Hebrew PhD Degree Overview

Synopsis: The program offers three PhD tracks: 1) Normal – Acceptance on the basis of a Master’s degree with thesis; 2) Paper equivalent – Acceptance on the basis of a Master’s degree without thesis; 3) Integrative – Acceptance on the basis of a Bachelor’s degree, with a direct track option to a PhD.

General

The aim of the doctoral program is to enable the student to acquire scientific knowledge of theory and practice in conflict studies in order to independently and critically produce new scientific knowledge. High-level research capability is a prerequisite for doctoral studies and research training.

The program of studies is prepared in consultation with the Program Head and with the student's supervisor. For students who must supplement their required preliminary background knowledge, an additional program will be formulated on an individual basis.

The doctoral candidate is required to submit a research proposal by the end of the first year. The proposal is subject to the approval of both the Program staff and the University Doctoral Committee.

Main Research Fields
1. Political Studies and Diplomacy
2. Law
3. Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Education and Labor Relations
4. Jewish History, Philosophy and Rhetoric
5. Research focusing on the application and effectiveness of the various theories and models in the academic disciplines listed above.

Three PhD Degree Study Tracks

Track 1 – Normal

Admission Requirements

Master’s degree with thesis and a minimum grade point average of 85. A dissertation research topic and a supervisor are required for acceptance.

Required Courses

Holders of Master’s degree in conflict resolution – 12 credit hours, in conjunction with the supervisor and the Program Head.

Holders of Master’s degrees not in conflict resolution – 18 credit hours as follows:

• Seminar – Approaches and models in international conflict resolution (4 credits)
• Socio-psychological approaches to negotiation and conflict resolution (4 credits)
• Alternative dispute resolution (3 credits)
• Models of conflict resolution in Judaism and in other religions (4 credits)
• Integrative seminar (3 credits)

Track 2 – Paper Equivalent

Admission Requirements

Master’s degree without a thesis and with a minimum grade point average of 85. A dissertation research topic and a supervisor are required for acceptance.

Required Courses

Holders of Master’s degree in conflict resolution – 12 credit hours, in conjunction with the supervisor and the Program Head + a workshop in qualitative research methods (2 credits) = a total of 14 credit hours.

Holders of Master’s degrees not in conflict resolution – 22 credit hours as follows:

• Seminar – Approaches and models in international conflict resolution (4 credits)
• Socio-psychological approaches to negotiation and conflict resolution (4 credits)
• Alternative dispute resolution (3 credits)
• Models of conflict resolution in Judaism and in other religions (4 credits)
• Integrative seminar (3 credits)
• Research workshop (2 credits)
• Workshop in qualitative research methods (2 credits)

In addition, both students, with and without a Master’s degree in conflict resolution, are required to submit a final paper (at least 70 pages) to compensate for the lack of a thesis.

Track 3 – Integrative

Admission Requirements

The student submits an application for a Master’s degree. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average of 85. A dissertation research topic and a PhD supervisor are not required for acceptance.

Required Courses

All of the requirements for a Master’s degree with a thesis (Track 1 - 36 credits). Instead of writing a Master’s thesis or a paper equivalent (Track 2), the student writes a PhD dissertation proposal (20 pages). After the proposal is accepted by two reviewers and submitted to the PhD committee, the student continues in the PhD track. If a dissertation proposal is not submitted, the student may complete this track for a Master’s degree without a thesis. This track must be completed in two years.