Greetings Kroc School Changemakers!

After a long summer, we are ecstatic to be back on campus with our new and returning students. There is such energy and excitement on campus. As always, our goal at the Kroc School is to provide a high-impact educational experience that fosters connections, inclusivity, and a strong sense of belonging. We seek to build an ever-growing community of leaders who go on to create lasting change.

This Fall 2022 our cohort includes: 

• 18 Master of Arts in Peace and Justice (MAPJ) students
• 2 Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Arts in Peace and Justice (MAPJ) dual degree students
• 8 Master of Science in Conflict Management & Resolution (MS-CMR) students
• 19 Master of Arts in Social Innovation (MASI) students
• 9 Master of Science in Humanitarian Action (MS-HA) students 

Dean Patricia Márquez welcomed the new graduate students upon their arrival to the Kroc School at our new student orientation. “I am thrilled to work with faculty, staff, and students and support the next generation of peacebuilders, changemakers, social innovators, or whatever category you want to use for yourself.”

Márquez continued by encouraging students to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them, “At USD there are many elements, resources, and incredible people to help you along this journey. We urge you to go out and grab those opportunities. We are here to support you.”   

Dean Márquez at the Fall 2022 Kroc School New Student Orientation

In addition, Dean Márquez invited the students to reach out to connect with her directly during her office hours. To make an appointment, please sign up here.

The Kroc School’s Director of Admissions Hilary Beggs shared her thoughts about the diversity represented in this Fall’s cohort of incoming students, “I’m really excited to watch these students contribute to the classroom environment and the Kroc School. They join us with a wide range of backgrounds and experience, diversity of thought and perspective, and much more," said Beggs.

"Among this cohort of 56 new students, we are also looking forward to welcoming 5 Fulbright Scholars from countries around the world including Pakistan, Nepal, and Brazil," Beggs added.

The Kroc School’s newest faculty member of Conflict Resolution, Prof. Sarah Federman, was also in attendance to welcome the incoming students. As a participant in the orientation, she enjoyed the world premiere of “You In A Nutshell” introductions from each of our new students. She shared a special message, “Welcome to the Kroc School. You're here because you care about the planet and its inhabitants. You want humanity to find better ways of working together. That speaks volumes about who you are. We're excited to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to guide others. We know you will do great things!" 

A New Frontier for the Kroc School

In addition to our on-campus master’s programs, we are welcoming students from around the world for our newest program offering, our online Master of Science in Humanitarian Action (MS-HA). The MS-HA program will offer the same high-quality professional education experience that the Kroc School is renowned for all while being delivered in a 100% online format to serve our world’s humanitarian action leaders. 

The MS in Humanitarian Action master’s degree program is designed as an online program for working professionals worldwide in, or with aspirations to enter, the humanitarian field. This collaboration with the University of San Diego’s Professional Continuing Education will help students develop the skills, tools, and methods necessary to create success in the field of humanitarian action. 

Professor Topher McDougal, the founding faculty member of the MS-HA program, shared his excitement about the launch of the new program, “This program is the next level of training the humanitarian sector needs. It is future-focused, practice-based, skills-heavy, exciting, flexible, and results-driven.”

We wish all of our incoming Kroc School students an excellent start to the semester!

Are you interested in learning more about the Kroc School’s academic program offerings? Learn more here.