Overview

Comprehensive exams in Security Studies at Kansas State University entail a written and oral examination, subdivided into a general field and a special field. The written component of the general field examination is one closed-book, 8-hour exam in the History of International Security, and one closed-book, 8-hour exam in the Politics of International Security (usually, these two exams will occur on successive days or two out of three days).

Features

An interdisciplinary Exam Committee of KSU Security Studies faculty, which may vary from year to year, will determine the precise format and administer the written general field exam. The student will be allowed to consult the history and political science reading lists in hardcopy form but will not be permitted to have any notes or other resources available during the examination.

Students should regard the reading lists as indispensable tools to help prepare them to be knowledgeable and independent thinkers. However, examiners also may pose questions on important Security Studies issues not specifically included in the readings.

A successful exam does not merely summarize the findings of other scholars; it presents clear and well-argued theoretical arguments supported by the literature but rooted in the student’s own ideas.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Historical Approaches to Security

Historical Methods in Security Studies

Advanced Research Methods

Readings in History

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-01-08 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

90 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Terrorism & Security View 8 other PhDs in Terrorism & Security in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

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TOEFL^® IBT

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Other requirements

General requirements

All international students admitted to the Graduate School must demonstrate the same level of achievement as U.S. students. That is, they must hold a degree from an established institution comparable to a college or university in the United States, have an outstanding undergraduate record, have the demonstrated ability to do graduate work, and provide evidence of language proficiency sufficient for the pursuit of a graduate degree.
Admission may be denied to students from technical schools, which may provide excellent training in special areas, but do not offer degrees equivalent to those of colleges and universities. As a rule, students from abroad are not admitted to nondegree status (that is, as special students). Questions about the qualifications of international students should be directed to the Graduate School.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Kansas State University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

30210 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 1007 USD per credit during 36 months.
National

30210 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 1007 USD per credit during 36 months.
In-State

13500 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 450 USD per credit during 36 months.

Living costs for Manhattan

900 - 1400 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Security Studies.

Available Scholarships

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