Schools That Offer Peace Studies Online Certificate Programs

Online certificate peace studies programs are convenient for people who want to study the concepts of conflict management in preparation for careers that involve human communication. The following universities are among those that allow students to earn their peace studies credentials through a distance-learning format.

Abilene Christian University, accredited through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, offers an online graduate certificate in conflict resolution program. This program, which consists of fifteen credit hours plus a residency session, is geared toward students who are seeking the knowledge and skills required to work in conflict management-related careers. This certificate program is Christian-based and focuses primarily on concepts such as peacekeeping and dispute resolution.

Abilene Christian University also provides a master of arts in conflict resolution and reconciliation online program for people who are interested in furthering their related careers in ministry, counseling, business, or law enforcement. This graduate program expands on the online certificate program and requires thirty-six credit hours, a residency session, and practicum. (1)

The University of North Carolina-Greensboro, also accredited through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, offers an online post-baccalaureate certificate in conflict resolution. Students who enroll in this program need to complete four core classes and one elective course in order to meet the fifteen-credit degree requirement. The online courses that comprise this conflict resolution program include Cultural Dimensions of Conflict, Conflict in Communities, and Negotiation Theory and Practice.

A master of arts in conflict resolution online degree program is also available through University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Applicants to both programs must submit GRE scores, hold an accredited Bachelor degree, and have achieved a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. (2)

Accredited through the Senior Colleges and Universities Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Saybrook University offers a Certificate in Peace and Conflict Resolution online program. This certificate, which is earned through the Saybrook Graduate College of Psychology and Humanistic Studies, prepares students to work internationally in an effort to promote conflict resolution and peace building among cultures of violence.

In order to earn an online certificate in Peace and Conflict Resolution, Saybrook students must complete sixteen coursework credits (including a field practicum) and an integrative paper. Students are able to work individually or within a cohort of learners. (3)

Students who complete an online certificate program in peace studies can apply their knowledge to a variety of career choices. When specializing in this area, one can seek employment opportunities in ministry, labor relations, public interest, or consulting. Some peace studies and conflict resolution careers allow workers to participate in global organizations that aim to promote positive interactions between nations. (4)

Online certificate peace studies programs provide people with skills that are useful in human relations and conflict resolution careers. This type of program is ideal for those who have an interest in promoting healthy communication through peaceful negotiations.

• (1) Abilene Christian University--http://www.onlineacuconflictres.com/program/overview.asp
• (2) University of North Carolina--Greensboro--http://www.uncg.edu/cnr/About.html#PB
• (3) Saybrook Graduate School--http://www.saybrook.edu/phs/academicprograms/certificates/peaceconflict
• (4) Collegeboard.com--http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/majors/30.0501.html