PhD Peace Studies and History at University of Notre Dame

Programme overview

The Peace Studies and History program equips students with the analytical and conceptual tools of history to address these and related questions. Doctoral students work in a wide range of history subfields, enabling them to focus on questions related to colonialism, imperialism, contemporary conflicts, and the historical foundations of socioeconomic inequalities on global and local levels. With its attention to the elements of time and change and a nuanced approach to case studies, history brings a valuable perspective to peace studies and enriches the analysis of conflict. Peace studies, in turn, with its unique concepts, language and body of literature, enriches a historian’s study of violence and understanding of peacebuilding strategies. Last updated: 09/24/2025 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; 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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