Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame is offering a Fully-Funded Ph.D. (Deadline: Not Specified)

 

The Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, part of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, offers a prestigious Ph.D. program in Peace Studies designed to develop exceptional scholars, educators, practitioners, and policymakers. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the tools and experience necessary to make significant contributions to peacebuilding scholarship, policy, and practice around the globe.

Through rigorous academic study and immersive practicum experiences, students in the Ph.D. program engage directly with critical issues related to violence, structural injustice, human suffering, and global peace. They benefit from the collaborative environment at the Kroc Institute and also work alongside faculty and researchers across various departments at the University of Notre Dame. This rich academic network supports students in developing original research and policy innovations across a wide range of contemporary peacebuilding challenges.

Areas of Specialization

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program specialize in one of seven distinct fields, combining Peace Studies with a disciplinary focus:

• • Peace Studies and Anthropology
    This track explores the cultural, social, and historical dimensions of violent conflict. Students examine how ethnographic research can inform effective strategies for conflict transformation.
  • Peace Studies and History
    This specialization analyzes the root causes of violent conflict, the evolution of social movements, and the political use of historical narratives. It prepares scholars to understand the intersections of history, policy, and peace.

• • Peace Studies and Political Science
    Focused on the sources and resolution of political violence, this track investigates how institutions, norms, and actors contribute to justice and peacebuilding at domestic and international levels.
  • Peace Studies and Psychology
    This program examines the psychological impacts of political violence—particularly on youth—and explores how psychological research can inform policies and practices for post-conflict recovery.
  • Peace Studies and Sociology
    Students in this track explore how societal structures, religious practices, and civil resistance movements influence conflict and peacebuilding. The program provides deep training in sociological theory and methodology.
  • Peace Studies and Theology
    This interdisciplinary focus engages theological concepts and traditions to understand their role in conflict and reconciliation. It emphasizes the ethical, liturgical, and historical dimensions of peace and violence.

• International Peace Studies
  This stand-alone interdisciplinary track encourages students to explore the evolving nature of conflict and peace. Students draw from disciplines across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences to address urgent global issues such as peace technology, mediation, environmental justice, and post-war recovery.

Research Opportunities

Ph.D. students have access to a variety of research initiatives and collaborative projects at the Kroc Institute. A central opportunity is involvement with the Peace Accords Matrix (PAM) Project—one of the world’s leading research tools on peace agreement implementation.

In addition, students contribute to the development of emerging research themes, such as peace technology, intersectionality and justice, the future of Afghanistan, and environmental peacebuilding. These areas align closely with both academic advancement and real-world impact, allowing students to shape scholarly and practical approaches to peace.

Program Benefits

All students admitted to the Ph.D. program receive:

• Full tuition scholarship
• Generous living stipend (with South Bend’s affordable cost of living)
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Funding for conference travel and research activities

This robust support package enables students to focus fully on their academic, research, and fieldwork commitments without the burden of financial stress.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• For the International Peace Studies track: a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Peace Studies or a related discipline.
• For the joint Ph.D. programs (e.g., Peace Studies and History): prior formal training or a degree in the chosen partner discipline.

The program is highly competitive and seeks applicants who show promise as future leaders in academic, policy, and applied peacebuilding settings.

Post-Graduation Outcomes

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Peace Studies program pursue careers in academia, international organizations, government, non-profits, and policy research institutes. The program’s interdisciplinary foundation prepares students to navigate and shape conversations on conflict and peace in a wide range of global contexts.

To see where alumni have been placed, visit the Ph.D. Placements page on the Kroc Institute website.

Additional Opportunities

Current Notre Dame graduate students enrolled in other master’s or doctoral programs may pursue a Graduate Minor in Peace Studies, which provides a structured introduction to peace research and practice.

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