Conflict resolution is a broad field that includes careers like mediation, human resources management, social work, and diplomacy. Because the field includes so many career options, conflict resolution is interdisciplinary. A bachelor’s degree in conflict resolution can go by different names, such as peace and conflict studies, peace and justice, and so on. You’ll learn about things like the history, psychology, and methods of conflict resolution, as well as perspectives from disciplines like history, sociology, law, and more. Master’s degree programs in conflict resolution are more common, but you can find bachelor’s programs, too. Here are ten examples:
#1. Conflict Resolution (Portland State University)
#2. BA in Peace and Conflict Studies (UNC Greensboro)
#3. International Security and Conflict Resolution (San Diego State University)
#4. Peace and Justice Studies BA (Pace University)
#5. Peace and Conflict Studies (Kent State University)
#6. Peace and Conflict Studies (Malmö University)
#7. International Relations and Conflict Studies (Queen’s University Belfast)
#8. Justice and Peace Studies (Georgetown University)
#9. Bachelor of Arts in Justice and Peace (University of St. Thomas)
#10. Peace and Conflict Studies (Swarthmore College)
#1. Conflict Resolution (Portland State University)
Location: Portland, Oregon and online
This bachelor’s program teaches you how to analyze conflict, understand conflict dynamics in different settings, and gain skills necessary in conflicts between individuals, groups, and countries. You’ll need to complete 24 credits in core courses and 32 credits of electives on peace studies, conflict management skills, ecology of war and peace, and intercultural conflict resolution.
The bachelor’s degree is available on campus or online. For the 2022-2023 academic year, tuition & fees for an Oregon resident was $10,806 and $29,706 for a non-resident. Tuition was $11,706 with the Washington Border Discount and $15,306 for the Western Graduate Exchange. Further details on expenses are available here. Portland State University is #1201-1400 on the QS World University Rankings.
#2. BA in Peace and Conflict Studies (UNC Greensboro)
Location: Online
This fully-online BA program offers an interdisciplinary, critical, and social justice approach to conflict theory and peace studies. It’s designed for students who have 30+ hours of transferable college credit. You’ll take 120 credit hours, 36 of which need to be at or above the 300-course level. Courses include Conflict & Culture, Global Peacebuilding, Critical Thinking, and Restorative Justice.
Fees vary depending on term and whether you’re an in-state, out-of-state, or outside-NC student. In-state students pay $232 for 1 credit, outside-NC students (this refers to students who aren’t legal residents of North Carolina and who get online education outside NC) pay $416, and out-of-state students (not legal residents, but receiving online education in NC) pay $864 per credit. U.S. News ranks UNC Greensboro #219 in National Universities.
#3. International Security and Conflict Resolution (San Diego State University)
Location: San Diego, CA
The ISCOR major is an interdisciplinary program that provides you with political, cultural, socio-economic, and moral perspectives on global and human security. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of global issues and what challenges face the creation of a more peaceful and justice world. The program focuses on three things: conflict in the global system, justice in the global system, and environment in the global system. You’ll need 15 units of preparation and 36 units for the major itself.
Fees are subject to change. For first-year undergrads (who are California residents), the total academic 2022-2023 cost $32,110 for those living in university housing while off-campus students paid $29,302. Undergrad non-California residents paid $43,990 on campus and $41,192 off campus. U.S. News ranks SDSU #151 in National Universities.
#4. Peace and Justice Studies BA (Pace University)
Location: New York City, NY
The Peace and Justice Studies BA at Pace University focuses on research, action, and education. It teaches you how to be a confident, competent researcher engaged in harm reduction and violence prevention. You’ll take courses like Nonviolence: Theory and Practice, International Law and Human Rights, and Reconciliation and Transitional Justice. Programs like the Model U.N., Center for Community Action and Research, and the LGBTQA and Justice Center provide great opportunities for Peace and Justice Studies majors.
For the 2022-2023 undergrad academic year, tuition was $48,152. This price doesn’t include any scholarships or financial aid you might receive. To apply, you’ll need to submit documents like your official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. SAT or ACT scores are optional at Pace. U.S. News ranks Pace University #234 in National Universities.
#5. Peace and Conflict Studies (Kent State University)
Location: Kent, OH
Offered by the School of Peace and Conflict Studies, this major teaches students theory and applied skills in conflict management and peacebuilding. You’ll take core courses like Gender, Power, and Conflict; Conflict Theory; and International Conflict Resolution. You’ll also need to take three electives in topics such as Strategic Planning, Conflict in the Workplace, and Negotiation.
