Publisher
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University of Central Florida

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Security Studies PhD at University of Central Florida University of Central Florida in United States

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Political Science

Funding

The program makes funding offers to most admitted students, usually as Graduate Teaching Assistantships guaranteed for three years, with possible fourth-year funding depending on budget and progress. GTA funding includes a tuition waiver, non-residency waiver, health insurance, and a stipend of $27,000 per year ($11,000 fall, $11,000 spring, $5,000 summer) for up to 20 hours/week of work. The school also nominates strong applicants for university fellowships such as the Trustees Doctoral Fellows

Deadline

Dec 1, 2026

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Country

United States

University

University of Central Florida

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Keywords

Political Science
International Relations
Security Studies
Research Method

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About this position

University of Central Florida (UCF) is advertising applications for its Security Studies PhD in the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs.

This is a research-focused doctoral program for students who already hold an MA in a related field such as Political Science or International Politics/Affairs/Relations. The program emphasizes advanced research training, dissertation work, and security studies scholarship, with opportunities to work with faculty and complete the degree in as little as three years.

Academic area keywords: security studies, political science, international relations, research methods, dissertation research, policy and security analysis.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must have an earned master’s degree before enrolling, or expect to complete it before the program starts. Required application materials include official transcripts, a 500-word personal statement, a 2500-word writing sample, an updated resume, and three letters of reference. Non-native English speakers must meet TOEFL/IELTS requirements unless exempt; international applicants must also follow UCF Global and credential evaluation rules.

Funding: most admitted students receive funding, usually through Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) for three years, with possible fourth-year support. GTA funding includes a tuition waiver, non-residency waiver, health insurance, and a stipend of $27,000 per year. The school also nominates strong applicants for fellowships such as the Trustees Doctoral Fellowship and Presidential Doctoral Fellowship.

Deadline: Fall 2027 applications are due November 1, 2026 for international applicants and December 1, 2026 for domestic applicants.

How to apply: submit the application online through UCF’s graduate application system and prepare all required documents in advance. International applicants should also arrange any needed credential evaluation and verify English proficiency exemption status early.

Funding details

The program makes funding offers to most admitted students, usually as Graduate Teaching Assistantships guaranteed for three years, with possible fourth-year funding depending on budget and progress. GTA funding includes a tuition waiver, non-residency waiver, health insurance, and a stipend of $27,000 per year ($11,000 fall, $11,000 spring, $5,000 summer) for up to 20 hours/week of work. The school also nominates strong applicants for university fellowships such as the Trustees Doctoral Fellows

What's required

Applicants must have an earned master’s degree in Political Science, International Politics/Affairs/Relations, or a clearly related discipline before enrolling. Students who expect to complete their degree before beginning the program may also apply. Applicants must submit official transcripts from each college/university attended, a 500-word personal statement describing preparation for PhD study, research interests, faculty they want to work with, and post-degree career goals, a 2500-word writing sample, an updated resume, and three letters of reference with at least one from a faculty member associated with the MA degree. Non-native English speakers must meet TOEFL or IELTS minimum scores unless exempt; international applicants must also comply with UCF Global and credential evaluation requirements.

How to apply

Apply online through UCF’s graduate application system. International applicants must submit by November 1, 2026; domestic applicants by December 1, 2026. Prepare transcripts, statement, writing sample, resume, and three references, and check English proficiency and credential evaluation requirements if applicable.

More information can be found here

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