Peace and Conflict Studies (B.A.)

Peace and Conflict Studies Major

The Sider Institute

Do you want to understand and resolve conflict in the world? Are you interested in being a mediator for peaceful outcomes between individuals and groups? A degree in peace and conflict studies may be right for you.

 

As a peace and conflict major at Messiah College, you'll learn about the nature of conflict and about the Christian foundations for peacemaking and reconciliation. As you learn about the relationship of justice to peacemaking, you'll also become actively involved in conflict mediation and reconciliation through an internship or practicum.

The interdepartmental peace and conflict major is structured to allow you to pursue electives, a minor or a double major. Off-campus study opportunities include: Philadelphia campus of Messiah College; American Studies Program in Washington, D.C.; China Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program (Cairo, Egypt); Uganda Studies Program, and many more.

You'll have the opportunity to complete a conflict mediation course which certifies you as basic conflict mediator in Pennsylvania. Integrating academic and experiential learning into a life-long vocation, you'll be prepared to successfully pursue conflict transformation in graduate school, the workplace, or through ministry and service opportunities.

Graduates in this course of study have taken positions with: Friends Committee for National Legislation in Washington, D.C.; Mennonite Central Committee; West Bank peace development; On Earth Peace; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Agency (UNHCR); Brethren Volunteer Service, and more.

As a peace and conflict studies major at Messiah College, you’ll be able to:

• Customize your degree by selecting from electives in biblical and religious studies, history, and sociology/anthropology

• Learn skills in mediation, communication and social analysis in order to engage in conflict transformation in personal, group, organizational and political settings

• Gain hands-on experience using conflict mediation in an internship or practicum which allows you to develop your skills in a specific area of interest
• Experience another country for a semester to understand peacemaking and reconciliation from the perspective of a different culture
• Engage in research, scholarship and practical action related to conflict transformation and peace and conflict studies
• Immerse youself in the senior seminar which combines all disciplinary and experiential work to enable you to pursue peace and conflict transformation as a vocational calling
• Prepare for graduate programs in conflict transformation

Major Requirements:

PDF course list

Minors:

• Peace and Conflict Studies (PDF course listing)