At the University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, Associate Professor Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick uses the term social innovation as a way to describe humanity’s ongoing “efforts to develop new (or resurrect old!) ways to make the world a more just, equitable and habitable place.”
If you’d like to learn more about what social innovation is and why it matters, we invite you to download our eBook, What is Social Innovation? A Guide for Activists, Changemakers and Innovators Who Want to Lead Social Change
Applications are evaluated holistically, and students are selected on the basis of grades, experience, exam scores (submitted), recommendations, the four short essays and a two-minute video. 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.
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.
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.
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.
All majors. We have had successful students with undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, business, engineering, humanities and more. Success is not determined by the undergraduate degree because the MASI program is multidisciplinary and practice-based.
Yes, the part-time option has been designed for students working full-time.
Full-time students must be enrolled in a minimum of 13 units in fall and spring semesters and 4 units during intersession. Part-time students may enroll in 3-6 units each academic semester.
Social innovators can be found making a positive impact in a range of organizations, including organizations focusing on social change (foundations, government agencies, grassroots organizations, impact investing), organizations creating triple value: economic, social and environmental (social enterprises, B-corps and hybrid models), corporate organizations giving back to society (corporate social responsibility, global affairs, community engagement), and start-up organizations.
You can explore the field of social innovation and learn more about real-life examples of social entrepreneurs in action in our eBook, What is Social Innovation? A Guide for Activists Who Want to Lead Social Change.
Check out our Alumni page to meet MASI alumni and see how they've successfully built careers with their social innovation education. 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.
Our program is unique as it housed within a school of Peace Studies. Kroc School students gain a deep understanding of the historical, institutional and cultural factors that drive conflict, injustice, oppression and poverty.
With a MASI degree, you'll become proficient in sustainable funding model design, leadership, communication, human-centered design and problem solving. Deep understanding, along with the skills you gain, will equip you to develop innovations that will help communities to address social, environmental and other injustices.
You can learn more about how the MASI program prepares students for success in our article, Why Social Entrepreneurs Should Master in Social Innovation.
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.
Visit MASI Tuition and Financial Aid for more information.
Yes, we do offer Spring enrollment. Applications open for entry in the Spring semester in mid-August.