PhD International Peace Studies at University of Notre Dame

Programme overview

The interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in International Peace Studies offers the opportunity to bring together, in a flexible and innovative way, approaches and methods from across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to address a range of contemporary issues of peace. Examples of areas of inquiry include the relationship between peace and climate change, peace and religion, or peace and development; the significance of new developments in weapons or communications technology; and opportunities offered by innovative approaches in mediation practice or peace education. Students can draw on research expertise across campus in issues relating to climate change and environmental sustainability, poverty and inequality, democratic governance and human rights, technology and ethics, global health, and international law. Updated 9/24/2025 Minimum residency: 3 years.

Faculty: The Graduate School | Department: Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies | Study mode: full-time | Location: Notre Dame, IN, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School application materials: GRE General Test optional; TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for non-native speakers of English; Curriculum vitae; Statement of intent; Three letters of recommendation; at least two must be an academic reference; Writing sample(s) - refer to program site for details; A research master's degree in Peace Studies or a closely related field will be required; Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary institution required at the time of application. (Official transcript showing conferral of a bachelor's degree due upon enrollment.) Application deadline: Dec. 1.

USD 69,110 a year (2026-27). Graduate School full-time tuition for 2026-27, the rate the page lists for Graduate School programmes generally (not a programme-specific schedule). Excludes technology ($250), health centre access ($150) and student activity ($100) fees. Source

Notre Dame Law School admits new Juris Doctor students for the fall term only.

JSD applications are submitted through the LSAC online system and are due March 15; supporting documents are due April 1.

Apply through the official page: https://graduateschool.nd.edu/admissions/

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