Programs

Wayne State's peace and conflict studies (PCS) program is designed to complement varied academic interests and professional goals that tackle real-world issues. Students may elect to co-major or minor in peace and conflict studies in conjunction with their major field. Interested students may also select PCS courses without necessarily pursuing the full degree options.

All programs: View upcoming semester courses

About the program

Today's world: Challenges to peace, including civil conflict in world regions, science and environmental conflict, the use of drones and other technology in warfare, problems of border security in the age of terrorism, and the complexities of human trafficking have led to a new emphasis on constructive intervention.

Concerns about ethnic tensions, terrorism, border conflict, immigration, weapons flows, alternate security perspectives, and violence at home and abroad create a great need for understanding the circumstances and means by which peace is threatened, reinforced and preserved. On the interpersonal level, issues of abuse, violence and incivility must be addressed.

Tomorrow's solutions: The Peace and Conflict Studies Co-Major/Minor aims to challenge students to address the problems facing the world today. Students who are pursuing this program can specialize in areas of: race, gender, religion, social justice, borders and violence, peace and conflict theory, human rights, domestic and international conflict, peace and conflict studies in the United States, peace studies in human development and dispute resolution.

Admissions

To be admitted to PCS programs, a student must have met the entrance requirements of the university and the student's own college. When students complete their Declaration of Major Form at the beginning of their junior year and have obtained authorized approval for the major, they may use the same form to apply for acceptance into the co-major or minor.