Clemson launches first accredited Ph.D. program in the Balkans

Published: November 19, 2012

CLEMSON — Clemson University’s Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life has begun offering a doctoral program in International Family and Community Studies in Tirana, Albania.

It is the first fully accredited Ph.D. program established by a U.S. university in the Balkans and is a significant advancement in the Albanian education sector. The Institute of Family and Neighborhood Life will accept students from around the region, focusing on promoting civic and community participation and enhancing social programs in Albania and neighboring countries. 

U.S. ambassador to Albania Alexander Arvizu gave the keynote address at the official opening ceremony of the program, praising it as a milestone in U.S.-Albanian relations that “is destined to become an integral part of the Albanian educational fabric.”

He congratulated Clemson University and the local host, the University of Marin Barleti in Tirana, for partnering to make this program launch a reality. 

“I can’t think of a better and more worthwhile subject matter than the part focus of this Ph.D. program,” he said. “It starts from very simple premise that strong communities support strong families and vice versa.”

Clemson faculty members from the Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life will supervise the program.

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Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life
Part of Clemson University’s College of Health, Education and Human Development, the Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life helps generate, share and apply the research foundation for youth, family and community development.