Chapman University

What you'll study

This undergraduate degree combines social science theory, ethical reflection and applied practice. Core topics typically include the foundations of conflict theory, negotiation and mediation skills, restorative justice, international peacebuilding, nonviolent action, and the role of identity and culture in conflict. Students also study research methods and ethics to prepare for critical inquiry and evidence-based practice.

• Foundations of Conflict Resolution — history and theory of peace and conflict studies.
• Mediation and Negotiation — practical skills labs in facilitated dialogue and bargaining.
• Restorative Justice — principles and applications in community and criminal justice settings.
• International Peacebuilding — post-conflict reconstruction, diplomacy and humanitarian intervention.
• Research Methods and Ethics — qualitative and quantitative approaches to study conflict and assess interventions.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options — courses in political science, sociology, psychology, law and human rights allow tailoring to student interests.
• Practicum / Internship — supervised placements with NGOs, community organisations, courts or public agencies to apply skills in real settings.
• Capstone Project — a research, practice-based project or portfolio demonstrating integrative learning and applied competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong secondary-school record. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement that outlines interest in peace and conflict work, and at least one academic or professional recommendation. Chapman University operates with a holistic admissions process; standardised tests (SAT/ACT) may be optional and considered where submitted.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test or equivalent documentation unless exempt. Mature or transfer applicants should supply college transcripts and may be asked to show evidence of relevant volunteer or professional experience if applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a variety of public, private and non-profit roles where conflict analysis and resolution skills are valued. Common career paths include:

• Mediator or dispute resolution practitioner in community or family services
• Restorative justice coordinator in school, criminal justice, or community programmes
• Programme officer or analyst for NGOs and international organisations focused on peacebuilding, human rights or humanitarian response
• Public policy analyst, community organiser or government relations specialist
• Corporate roles in human resources, organisational development and workplace conflict management
• Further study in graduate programmes such as MA in Conflict Resolution, international relations, social work or law

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and accessible faculty, enabling close mentorship and experiential learning—key for practice-oriented fields like conflict resolution. The programme’s interdisciplinary design draws on social sciences, ethics and law, while supervised practicums and internship partnerships in the Southern California region give students opportunities to apply skills in courts, community centres, NGOs and regional agencies.

Students benefit from faculty with both scholarly and practitioner backgrounds, a capstone emphasising applied outcomes, and campus resources that support career development, community engagement and study-abroad experiences that deepen international perspectives on peacebuilding.