Tuition costs vary based on term and what kind of student you are. In 2022-2023, Ohio residents paid $25,174 in total while non-Ohio (domestic) students paid $35,254. International undergraduates $42,859. These costs reflect tuition as well as room and board, books, medical insurance, and supplies. U.S. News ranks Kent State University #212 in National Universities.
#6. Peace and Conflict Studies (Malmö University)
Location: Malmö, Sweden
Taken over three years, this 180-credit bachelor’s program gives you an understanding of grassroots and systemic perspectives on conflict resolution, peace, and organized violence. You’ll learn from fields like political science, law, history, and philosophy. Courses include Peace and Conflict Studies I, Peace and Conflict Studies II, and Project Management and Methods in Conflict Zones.
Swedish citizens and citizens of other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland don’t pay application or tuition fees. The full tuition fee for other students is 290,000 SEK. To apply, you’ll need to have completed an upper secondary school education equivalent to what’s provided by the Swedish educational system. If you’re an international student, the school recommends you apply in the first admissions round, which runs from October until January. U.S. News ranks Malmö University #1338 in Best Global Universities.
#7. International Relations and Conflict Studies (Queen’s University Belfast)
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
This 3-year program gives you an interdisciplinary grasp on international affairs, modern politics, and conflict around the world. You’ll learn about core concepts and debates in international relations and conflict studies, as well as globalization trends and challenges connected to countries like Brazil, Russia, Iran, China, and more. Courses include World Politics, Security and Terrorism, Irish Politics, American Politics, and The Far Right in Western Europe and North America.
Tuition fees vary depending on where you’re from. For international students, tuition for the 2023-2023 academic year was £18,800. EU students who aren’t Republic of Ireland nationals living in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, or ROI paid £18,800, too. Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland students paid £4,630 while England, Scotland or Wales paid £9,250. U.S. News ranked Queen’s University Belfast #295 in Best Global Universities.
#8. Justice and Peace Studies (Georgetown University)
Location: Washington, D.C.
This multidisciplinary program is offered through the Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences. Undergraduates who take this program will learn about domestic and global politics, social action, community engagement, and more. Courses include Nonviolence in Theory and Practice, Conflict Transformation, Religion and Conflict, and Restorative Justice. You’ll need to complete 5 foundational courses and 6 electives. Completing the program grants you an A.B.
In 2022-2023, full-time students paid $30,936 per semester. Georgetown does require applications to submit SAT or ACT scores. The writing component of either test isn’t considered in admissions decisions. International students whose native language isn’t English must prove English competency and must take the Scholastic Aptitude Test or the American College Testing Program exam. U.S. News ranks Georgetown University #22 in National Universities.
#9. Bachelor of Arts in Justice and Peace (University of St. Thomas)
Location: St. Paul, MN
This program introduces you to the justice and peace field and allows you the flexibility to tailor your program to interests like conflict transformation, policy analysis and advocacy, or leadership for social justice. For those interested in conflict resolution, the Conflict Transformation concentration is likely the best fit. It teaches practical skills in conflict resolution and mediation. Courses include Public Policy, Conflict Analysis and Transformation, Social Psychology, Social Problems, and more.
Cost varies by term. In 2022-2023, tuition was $48,930. International students receive an additional charge for health insurance. International students (whose native language isn’t English) must prove English proficiency. The school does offer conditional admission, which is when your academic credentials meet admission standards, but you’ve yet to meet the English proficiency requirement. U.S. News ranks the University of St. Thomas #137 in National Universities.
#10. Peace and Conflict Studies (Swarthmore College)
Location: Swarthmore, PA
When you major in this program, you’ll graduate with a deep understanding of human conflict, conflict management, and conflict and peacebuilding theories. You’ll need to complete 8 credits, which include Introduction to Peace and Conflict studies and the PEAC Senior Capstone Seminar. Available courses may include Humanitarianism: Education & Conflict, American Foreign Policy, Music and War, and so on.
In 2022-2023, students paid $77,354 in total costs, which included tuition, room and board, books, meals, and a student activities fee. Swarthmore does not require an English language proficiency score for international students, but if you’ve received most of your education in a language other than English, you’re encouraged to submit results from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test. U.S. News ranks Swarthmore College #4 in National Liberal Arts Colleges.