Graduate Programs

PUCRS offers stricto sensu graduate programs in all major areas of knowledge, providing students with experience in research projects, preparing them for the future of scientific investigation and the scientific investigation of the future.

PUCRS’ graduate programs have the best overall evaluation among private universities in southern Brazil according to an analysis by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). Eleven of its graduate programs achieve international excellence, and six reach national excellence. Graduate programs at PUCRS have a 40-year history, in a successful example of excellence and tradition in Brazilian higher education.

The following programs are offered:

Biomedical Gerontology – Master’s and Doctorate

PUCRS Graduate Program in Biomedical Gerontology, in pursuit of academic excellence and research ethics, has the general objective to conduct advanced studies and research in Biomedical Gerontology by providing the means for graduates to work in interdisciplinary groups of study and community action.

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Business & Administration – Master’s and Doctorate

Foreigners should provide a valid passport number and e-mail address. After registration, potential applications will be considered on the basis of Curriculum Vitae and interview (which can be arranged via skype). Any questions, please contact the Head of Department, ([email protected]).

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Cellular and Molecular Biology – Master’s and Doctorate

The Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology (PPGBCM in the acronym in Portuguese), connected to the School of Biosciences of PUCRS, has the general objective of training professionals with high levels of qualification, enabling them to develop innovative, world-class scientific research, as well as to engage in teaching and capacity building activities in different fields of Cellular and Molecular Biology.

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Computer Science – Master’s and Doctorate

The Graduate Program in Computer Science of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PPGCC/PUCRS) prepares professionals able to lead research, teaching and development activities in the field of Computer Science. It targets students graduated in Computer Science, Information Systems and Computer Engineering programs and, possibly, other higher education graduates in programs offering solid knowledge in the area. PPGCC has recently achieved grade 5 (the maximum is 7) in CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) evaluation.

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Criminal Sciences

The Graduate Program in Criminal Sciences – Master’s was created by PUCRS University Council on 12/12/1996 (Normative Act No. 11/96) and recognized by Normative Act No. 294/2000 of the Board of Higher Education of the National Education Council, sanctioned by the Ministry of Education and Sports (Official Federal Gazette, 13/07/2000, Section I, No. 134-E).

The Graduate Program in Criminal Sciences – Doctorate was recognized by Article 2 of Law No. 9131, of November 24, 1995, approved by the Minister of State for Education, under Normative Act No. 122/2009 of the Board of Higher Education of the National Education Council (Official Federal Gazette, 19/06/2009 Section 1, No. 115).

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Dentistry – Master’s and Doctorate

Foreign students interested in applying for our graduate program (master and PhD) should REGISTER HERE until November, 30th. Foreigners should provide a valid passport number and e-mail address. After registration, potential applications will be considered on the basis of Curriculum Vitae and interview (which can be arranged via skype). Please contact the Head of Post-Graduate Program in Dentistry, Profa. Ana Maria Spohr ([email protected]).

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Development Economics – Master’s and Doctorate

The Post-Graduate Program in Development Economics of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul welcomes students overseas! The expertise of our faculty and the international partnerships we hold allow us to offer a good opportunity for students who are interested in getting MSc or PhD. For further information, contact Professor Augusto Mussi Alvim – [email protected].

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Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity – Master’s and Doctorate

The Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity is organized in three lines of research: Systematics and Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation and Applied Zoology. The staff of Supervising Professors works in several taxonomic groups, including Protozoa, Nematoda, Chelicerata, Insecta, Fish, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia, and Vertebrate Paleontology, using a wide range of approaches and methods.

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Education – Master’s and Doctorate

The Graduate Program in Education (PPGEDU) offers training for masters and doctors in three different lines of research: (a) Person and Education, (b) Training, Policies and Practices in Education and (c) Theories and Cultures in Education. PPGEDU is graded 6 in a scale of 1-7, being classified as a Program of Excellence by the regulatory body of the Graduate System in Brazil, the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel – CAPES, of the Ministry of Education of the Brazilian government.

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History – Master’s and Doctorate

In nearly forty years since its creation, PUCRS Graduate Program in History has consolidated its position of excellence in the training of researchers and the production of historiographical knowledge, standing out in the national scenario and keeping international integration. With the consolidation of its Master’s (1973) and Doctorate (1986) courses, the Program has been responsible for the training of several generations of researchers, awarding Master’s and Doctoral degrees to more than 600 professionals.

