Peace and Conflict Studies degree
There are peaceful ways to end conflicts. Lead together.
Turn your empathy into action. Today’s turbulent times call for people who understand systems of violence and conflict, and who are prepared to build peace with justice.
As a student in the Faculty of Arts, you’ll gain a unique perspective and set of skills in peace and conflict studies. Your creativity, critical thinking, and compassion can help contribute to finding innovative solutions to the challenges of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Choose courses from a variety of subjects to tailor your program towards your own areas of curiosity. Thrive in a community with small classes and engaged professors.
Learn to navigate conflict in ways that mitigate destructive dynamics and maximize the potential for creative, just, and peaceful social change.
Explore the complexity and limits of conflict and peace frameworks and processes while developing valuable skills in research, writing, and oral presentations. Then get some first-hand experience through paid co-op work terms or a Peace and Conflict Studies internship.
By graduation, you'll have gained a set of nonviolent conflict resolution skills, as well as diverse perspectives on what produces and sustains conflict and violence and healthy societies.
What courses will you take in Peace and Conflict Studies?
First-year courses
As an Arts student, you’ll choose your major at the end of first year. You’re encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests.
You can choose to study Peace and Conflict Studies through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
Honours Arts
September to December
- PACS 101 – Peace is Everybody's Business OR one 200-level PACS course
- ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
- Prospective major #2
- 2 electives
January to April
- One 200-level PACS course
- Prospective major #2
- 3 electives
Honours Arts and Business
September to December
- ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
- ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
- PACS 101 – Peace is Everybody's Business OR one 200-level PACS course
- Prospective major #2
- Elective
January to April
- ARBUS 102 – Accounting Information for Managers
- ARBUS 202 – Professional and Business Ethics
- ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
- One 200-level PACS course
- Prospective major #2
This is a sample schedule. Courses and course offerings may change depending on availability.
After first year
About 40% of the classes you’ll take will be Peace and Conflict Studies courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas.
Customize your degree
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one or more of the program's areas of focus.
- Applied Conflict Resolution
- Violence and Nonviolence
- Religion and Culture
- Development, Human Rights, and Social Justice
You can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular choices for Peace and Conflict Studies students include Human Resources Management, Legal Studies, and Political Science.
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Enrich your education. Connect with other students and professors who share your passion through field trips, guest speakers, and conferences.
Experience transformational learning. Pursue an internship and take classes with specialists in peacebuilding who will share both their academic and practical expertise.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Research & marketing assistant
- Junior project analyst in enterprise strategic initiatives
- Program coordinator
- Workplace campaign coordinator
- Communications assistant
- Project coordinator
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
Option one: If you choose to do Peace and Conflict Studies through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Option two: Your first work term will be in the spring term after second year, if you choose Honours Arts.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
What can you do with a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies?
PACS graduates commonly pursue careers as peace practitioners, community leaders, or entrepreneurs in conflict management programs. You might work with community and international development organizations, education systems, law firms, social services, refugee resettlement program support agencies, and more.
The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!
Conflict resolution or mediation assistant
You would help individuals or groups resolve disagreements through dialogue and negotiation. This role focuses on listening carefully, staying neutral, and helping people find common ground.
Nonprofit program coordinator
In this career, you’d help plan and manage programs focused on social justice, peacebuilding, or community support. Your understanding of conflict and cooperation helps ensure programs are respectful and effective.
Policy analyst or research assistant
You would research conflict‑related issues such as human rights, security, or inequality. This role involves analyzing information and writing clear reports to support decision‑making.
Government or public service officer
You’d work in local, national, or international government settings supporting programs related to diplomacy, community relations, or public policy. Peace and Conflict Studies helps you understand how policies affect different groups.
International development or NGO worker
You would support projects focused on peacebuilding, education, or humanitarian aid around the world. Cultural awareness and ethical thinking are essential in this global work.
Humanitarian aid assistant
In this role, you’d help coordinate relief efforts in areas affected by conflict or crisis. You would work with teams to ensure aid is delivered fairly and respectfully.
Human rights advocate
You’d work with organizations that monitor, report on, and promote human rights. This career combines research, advocacy, and public education.
Community outreach coordinator
You would act as a bridge between organizations and the communities they serve. Building trust and understanding is a key part of this role.
Education or youth program facilitator
You’d help design or deliver programs that teach communication, leadership, or conflict resolution skills. This career suits students who enjoy working directly with people.
Journalism or media assistant
You would help report on social issues, conflict, or peace efforts. Your background helps you provide balanced, thoughtful context when covering complex topics.
Legal or justice system support roles
You’d assist in areas related to restorative and transformative justice practices, advocacy and human rights. Understanding systems of oppression, relational accountability, harm reduction and community healing helps you think critically about justice and community transformation.
Graduate studies in peace, conflict, or international relations
If you enjoy research and learning in depth, you could continue into graduate school. This path often leads to careers in policy analysis and implementation, academia, or international organizational leadership.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) assistant
You would help companies develop ethical practices and community partnerships. Conflict awareness helps organizations reduce harm and build positive relationships.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator
You’d support efforts to create inclusive environments in workplaces or institutions. Peace and Conflict Studies prepares you to address bias, communication breakdowns, and systemic issues.
Diplomacy or foreign service pathway (with further training)
You could work toward roles that involve international negotiation or cooperation. Strong communication skills and global awareness are essential for this career path.
If you’re interested in justice, dialogue, and making a positive difference at the local or global level, a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies offers meaningful and flexible career options focused on real‑world impact.
Admission requirements
Ontario students
Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)
Admission average: High 70s
Not studying in Ontario?
Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
How to apply
Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Peace and Conflict Studies as your major at the end of first year.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?
Please contact Stavros Stavroulias, our Faculty of Arts recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.