Next fall, a new kind of PhD student will arrive at Notre Dame – young scholars interested in using the tools of academe to build world peace. These students will be part of a new doctoral program at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. One of the few of its kind in the world, the program is a partnership between the institute and the departments of history, political science, psychology and sociology.
“The world desperately needs more rigorous interdisciplinary study of peace and war -- and Notre Dame can lead the way,” says Robert C. Johansen, director of doctoral studies at the Kroc Institute. “We aim to attract outstanding scholars who are committed to finding solutions to the armed conflict and political violence that cause such horrendous suffering around the world.”
The new PhD program is made possible in part by a gift from John R. Mullen ’53, chair of the Kroc Institute Advisory Council, and his family. The John R. and Diane Mullen Family Endowment will support fellowships for doctoral students in peace studies.
“The world is in a frightening situation right now, and the Kroc Institute can make a big difference,” Jack Mullen says. “The new PhD program creates an opportunity for Notre Dame to provide leadership in peace studies to other academic institutions around the world.”
Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC, who founded the Kroc Institute in 1986 with philanthropist Joan B. Kroc, said the new PhD program, “magnificently unites the academic strength of Our Lady’s University with our call to be peacemakers.”
The Kroc Institute investigates the causes of violent conflict and contributes to strategies for sustainable peace. In addition to the doctoral program, the institute offers a master’s degree in peace studies to students from around the world and educates undergraduates in peace studies.
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