Certificate in Peace Studies
The Graduate Certificate Program in Peace Studies offers interdisciplinary graduate studies for life-long learners who want to become familiar and skilled in the discourse of peace studies. This program offers an opportunity to gain a broad understanding of various aspects of peace building and conflict resolution skills. Areas of study include the history and theory of international and domestic conflict; the political, economic, cultural, and social roots of such conflict; the causes and conduct of warfare; violence prevention; and global institutions for the resolution of conflict.
The Graduate Certificate Program in Peace Studies seeks to:
- Apply an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the field of peace building and peace studies
- Provide an opportunity for students to engage in significant study and practice within the field
- Prepare students for professional positions in the fields of peacemaking and peace studies
The peace studies program focuses on a broad range community and global issues including social oppression, economic exploitation, peace keeping, peace making, peace building, peace education, civil rights, conflict resolution, violence prevention and intervention, social justice, social change and community advocacy, to name a few. The programs in peace studies serve as an academic catalyst for applied research, theoretical development, and the use of culturally informed methods for transforming oppressive situations. Students are trained to identify, assess, and create interventions that respond to the desire for justice and peace.
The Graduate Certificate in Peace Studies is appropriate for those who seek graduate training in peace studies as well as those who have already earned a degree in their professional field but would benefit from academic training in the applications of peace studies to their current professions. The Graduate Certificate program collaborates closely with our sister programs in conflict analysis & resolution and family therapy.
Program Formats
The Graduate Certificate in Peace Studies is offered in both residential and distance learning formats. These flexible formats allow mid-career working adults and those unable to attend the on-campus program, to study in a creative, rigorous, and structured fashion. Students enrolled in the online program participate in Residential Institutes on the main campus twice per year, as well as online web-based courses.
Students may enroll full or part time, taking three to nine credit hours per term. Students who attend full-time can expect to complete the program in 10 months. Part-time students will complete the program in 19 months. Summer attendance is mandatory.
Certificate Information
(9 Credits)
Course Number |
Course Name |
Credit Hours |
| CARM 5000 | Foundations and Development of Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies | 3 |
| CARM 6170 | Violence Prevention and Intervention | 3 |
| CARM 6663 | Introduction to Peace Studies | 3 |
Below is a sample of a degree plan for a full-time student who begins their studies in Fall term. Degree plans will be modified based on a student's enrollment date and pace of study.
Table 1: Degree Plan: 15 credits hours
| YEAR 1 | |||
| Fall (September) | CARM 5000 Foundations and Development of Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies |
CARM 6170 Violence Prevention and Intervention |
CARM 6663 Introduction to Peace Studies |
| Winter (January) | Elective #1 | Elective #2 | Graduation & Celebration |
| 1 | Completed NSU Graduate Application and $50 Non-refundable Application Fee |
| 2 |
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts from all schools attended and/or agency evaluation of foreign degree. |
| 3 | Please briefly explain (500 word minimum) why you are interested in the program to which you are applying for, as well as your professional goals, your assessment of your abilities to manage the challenges of graduate school, and any other information you would like to provide. The personal statement helps us get to know you beyond the objective data provided in review of your course grades and other objective information. It also demonstrates your ability to communicate your thoughts in a professional, organized and succinct manner. |
| 4 | An academic writing sample (it can be an academic paper, submitted journal writing, or a piece of professional writing). |
| 5 | Submit (1) Letter of Recommendation |
| 6 | A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher in last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework or a master's degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. |
| 7 |
For non-native English speakers and graduates of foreign institutions (where English is not the primary language instruction). Demonstrate English-language proficiency is required through one of the following options:
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Terry Savage, Ph.D.
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Elena Bastidas
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Brett McAllisterDirector of Graduate AdmissionsEmail: bmcallis@nova.edu |
ENTRY TERM (START) |
DEADLINE DATE |
| Fall (August) | July 19th, 2024 |
| Winter (January) | November 17th, 2023 |
| Summer (May) | April 12th, 2024 |
Graduate Open House
Join us on Friday, October 16th at 5:30 PM EST to learn more about Conflict Resolution studies, including careers within the field, NSU graduate degree offerings, and the application process.
This event is free and open for all to attend. You may register for the Open House here.
Program directors and department faculty from the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies and NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Admissions will be in attendance to answer your questions about your program(s) of interest.