Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies ProgramAcademics
About the Department
Be a Part of One of the Oldest Peace Studies Programs in the Country
If you're thinking about entering a Peace and Conflict Studies program as an undergraduate, consider Gustavus. Our Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies (PJCS) Program has a 50-year history of teaching and studying global conflict and peace. We show you how to reduce conflict and respond to immense global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and political polarization. In this field, you will examine peace as a philosophy and practice. This includes efforts to prevent, respond to, and transform violent conflict; efforts to promote justice and healing; and efforts to promote structural and institutional change. You will graduate prepared to contribute to peace work in diverse career sectors, including international volunteer work, community organizing, non-profit leadership, public health, and more.
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Building Pathways to Peace from Minnesota to Around the World
Through conflict and peace studies, you gain a global perspective that prepares you for an ever-changing future. Located in beautiful Saint Peter, MN, the Gustavus Adolphus campus is a fun place to learn and form supportive relationships, with proximity to big-city cultural activities, organizations, and communities. You're minutes away from the medium-sized city of Mankato and an hour from the dynamic Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. From campus, you can launch into a local or national internship, or study abroad.
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Majors, Minors, and Related Programs
Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies is available as a major and a minor, with students frequently combining their PJCS degree with another major or minor from another department. The major is distributed into three academic tracks: Global Justice; Theology, Philosophy and Ethics, and Culture; and Social and Historical Issues. Within the program, you can customize your coursework around your interests. PJCS is an interdisciplinary program drawing on faculty expertise to offer courses from Political Science, Geography, Modern Languages, Religion, Psychological Science, and more.
Related Programs
Building Real-World Peace and Conflict Skills
The PJCS program prioritizes gaining experience by working in the field, with all student majors completing an experiential learning course through an internship or study-away option. This allows you to apply the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom and deepen your knowledge. During this semester of experiential learning, you can participate in peacebuilding activities, collaborate with practitioners, and develop practical skills that are essential for addressing complex challenges in the field.
Opportunities in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies
Experiences in Becoming a Peace-Maker
There are many opportunities on campus and in the PJCS program to share ideas and be involved outside the classroom, including numerous events on campus.
Explore Opportunities in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies
- Study Away — By combining classroom learning with practical experiences through study-away programs, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of peace-building.
- Student Organizations — There are several student groups with a mission aligned with the PJCS program, including Model United Nations, the Building Bridges Conference, and the Environmental Action Coalition.
- Student Peace Awards — These awards are designed to provide financial support to students who are engaging in off-campus study, internships, or independent projects related to peace, justice, and conflict studies.
- Internships, Careers, and Graduate Programs — Explore resources to help you navigate the vast array of opportunities available to put yourself on a path toward a fulfilling career in peace, justice, and conflict resolution.
- Campus Events — The PJCS program supports several campus events, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Lecture, the Wallenberg Lecture, and the MAYDAY! Peace Conference. These events provide the campus community with valuable opportunities to engage with experts, explore critical issues, and be inspired to contribute to a more just and peaceful world.
Gusties
will
Shine
The students and faculty in the Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies Program have a strong sense of community and work in a wide variety of ways to build a peaceful world.
Aika Yamaguchi ’24
Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies
“It is a small department compared to other departments, so it is easy to feel connected with other Peace Studies students and professors.” An international student from Japan, Aika chose to come to Gustavus due to the opportunity that she would have to be involved in the Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies Department. Aika has […]
Keep in touch with the Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies Program
The Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies Program at Gustavus Adolphus College is dedicated to providing a comprehensive educational experience that helps you become a well-rounded individual committed to peace-building and social justice work. You will have the flexibility to pursue a double major while being actively involved in clubs, fine arts, athletics, and other activities. Join us, embrace this important work, and contribute to creating a more peaceful and just society.
Contact Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies
Email: peacestudies@gustavus.eduPhone: 507-933-7548
Old Main, 202A
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082