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Certificate programs are similar to minors. They are comprised of 15 to 26 credits in a specialized subject matter, and include coursework from different departments. Certificates can be combined with a degree program, or they may be available as stand-alone options for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree from any accredited college or university. Some certificates also will enroll individuals with a strong interest in the topic area but who do not have a degree.

Bridget Brown, Admin Program Specialist414-229-4252brownbn@uwm.edu

Peace Studies andConflict Resolution

About UsThe purpose of the Certificate in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to help people work together effectively and to manage their conflicts constructively. As the world becomes evermore interconnected, in every occupation there will be a critical need to help people work through their differences, bridge diverse perspectives, and resolve their conflicts efficiently. Building peace in our community, nation, and world will depend on our ability to work well together to solve problems and pursue opportunities. The Certificate aims to help students build the foundation in these essential skills and is open to students majoring in any field. Students are encouraged to take a multidisciplinary approach to their course of study.

Students will explore the definition of peace, including human welfare and quality of life, as well as the resolution of different types of political, economic, or social conflicts. Peace studies plays an integral part in today’s world of growing globalization and increasingly-serious consequences of war. A required fieldwork experience helps students tie their classroom learning with action.

Related Majors and Career OpportunitiesThe certificate is open to any major but is particularly complementary to students studying economics, global studies, conservation and environmental studies, political science, anthropology, history, international studies, journalism, philosophy, Africology, communication, geography, urban studies, sociology, and women’s and gender studies.

The certificate can demonstrate to future employers a specialized focus for students pursuing careers in government service, education, medicine, law, politics, activism, journalism, human resources, or agriculture and environmental management.

Course RequirementsStudents must complete 18 credits in the program, nine of which must be in courses at the 300-level or above. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of peace studies, and to ensure students take courses across a number of areas, no more than 9 credits from any one area may count toward the certificate.

A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required in all courses counting toward the certificate, and at least half of the certificate coursework must be completed at UWM.

Only a third of all civil wars that occurred after 1800 have ended through negotiations. Since 1945 around 25 percent of conflicts have been solved by negotiations.

Students are required to take two of the following courses:

Course # Course Title

Commun 365 (520) Negotiation Workshop (3 cr.)

Commun 665 Intro to Mediation (3 cr.)

Commun 675 International Mediation (3 cr.)

PeaceSt 201 Intro to Conflict Resolution and Peace (3 cr.)

Pol Sci 175 Intro to International Relations (3 cr.)

In addition to the required courses, students take 9 credits in electives. Students are encouraged to construct an area of concentration chosen from:

• World Regions and Countries: Combines anunderstanding of peace and conflict resolutionwith expertise in a particular region or country.

• World Religions and Practices: Focuses onthe role of religious beliefs and customs inpeace processes.

• Environmental studies and/or SustainableDevelopment: Based on conservation of naturalresources, principles of natural resourcemanagement, and environmental dynamics.

• Conflict Resolution Skills: Focuses onintercultural communication, facilitation,group dynamics, negotiation, or mediation.

• International Relations: Revolves around thesearch for peace, principles of internationallaw, conflict resolution, internationalconflict, and international relations.

• Economic Development: Combines anunderstanding of peace and conflict resolutionwith knowledge of economic principles.

• Peace Studies/Education: Centered onpeace education, nonviolence education,cooperative learning, or creative conflict.

• Social Change/Social Justice: Focuseson philosophy of political action, socialchange, conflict and change, conflict andcooperation, or order and disorder.

Fieldwork RequirementStudents also are required to complete an internship, self-designed research project, or study abroad program for a minimum of 3 credits. Students will be involved in hands-on experience in the field of peace studies, conflict resolution, community service, or social change.

ElectivesThere are more than 80 electives from which to choose. The full list can be found in the UWM catalog. A sampling of the eligible courses includes:

Course # Course Title

Africol 265 Psychological Effects of Racism (3 cr.)

Anthro 150 Multicultural America (3 cr.)

Commun 350 Intercultural Communication (3 cr.)

Commun 363 Communication in Human Conflict (3 cr.)

Commun 450 Cross Cultural Communication (3 cr.)

CES 210 Intro to Conservation and Environmental Science (3 cr.)

Econ 353 Economic Development (3 cr.)

Ed Pol 520 Peace Education (3 cr.)

Ethnic 255 Migration and Gender: Starbucks, Sex Trafficking, and Nannies (3 cr.)

Ethnic 375 Global Violence, Disease, and Death (3 cr.)

Geog 120 Our Physical Environment (3 cr.)

Global 101 Introduction to Global Studies I: People and Politics (3 cr.)

Global 202 Introduction to Global Studies III: Globalization and Technology (3 cr.)

Global 351 Language, Media, and Social Practice in Global Communications (3 cr.)

Hist 287 The Vietnam War (3 cr.)

Hist 282 The Modern Middle East in the 19th and 20th Centuries (3 cr.)

Hist 363 Germany: Hitler and the Nazi Dictatorship (3 cr.)

Philos 204 Introduction to Asian Religions (3 cr.)

Philos 355 Political Philosophy (3 cr.)

Pol Sci 361 History of International Political Thought (3 cr.)

Sociol 325 Social Change (3 cr.)

WGS 201 Intro to Women’s and Gender Studies (3 cr.)

Last updated 10/25/19