Peace Studies
About Our Program
What does peace mean? What is true justice? In our peace studies program, we work to help you answer those questions as we study historical cases of successful nonviolent resolution of conflicts, learn how to cultivate inner and outer peace, and explore the potential for nonviolent methods of building social, political and economic justice.
Our peace studies minor emboldens you to explore topics like environmental issues, problems of political discourse and divisiveness, racial tensions in the U.S., and educational reform. This interdisciplinary program will change the way you view the world and your role in it, as well as prepare you to plan for and work for change where you see it’s needed most.
Learning Experiences to Prepare for Your Career
Your peace studies minor will greatly enhance your leadership and communication skills, especially your ability to listen and collaborate with others. You’ll analyze opportunities and develop skills that will empower you to lead in conflict situations and engage in difficult conversations.Senior Capstone Seminar
An important piece to your peace studies minor will take you through a workshop called “Envisioning a Positive Future.” You and your classmates will collectively ponder what the world could ideally look like in 25-30 years and then work backwards and put yourselves in the picture at the end. For your individual project, you’ll consider the role you will need to take to help live this better world into being.
Research Opportunities
Take those big questions you have and join most of your classmates by embarking on important research that helps answer them. Recent research conducted by peace studies minors include:
- The problematic structure of public school curricula: lack of education about identity, culture, positionality
- Indigenous Justice: Intersections of Environmental Justice and Reproductive Justice within U.S. Indigenous Communities
- Nation-Building: Engaging Libyan Youth Post Arab Spring
- Documentary Songwriting for Multidimensional Justice
- Non-Violent Action in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Artistic Forms of Resistance
Study Abroad
Developing a better understanding of people, communities, and cultures found around the world is a critical part of the St. Lawrence experience. Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered in over 20 international locations, including Kenya, India, and Jordan.
Internships
Learn by doing in a real-world environment. Our students intern with a wide range of organizations, including:
- Friends of Van Cortlandt Park
- Project Education South Sudan
- Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice
- GardenShare
- International Center for Religion and Diplomacy
- U.S. Senate
- Planned Parenthood of Greater New York
Mediation and Restorative Justice Trainings
Opportunities take place regularly so you can learn how to intervene and resolve conflicts both on your own and in small groups and then put what you learn into practice. A recent peace studies minor was so inspired by their training that they designed a mediation training program for a local school.
Among the 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, you’ll find ways to get involved with issues and organizations you care about most and collaborate with others to facilitate change. Popular clubs include:
- Advocates
- Black Student Union
- Common Ground Connections
- SLU Buddies
- Euphrates Club
- Environmental Action Organization
- Native American Student Alliance
- SLU Adaptive
- Vote Everywhere
- The Dub (Women’s Resource Center)
- The Barista
Why St. Lawrence for Peace Studies
Volunteer-producing University
Peace Corps 2019, 2020
Placement Rate
Recent graduates that pursued interdisciplinary programs like peace studies are in high demand
Study Off Campus
Nearly two-thirds of students take advantage of our study abroad and domestic study opportunities
Unlimited Access
As a St. Lawrence student, you’ll amplify your education with free access to reputable news sources like:
- The New York Times
- The Wall Street Journal
- Washington Post
- Access World News
Peace studies students recently attended:
- The Johns Hopkins University (International Studies)
- Université de Rouen (Environmental and Biodiversity Management)
- University of Denver (International Studies)
- University of London (Marketing)
- University of San Diego (Peace Studies)
- Syracuse University (Philosophy)
- Hertie School of Governance (Public Policy)
Study More Than One Discipline
St. Lawrence students often double major, add a minor or two, or even create their own interdisciplinary program
Recent peace studies students were hired by:
- Westerly Land Trust
- USAID
- Peace Corps
- Hillside Health and Rehabilitation
- The Opportunity Alliance
- The Aspen Institute
More Program Information
Program Requirements & Courses
Explore peace studies minor requirements, as well as related offerings from departments across campus.
Complementary and Related Programs
In addition to Peace Studies 100 and a senior capstone course, peace studies minors are required to take three or more courses cross-listed from these related academic departments and programs.
Peace Studies Faculty
The interdisciplinary nature of peace studies brings faculty expertise from a variety of departments together into one program, including philosophy, government, global studies, and history.
“There are real possibilities for us to improve understanding, help groups understand each other, heal the divisiveness in the world today, and work towards a more just and peaceful future.”
Dr. Donna Alvah
Jayantha Jayman, Ph. D.
Davis Projects for Peace
Nearly every year, at least one St. Lawrence student is awarded a Davis Project for Peace grant that gives them the opportunity to bring their ideas for building peace to life. Recent successful proposals include the renovation of a maternity unit in Timor-Leste and building a bathroom with hot water facilities for disabled people in Ladakh.
Get More Information
We’re excited to learn more about you, tell you more about our interdisciplinary academic programs, show you around our beautiful campus, and help you navigate your college search.
Apply to St. Lawrence
We’re looking for curious students who are eager to make a difference. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider all aspects of your application and what we learn about you.