A UNC Greensboro student who comes to the Peace and Conflict Studies Department will be matched with dedicated faculty, an innovative curriculum, impactful research, and a commitment to community engagement.
The Peace and Conflict Studies program takes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from political science, sociology, psychology, and international relations. Students come out with a holistic understanding of peacebuilding and conflict resolution, equipping them with versatile skills highly sought after in the field.
“The importance of Peace and Conflict Studies extends to the personal, societal, and global dimensions,” says Dr. Ali Askerov, associate professor and co-chair of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies. “Given the enduring and widespread prevalence of conflicts throughout various facets of human existence. Consequently, the presence of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at UNCG is indeed a valuable asset.”
The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Students gain hands-on experience in conflict analysis, negotiation, mediation, and peacebuilding strategies with the help of workshops and real-world case studies. It’s all geared toward preparing them to make meaningful impacts in the field.
Careers in Peace and Conflict Resolution
A degree in Peace and Conflict Studies opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can pursue:
- Educator, Trainer, or Dialogue Facilitator: Help facilitate peaceful resolutions in conflicts and disputes, whether in classrooms, local communities, international organizations, or government agencies.
- Mediator: Serve as a neutral third party to help conflicting parties reach mutually beneficial agreements.
- Peacebuilding Professional: Work with organizations and communities to develop strategies and programs that promote peace and reconciliation.
- Medical/Health Care: Provide assistance and support to communities affected by conflict and crisis, ensuring their basic needs are met.
- Diplomat: Represent your country or international organizations in negotiations and diplomatic efforts to prevent conflicts and promote peace.
- Nonprofit Program Manager: Lead and manage organizations dedicated to peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social justice.
- Researcher and Analyst: Conduct research on peace and conflict issues, contribute to policy development, and provide valuable insights to decision-makers.
These are just a few examples of the career paths that Peace and Conflict Studies graduates can pursue. The skills and knowledge gained from this program are highly transferable and valuable in various sectors. Graduates are valued in government, non-profit organizations, international agencies, and academia.
“In the Department of Peace and Conflict studies, we center justice in our research and our pedagogy,” says Marcia Hale, assistant professor in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at UNCG. “Our faculty love to train students in research and practices of conflict transformation, and our students bring that work into nonprofits, companies, government, and education. Our field touches the personal, interpersonal, group, and international dimensions of peace and conflict dynamics.”
If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the world and are interested in pursuing a career in peace and conflict resolution, consider the Peace and Conflict Studies department at UNCG.
For more information about the program, visit the department’s official website.
Story by Dana Broadus, University Communications
Photography by Martin W. Kane, University Communications
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