Lewis University

What you'll study

The programme combines courses from social sciences, humanities and professional practice to build a thorough grounding in causes of conflict, methods of resolution and strategies for peacebuilding. Core topics typically include:

• Foundations of Peace Studies: history and theories of peace, nonviolence and social justice.
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution: frameworks for diagnosing conflicts at interpersonal, community and international levels.
• Mediation and Negotiation: practical techniques for facilitation, negotiation strategy and third‑party intervention.
• Restorative Justice and Community Practice: approaches to repairing harm, diversion programs and alternative dispute resolution.
• International Perspectives: courses on human rights, humanitarian intervention, post‑conflict reconstruction and transitional justice.
• Research Methods and Ethics: qualitative and quantitative methods applicable to policy analysis, programme evaluation and community research.
• Capstone and Practicum: applied internship or practicum placement with NGOs, government agencies, schools or community mediation centres, culminating in a capstone project.

Students also take general education courses and may choose electives in political science, sociology, psychology, criminal justice or international studies. Opportunities for service‑learning, community engagement and study abroad are commonly integrated into the curriculum.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a high school diploma or equivalent and to submit official transcripts. Typical admissions considerations include academic record (GPA), a personal statement expressing interest in peace and conflict work, and one or more academic or professional references.

• Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on institutional policy; applicants should check the university’s current requirements.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional alternatives.
• Applicants with relevant voluntary or work experience in mediation, community organising or international service are encouraged to highlight that experience in their application.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue diverse career paths across the public, non‑profit and private sectors. Common roles and sectors include:

• Community mediator or conflict resolution practitioner in courts, schools or community centres.
• Program officer, field coordinator or analyst for non‑governmental organisations and humanitarian agencies.
• Policy analyst, peacebuilding specialist or human rights advocate in government, international organisations or think tanks.
• Restorative justice coordinator in criminal justice or educational settings.
• Further study at graduate level (MA in conflict resolution, international relations, public policy or law) to specialise or move into leadership roles.

The programme’s emphasis on practicum work and internships helps students build professional networks and practical experience valued by employers in these fields.

Why study at Lewis University

Lewis University offers a small‑class environment with faculty who bring a mix of academic expertise and practitioner experience in mediation, community organising and international development. The campus’s proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area provides access to a wide range of internship placements, courts, NGOs and governmental agencies.

Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises applied learning—service projects, practicum placements and a capstone—alongside opportunities for interdisciplinary study across related departments. Support services for career development and community engagement help translate classroom learning into real‑world practice for careers in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.