Ursinus College

What you'll study

This programme combines theory, history and applied practice. Core topics commonly include foundations of peace and conflict theory, conflict analysis, nonviolence and social movements, peacebuilding and reconciliation, human rights and transitional justice. Students also study qualitative and quantitative research methods relevant to conflict studies, ethics and public policy.

Typical modules and seminar themes you can expect are:

• Introduction to Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
• Theory of Conflict and Violence
• Mediation, Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Nonviolence, Civil Resistance and Social Change
• International Conflict, Security and Peacebuilding
• Human Rights, Justice and Transitional Processes
• Research Methods for Social Inquiry (qualitative and quantitative)
• Community Engagement, Practicum or Internship in conflict‑related work
• Senior Seminar or Capstone Project integrating theory and applied work

The programme is interdisciplinary: students draw on courses in political science, sociology, history, psychology, religion and economics. Small seminars and writing‑intensive classes are typical, and students are encouraged to complete internships, field placements or study‑abroad terms to gain practical experience.

Entry requirements

Ursinus is a selective liberal‑arts college that looks for strong academic achievement and a clear interest in civic engagement or social issues. Typical admissions expectations include a high‑school diploma or recognised equivalent, a competitive academic record across a broad curriculum, and evidence of extracurricular or community involvement.

Applicants usually submit school transcripts, a personal statement that outlines interest in peace and conflict studies, and letters of recommendation. International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test or equivalent evidence. Admissions offices may also consider additional materials such as portfolios of relevant work or records of volunteer service.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in peace studies and conflict resolution enter a wide range of career paths. Common directions include work with non‑governmental organisations and international agencies, community mediation and restorative justice programmes, public policy and government, human rights advocacy, humanitarian assistance and development, and local community organising.

Other career options include roles in education, law and legal support services, programme management, research and evaluation, and corporate positions that require facilitation, negotiation and conflict‑management skills. Many graduates also pursue graduate study in fields such as international relations, law, public policy, social work or peace and conflict studies.

Why study at Ursinus College

Ursinus offers a close‑knit liberal‑arts environment with small classes and substantial one‑to‑one faculty mentoring, allowing students in peace and conflict studies to pursue both rigorous scholarship and hands‑on practice. The college emphasises experiential learning: students can undertake internships, community‑based projects and a capstone practicum that connect classroom learning with real‑world conflict‑resolution work.

Located within reach of Philadelphia, Ursinus provides access to regional NGOs, government institutions and civic organisations for internship and research opportunities. The flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum makes it straightforward to combine peace studies with complementary majors or minors such as political science, psychology, sociology or international studies, supporting customised pathways toward careers in advocacy, policy or further professional training.