COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at Kent State University requires students to complete a combination of foundational courses, major electives, and general education requirements to earn a minimum of 120 credit hours. The major focuses on understanding and managing conflicts constructively through theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Core courses include Introduction to Conflict Management, Gender, Power, and Conflict, Nonviolence: Theory and Practice, Conflict Theory, International Conflict Resolution, Mediation: Theory and Training, and Reconciliation versus Revenge: Transitional Justice. Students also gain hands-on experience through the Internship in Peace and Conflict Studies, which allows them to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. In addition to core courses, students select nine credit hours of major electives, which may include topics such as Conflict in the Workplace, Cross-Cultural Conflict Management, Environmental Conflict Resolution, Community Organizing, Strategic Planning, and special topics in peace and conflict studies. These electives allow students to tailor their studies to specific career interests and areas of expertise. Beyond the major, students fulfill additional university requirements including a foreign language, general education courses in composition, mathematics and critical reasoning, humanities and fine arts, social sciences, basic sciences with at least one laboratory, and additional Kent Core courses. General electives provide further flexibility and contribute to reaching the total credit hour requirement. The program integrates applied learning with academic rigor, preparing graduates for careers in mediation, negotiation, international relations, nonprofit organizations, community advocacy, government agencies, and further graduate study. By combining practical experience, theoretical frameworks, and critical reasoning skills, students develop the competencies needed to manage conflicts ethically and effectively in both professional and personal contexts. The Peace and Conflict Studies major equips students with the knowledge, analytical abilities, and hands-on experience necessary to navigate complex social dynamics and pursue meaningful careers in the field.