General Exam, a student works under the guidance of the dissertation committee to prepare a dissertation proposal and defend it orally before the committee. The chair of the dissertation committee must hold Dissertation Advisor Status from the University Graduate School. The proposal defense serves as the doctoral candidacy exam for the PhD in Global and Sociocultural Studies program. Upon passing the proposal defense, a student is admitted to candidacy status.

The Dissertation and Dissertation Defense

After successfully defending a dissertation proposal, a student conducts the proposed research and completes a dissertation under the guidance of a dissertation committee. Only after successfully defending the dissertation proposal may a student register for dissertation credits (ANG 7980, GEO 7980, or SYA 7980). The PhD program requires a student to be continuously enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits of Doctoral Dissertation each semester from the time of advancement to candidacy until completion of the dissertation, including summers. Upon completion of the dissertation manuscript and authorization by the committee, a student defends the dissertation before the committee and the university community. The University Graduate School’s regulations governing the dissertation are described at http://gradschool.fiu.edu.