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Law – Master’s and Doctorate

The Graduate Program in Law (Master’s and Doctorate) of PUCRS School of Law incorporates the principle that improving the educational system is a strategic factor in the cultural and socio-economic development of Brazilian society. Thus, it represents an essential institutional reference for training highly qualified human resources and strengthening the national scientific potential.

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Letters – Master’s and Doctorate

The PUCRS Graduate Program in Letters has three areas of concentration: Linguistics, Literary Theory, and Creative Writing. For more information, see the Introduction.

In the Admissions tab, you can read the announcements for the Master’s and Doctoral selection processes.

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Material Engineering and Technology – Master’s and Doctorate

The Graduate Program in Materials Engineering and Technology- PGETEMA is linked to the School of Engineering, which forms a triad with the Schools of Chemistry and Physics at the University. The PGETEMA offers master’s and doctorate programs in six lines of research: (a) Metallic Materials; (b) Polymeric Materials; (c) Semiconductors and Solar Cells; (d) Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Bioprocesses; (e) Nanostructured Materials; and (f) Materials and Methods for Environmental Impact Mitigation and Control.

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Medicine and Health Sciences – Master’s and Doctorate

FOREIGN STUDENTS interested in applying to our post-graduate program (MSc and PhD) should REGISTER HERE. Foreign students should provide a valid passport number and e-mail address. After registration, potential applications will be considered on the basic of Curriculum Vitae and interview. Any questions, please contact the secretary of the program ([email protected]).

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Pediatrics and Child Health – Master’s and Doctorate

Foreign students interested in applying to our post-graduate program (MSc and PhD) should REGISTER HERE. Foreign students should provide a valid passport number and e-mail address. After registration, potential applications will be considered on the basic of Curriculum Vitae and interview (which can be arranged via skype). Any questions, please contact the Head of Department, Prof. Renato T. Stein ([email protected]).

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Philosophy – Master’s and Doctorate

The Graduate Program in Philosophy at PUCRS is one of the most well established in Brazil. In its 40 years of history, the department has accumulated expertise in research, teaching and philosophical innovation. The department meets international quality standards, with recognized areas of concentration and lines of research as well as faculty and student research projects in foreign and national universities, supporting and expanding these activities with the support of the university management and infra-structure, including the University library.

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Psychology – Master’s and Doctorate

Since 1987, the Graduate Program in Psychology offers high-standard qualification to graduates in Psychology or related disciplines. The program has a long-standing history of active research and has become national reference in Psychology through its extensive and qualified production.

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Science and Mathematics Education

The Graduate Program in Education in Sciences and Mathematics (PPGEDUCEM) is recommended by Capes with grade 4 and recognized by the Ministry of Education (MEC) by Directive 179/2005. It offers Master’s and Doctorate degree programs, thus contributing to the production of scientific knowledge related to Education in Sciences and Mathematics through the training and qualification of researchers in this area.

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Social Communication – Master’s and Doctorate

Created in 1994, PUCRS Graduate Program in Communication offers training of excellence at Master’s and Doctoral levels. It edits the journals Famecos – mídia, cultura e tecnologia, a distinguished reference publication in the area on national level (National Qualis A2) and Sessões do Imaginário (B1).

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Social Sciences – Master’s and Doctorate

The master’s and doctorate degrees in Social Sciences constitute one of the graduate programs of PUCRS School of Philosophy and Humanities. The Master’s degree was approved by CAPES in 1999, and the doctorate in 2009.

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Social Work – Master’s and Doctorate

PUCRS Graduate Program in Social Work – PPGSS started its activities in 1977, with the Master’s Program, and its Doctoral Program was approved in 1998, becoming the first in the South of Brazil. The Program is a major center for the training of professors and researchers in the Region, contributing to the training of qualified professionals who have taken prominent space in the public and private sector.

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Theology – Master’s and Doctorate

Foreign students interested in applying for our graduate program (MSc and PhD) should REGISTER HERE. Foreigners should provide a valid passport number and e-mail address. After registration, potential applications will be considered on the basis of Curriculum Vitae and interview (which can be arranged via skype). Any questions, please contact the Head of Department, Prof. Leomar Antonio Brustolin ([email protected]).

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