The Peace and Conflict Studies Undergraduate Certificate is premised on the notion that helping people work together to creatively manage conflict will result in more peaceful and just societies, locally and internationally.

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 who wish to explore the meaning of peace, including human welfare and quality of life, as well as the resolutions of different types of political, economic, or social conflicts.

The certificate can enhance the resume of students going into social work, education, public administration, law, healthcare, international affairs, human resources and global business. The program is interdisciplinary combining coursework from fields such as social sciences, health sciences, humanities, and more.

Certificates are similar to minors in terms of credit requirements but draw on coursework from multiple fields of study rather than from a single department.

Eligibility

The Peace and Conflict Studies Undergraduate Certificate is open to all students seeking a bachelor's degree from UWM, to students who previously have received a bachelor's degree from UWM or any other accredited college or university, and to those who do not plan to pursue a college or university degree (non-degree students) but who have a strong interest in this subject. To be admitted to the University as non-degree students, individuals must meet regular University admission requirements. The program leading to the certificate is open to students majoring in any field.

Requirements

A student must complete 18 credits in the program. At least 9 credits must be in advanced courses (300 level and above), and at least 9 credits must be completed at UWM. A 2.500 GPA average is required in the certificate. Students interested in the Peace and Conflict Studies Undergraduate Certificate should consult with the coordinator or their advisor to add the certificate and outline a program of study.

The Peace and Conflict Studies Certificate consists of three areas: Core (3 credits); Fieldwork (3 credits); and Elective Coursework (12 credits), as outlined below:

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The purpose of this requirement is to enable the student to engage in peace studies through "practical" experience or research. The student should be engaged in the "practice of peace" through community service, conflict identification and education, environmental awareness, governmental politics, or social change. The area of study must be approved by the coordinator of the peace studies certificate and must meet the requirements of the department through which it is being completed. The fieldwork requirement may be fulfilled in one of three ways: an internship, study abroad, or independent study.

Electives

Students are encouraged to construct an area of concentration from their elective credits. Suggested areas of concentration may be geographic and/or thematic, such as:

• World regions and countries
• World religions and practices
• Conflict resolution skills
• International relations
• Sustainable development
• Peace studies/education
• Environmental studies
• Social change/social justice
• Economic development

Select at least four 3-credit courses. A maximum of 9 credits (3 courses) may be taken in any one department. The list below includes recommended electives and is not exhaustive. Course offerings change from year to year. Students should consult with their advisor or the certificate Coordinator.