As an interdisciplinary department that combines Anthropology, Human Geography and Sociology, we are proud to offer both a PhD and MA in Global and Sociocultural Studies. Our department's faculty and graduate students specialize in research on three core, interlocking themes:
- Identities and Inequalities
- Migrations and Diasporas
- Nature-Society
Both the MA and PhD programs draw on the strength of our faculty members' interdisciplinary commonalities, while also allowing students to gain a strong foundation in either Anthropology, Geography, or Sociology.
Resources for Current Students:
GSS Graduate Student Handbook: Graduate Student Handbook
UGS Policies and Procedures:
- UGS policies: https://policies.fiu.edu/search/?department=1381
- UGS PhD Annual Evaluation: https://gradschool.fiu.edu/students/doctoral-annual-student-evaluation/
- UGS Fellowships: https://gradschool.fiu.edu/students/funding/fellowships/
- UGS Online Milestones: https://gradschool.fiu.edu/online-dissertation-milestones/
- UGS policy on Dissertation & Committee: https://policies.fiu.edu/files/780.pdf
Grad Catalogs:
GSS Internal Forms:
- D0 Form: Appointment of Major Professor
- D0r Form: Change of Major Professor
- Internal PhD Student Evaluation Form: GSS Internal PhD Student Evaluation Form
Travel Funding:
- Travel Authorization Requests (TARs) MUST be approved before any travel purchases can be made. All receipts must be kept and submitted after you trip for reimbursement.
- When submitting for Green School funding, please send your completed form to our Graduate Program Coordinator, along with all required documentation, to gather signatures and submit for approval.
- When submitting for GPSC funding, please insert Graduate Program Coordinator as your travel liaison.
GSS:
- Our department can offer up to $500 of funds for graduate travel, but your trip MUST be related to online instruction. Please ask staff for guidance.
- Please submit our travel application to our Associate Chair and Graduate Program Coordinator for approval and processing.
GSS Graduate Travel Funding Form
GREEN SCHOOL:
Purpose
♦ To present a research paper at a professional conference/meeting
♦ To support travel to research sites
♦ To interview for academic positions
Procedures
♦ Complete the application form.
♦ Provide a copy of current, unofficial FIU transcript.
♦ Provide a copy of the approved Travel Authorization Request Form (TAR).
♦ Provide documentation on the purpose of travel (e.g., conference acceptance, plans to visit a
research site, invitation to interview for an academic position, etc.).
♦ Obtain signature from the Graduate Program Director by sending to graduate program coordinator for processing.
♦ Submit complete packet to sipagrad@fiu.edu at least 2 weeks prior to travel.
Award
Up to $400
Deadline
At least 2 weeks prior to travel.
Limitations
♦ Green School graduate students can be awarded up to $400 each fiscal year (July 1 ‐ June
30) if they meet the eligibility criteria.
♦ No more than 60 awards will be made across the Green School each fiscal year. If the total
cap is reached, no more awards applications will be considered regardless of eligibility.
♦ All travel requires an approved Travel Authorization and must meet all applicable University
and Green School travel policies and guidelines. Graduate students should contact their
department’s graduate staff regarding travel procedures and guidelines.
♦ Incomplete applications, or applications submitted less than 2 weeks before travel, will
not be accepted/considered. No exceptions.
SIPA Travel Funding Request Form
GPSC:
To apply for GPSC travel funds, please click on the link below.
GPSC Travel Funding Information
Sociology, Anthropology & Geography Graduate Students Association (SAGGSA)
For further information, please contact:
SAGGSA President: Luis Garcia
Vice President: Jorge Rodriguez
Treasurer: Subomi Babawale
RSO: Jeison Oviedo Mercado
GSS Graduate Program Director:
Qing Lai, Associate Professor | Graduate Program Director
Office: Modesto A. Maidique Campus, SIPA 313
Tel: 305.348.6663 | Email: qlai@fiu.edu
GSS Graduate Program Coordinator:
Neylin Rodriguez, MPA | Graduate Program Coordinator
Office: Modesto A. Maidique Campus, SIPA 300C
Tel: 305.348.3638 | Email: neylrodr@fiu.edu
GSS Graduate Program Coordinator (2/17/25 to 5/23/25):
Sara Borde | Temporary Graduate Program Coordinator
Office: Modesto A. Maidique Campus, SIPA 300
Tel: 305.348.3638 | Email: sborde@fiu.edu