Peace and Conflict Studies examines the nature of conflict and violence, the possibilities of social change and the means for resolving conflict nonviolently. The major draws on Guilford’s Quaker heritage by seeking the roots of injustice and oppression, while exploring nonviolent social change.

Students investigate central concepts in peace research and learn to analyze the interrelation between personal, local and global levels of conflict. Through practical problem solving, they examine the holistic relationship between personal and social change and evaluate structured modes of conflict resolution as well as creative nonviolent activism.

Throughout their inquiries, students build skills that help them solve problems of violence and conflict, listen carefully and caringly to others during conflict, and contribute to organizing groups and actions concerned with social change, conflict resolution, and transformation.

Graduates have gone on to study Peace and Conflict Studies, International Development, and law and they have built rewarding careers in teaching, at nonprofits aimed at social change, and also government and international organizations.