Why study with the School of Peace and Conflict Studies?

So why would a student want to get a degree or take classes in Peace and Conflict Studies?

Benefits of the major:

• You develop practical real world skills that you can use in both your personal and professional life
• You can use the skills you learn in a variety of fields and careers (which allows you to explore different fields or even change careers later)
• You can enhance your interpersonal communication skills
• You learn ways to solve problems
• You explore and and learn to understand different perspectives
• You develop the ability to read situations and adapt appropriately
• You gain practical experience prior to graduation through internships 

How do classes with SPCS differ from “traditional” college classes?

• The applied nature of the program means that you actually practice the skills you learn
• The program is interdisciplinary, which means you’re exposed to ideas from a variety of different fields (including many of the social sciences)
• “Other disciplines talk about what is, we talk about what can be.”  Jacquelyn Bleak 

So, can you get a job?  What do you do with this stuff?

Our major has taken students all over the world and into an astounding variety of careers.  (See our Careers page for more information, including links to what some of our alumni are doing.)  Prospective employers want employees who have good conflict management skills; some students have told us that their peace and conflict studies/conflict management degree or classes taken are what set them apart from other job applicants.  While a number of our graduates do go on to pursue graduate degrees, many are able to pursue careers in fields of interest to them without requiring additional education.