PhD Peace Studies and Theology at University of Notre Dame

Programme overview

The Peace Studies and Theology program equips students with frameworks and methodologies to help them think theologically about peace and conflict. Through courses and seminars with leading scholars of theology, students are immersed in the scriptural foundations of the Christian faith, as well as in the liturgical, spiritual, ethical, and pastoral dimensions of the Christian tradition. They are encouraged to explore from within this theological matrix the opportunities, gifts, and challenges of peace in the modern world. Our faculty have particular strengths in ancient and medieval Judaism and early Islam, and students can pursue their course of study by focusing on these world religions as well. The goal of our program is to form the next generation of scholar-practitioners who are able to bring disciplined theological scholarly attention to the practical realm of peace efforts around the globe. Students will emerge from the program equipped with skills to help them better understand the world of faith-based peace practitioners, the visions that drive their work and the disciplines that sustain their engagement. They also will emerge with literary skills to enable them to produce a fresh genre of literature at the intersection of theology and peace practice. 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; A master's degree (or the equivalent) in this field; 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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