Applications must be submitted to both USD's School of Law and the Kroc School Master of Arts in Peace and Justice (MAPJ) program.
MAPJ applications are evaluated holistically, and students are selected on the basis of grades, experience, exam scores (if submitted), recommendations and the essay responses. Master's applicants must hold a four-year degree, in any area of study, from an accredited college or university. See Admission Requirements for more information.
Applications must be submitted to both USD's School of Law and the Kroc School MA in Peace and Justice program. Visit USD's School of Law website for details regarding the application process and deadlines.
For admissions to the Kroc School, in addition to the online application, the following are required:
- application fee ($45)
- four short essays
- resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- official transcripts documenting each course taken beyond the high school level (whether or not within a degree program) and all degrees awarded
- two letters of recommendation
International students must also submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Official transcripts must be translated by an outside agency such as World Education Services (WES).
For additional information, please reference the application checklist. International students should also reference the international student application checklist.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is NOT required for admission. International students whose primary language is not English must submit official scores from the TOEFL (minimum of 83) or IELTS (minimum band score of 7). Visit USD's School of Law website for details regarding standardized test requirements for the School of Law.
Fall 2026 deadlines*:
- Priority deadline (for all fellowships and for priority scholarship consideration): February 1, 2026
- International applicant final deadline: May 1, 2026
- Domestic applicant final deadline: August 1, 2026
Spring 2026 deadlines:
- International applicants: October 1, 2025
- Domestic applicants: December 1, 2026
*Admission consideration will be made on a rolling basis.
Please note, Kroc School merit award applications are sent to admitted students only. We encourage you to apply for admission early if you wish to also apply for merit financial aid awards.
If you are a candidate for a fellowship and/or wish to be considered first for a merit award, please submit your complete application by the Priority Application deadline.
In order to maximize your unit crossover options, it is recommended to start at the School of Law.
The Kroc School application evaluation process is thorough. Decisions are made after careful review by our faculty and admissions staff, taking into account a variety of factors. Accordingly, all determinations made during the application evaluation process are considered final. There is no appeal. Should an individual be unsuccessful in securing admission to a particular program, the submission of a new application to the same program is not permitted within a one-year time frame. For example, if an applicant is denied admission for the Fall 2023 term, they are ineligible to reapply to that specific program until the Fall of 2024.
Full-time students who take 10-15 units per semester and successfully complete their in-organization internship and all other requirements will complete the dual degree in 4 years. Aside from the required MAPJ three-unit intersession practicum (available only during your MAPJ-only year), no summer school or additional intersession units are necessary to complete both degrees in four years.
To learn more about the courses of this program and see a sample pathway, visit Curriculum and Pathways.
Yes, the part-time option has been designed for students working full-time.
Full-time students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 units (3 courses) each academic semester. Part-time students may enroll in 3-6 units (1-2 courses) each academic semester.
In general, for every 3-unit class, students should expect a minimum of 8-10 hours of preparation outside of class.
Yes. 6 of the units you take for the MAPJ degree will count towards your JD degree, and 9 units you take for the JD degree will count towards your MAPJ degree (for a total of 15 units).
For 6 MAPJ units to count toward your JD degree, you must be enrolled in the JD program when you take the MAPJ courses and turn in the Permission to Take Non-Law Courses at USD form before you graduate. Visit the Office for Law Student Affairs for more information on this process.
For 9 JD units to count towards your MAPJ degree, you must see your MAPJ academic advisor for more information on this process. For both programs, you must receive a letter grade of B or higher to transfer the credits.
Our students go on to do meaningful work in human rights advocacy, social justice, environmental policy, youth leadership, public health, as well as law enforcement and government pursuits — all over the world.
Check out our Alumni page to meet alumni and see how they've successfully built careers with their dual degrees. You can also view Career Outcomes for Kroc School students to learn more about the types of positions and sectors in which our alumni are currently employed.
The Kroc School offers robust career development activities such as 1:1 career coaching, mentorship, mock interview program, career workshops, and internship support. USD has a robust Career Development Center for graduate students, which offers skill-building workshops, career expos and more.
All JD/MAPJ students are charged the full-time block tuition rate of the School of Law school for each semester that students are enrolled in the JD and MAPJ concurrent degree program. USD offers a grant during the MAPJ-only year to offset the tuition to align with the Kroc School's rate. You are only permitted to take a maximum of 16 units per semester (or the School of Law's per unit rate for each additional unit will be charged).
Visit the JD/MAPJ Tuition and Financial Aid page for more information. Also be sure to visit the School of Law for information on tuition, fees and an estimated cost of attendance.
No. We do not offer an option to start the program in spring semester. Admission is only for the fall semester.