The University of Notre Dame’s Doctoral Program 2027 in the USA offers an opportunity for prospective PhD students to pursue advanced research in sustainable development with comprehensive financial support.
Hosted by the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs, the Notre Dame PhD in Sustainable Development prepares researchers to address complex challenges involving climate change, environmental governance, and development policy.
The University of Notre Dame’s Doctoral Program Summary
- Country: United States of America
- Host: University of Notre Dame
- Study Level: PhD
- Field of Study: Sustainable Development
- Benefit: Fully Funded
- Deadline: December 1, 2026
The University of Notre Dame’s Doctoral Program Details
The University of Notre Dame’s Doctoral Program in Sustainable Development is an interdisciplinary PhD program focused on research and policy solutions to major global development challenges.
The program is offered through the Keough School of Global Affairs and emphasizes integral human development and the principles associated with Laudato Si’.
The University of Notre Dame’s Doctoral Program Benefits
- A 12-month stipend to help cover living expenses.
- Full tuition funding.
- A subsidy toward health insurance.
- Up to $4,000 in funding for conference presentations and professional development.
- Opportunities to work with faculty and researchers in sustainable development.
- Access to interdisciplinary research resources and academic networks.
The University of Notre Dame’s Doctoral Program Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the University of Notre Dame PhD in Sustainable Development should meet the following requirements:
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent post-secondary qualification from an accredited institution.
- Must have an excellent academic background in a relevant field of study.
- Must demonstrate a strong academic foundation related to sustainable development or an associated discipline.
- Must show a commitment to addressing major global challenges through sustainable development research.
Why Notre Dame?
The Keough School of Global Affairs provides an interdisciplinary environment where students can connect academic research with real-world global challenges. Its focus on integral human development allows doctoral students to explore sustainable development from multiple academic and practical perspectives.
Students can benefit from:
- Access to an international network of scholars and practitioners.
- Collaboration and partnerships with international organizations.
- Opportunities to engage with research centers and institutes across Notre Dame.
- An academic environment that promotes rigorous research and ethical leadership.
- Opportunities to conduct research with relevance to global policy and practice.
The University of Notre Dame’s Doctoral Program Highlights
- Mentorship: Students work with Keough School faculty whose research covers sustainable development and related areas.
- Interdisciplinary Research: Students can draw on resources and expertise from nine research centers and institutes.
- Engaged Scholarship: The program encourages research that contributes to policy discussions and practical solutions to global development challenges.
- Research Training: Students develop advanced research skills through coursework and dedicated research-methods training.
- Dissertation Research: Students transition to focused dissertation research beginning in the third year.
Curriculum for The University of Notre Dame’s Doctoral Program
- Core Coursework (15 Credits): Students complete five required courses during the first two years. These courses establish a common academic foundation and develop interdisciplinary competency.
- Elective Courses (21 Credits): Students complete seven elective courses, including at least three courses focused on advanced research methods. Electives can be selected from different departments across Notre Dame.
- Dissertation Credits (30 Credits): Beginning in Year 3, students focus primarily on dissertation research and complete 30 dissertation credits.
How to Apply for The University of Notre Dame’s Doctoral Program?
- Review the eligibility requirements and application instructions for the Sustainable Development PhD program.
- Prepare all required application materials.
- Submit the application and supporting documents through the Notre Dame Graduate School portal.
- Include your Statement of Purpose, academic transcripts, test scores, writing sample, and three recommendation letters.
- Ensure that all required materials are submitted before the December 1, 2026 deadline.
📋 Required Documents
- Writing sample
- Academic Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores for applicants who are required to demonstrate English proficiency
- GRE scores
- Any additional materials required by the Notre Dame Graduate School or the Sustainable Development PhD program