PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences

HBKU's PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences is a full-time, 60-credit-hour doctoral degree within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, combining coursework with dissertation research and taught entirely in English. Students complete six courses, four core and two electives, worth 18 credit hours combined, before moving into 42 credit hours of dissertation work. The program is designed as a four-year degree, extendable up to seven years if needed, and requires students to pass a qualifying examination and a candidacy examination before completing and defending their dissertation. Admission looks for a relevant master's degree and a strong record of academic achievement, specifically a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4, from a recognized university, reflecting the program's doctoral-level research expectations.