College Counseling: Great Schools for Majors in Peace and Conflict Studies

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Emily Standish, GoLocalPDX College Admission Coach

When I work with teenagers during their college search and application process, they often express their deep desire to effect change in the world. Together, we explore colleges that offer a path that honors the student’s passion for work in human rights, social justice and community service. Whether searching for a path to a career in law, education, non-profit administration or national service, students who decide to major in Peace and Conflict Studies explore strategies for constructing a just and peaceful world. Students develop competencies in fields contributing toward social transformation and peace. Here are five colleges that prepare students to be an agent of change in what many teenagers find to be a troubling world.

Earlham College, Richmond, IN

Begun in 1974, the Peace and Global Studies major trains students to become leaders in agencies that promote peaceful resolutions to global issues.
Graduates of the Peace and Global Studies program choose may post-graduate paths: law school, theological seminary, Peace Corps appointments, journalism, psychology, and jobs with non-governmental, governmental, and non-profit agencies.
By the numbers: 64% acceptance rate, Mid-range SAT scores: CR 590-700, M 620-710; Mid-range ACT Scores: 28-32

Guilford College, Guilford, NC

The major in Peace and Conflict studies draws on Guilford’s Quaker traditions by understanding the roots of injustice and oppression, and seeking nonviolent solutions.
Students have the opportunity to work in the campus Conflict Resolution Center after completing training in conflict mediation.
By the numbers: 68% acceptance rate. Mid-range SAT Scores: CR 460-610, M 480-580; Mid-range ACT Scores: 20-26

Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA

Juniata students routinely combine their interest in Peace and Conflict studies with other majors such as International relations, world languages, elementary education, politics or environmental science.
The Baker Institute for Peace & Conflict Studies at Juniata hosts conferences and creates opportunities for student internships domestically and abroad in Northern Ireland, India, and Mexico.
By the numbers: 68% acceptance rate. Mid-range SAT Scores: CR 420-510, M 410-510; Mid-range ACT Scores: 16-22.

Regis University, Denver, CO

The Peace and Justice Studies program at Regis encourages all majors to engage in community service in Denver, service learning in Colorado and study abroad in developing nations.
The Engaged Student Activist Program and the Center for Service Learning are two more opportunities for Regis students to further their education beyond the classroom.
By the numbers: 92% acceptance rate. Mid-range SAT Scores: CR 480-600, M 480-590; Mid-range ACT Scores 22-27.

University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

The Peace Studies major is part of University’s Tanner Center for Nonviolent Human Rights Advocacy.
The undergraduate major and minor in Peace Studies includes courses in World Religions, Political Philosophy, Poverty and Inequality, and Gender and Economic Inequality.
By the numbers: 60% acceptance rate. Mid-range SAT Scores: CR 480-610, M 470-570; Mid-range ACT Scores: 22-28.

Other colleges you may want to explore are American University (DC), Butler University (IN), Chapman University (CA), George Mason University (VA), Messiah College (PA), and Whitworth College (WA). Many. many colleges and universities offer Peace and Conflict studies at all degree levels. For a list of programs in the US and Canada, see PeaceColleges.com.

Emily Standish is a partner in Portland, Oregon-based College Admission Coach LLC which helps students identify and gain admission to right-fit schools where they will thrive academically and personally. Contact me at [email protected].