Minor in Conflict Studies

Admissions
The conflict studies program is open to all interested undergraduates and is individually tailored to address each student’s learning objectives. Prior to approving a proposed course of study, each student is required to meet with the program director to develop a statement that describes the student’s proposed learning goals and how they relate to his or her academic major, and to indentify appropriate courses that meet the student's learning objectives. Students must submit that statement in writing to the program faculty for approval as early as possible.

Optimal timing for admission to the program is between completing the first course (CFST 1110) and completing the second course (CFST 3100). Students may only count courses toward the minor or certificate that have been approved in advance by the program director or conflict studies advisor.

Minor Requirements
Students take 6 courses as follows:

1. CFST 1100: Introduction to Conflict Studies

2. CFST 3100: Approaches to Conflict Response

3. Four courses from within the student’s selected track. In order to assure that students develop a coherent program of study related to their major area of interest, the program is divided into three areas of emphasis or “tracks.” After completing the two required core courses, each student selects and follows the track most appropriate for his or her focus of study. Courses within each track are at the 3000-level or above and may include relevant Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) courses, with MALS director permission. Students should consult with the conflict studies program director about approved courses within each track.

Track 1: Interpersonal Conflict – This track explores conflict at the individual level. Students interested in this track might have academic majors such as communication studies, legal studies, management, philosophy, psychology, religion, women’s studies, among others.
Interpersonal conflict track course list >

Track 2: Group/Organizational Conflict – This track explores conflict within and between groups and organizations.

Students interested in this track might have academic majors such as communication studies, environmental studies, international management, legal studies, management, political science, psychology, religion, social studies, social justice, sociology, urban studies, and women’s studies, among others.
Group/organizational conflict track course list >

Track 3: Socio-cultural Conflict – This track explores conflict at the sociocultural level, domestic or international. Students may elect to focus on conflict within or between the United States and/or other nation-states.

Students interested in this track might have academic majors such as anthropology, criminal justice, East Asian studies, history, international management, international studies, Latin American studies, legal studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, social justice, social studies, sociology, urban studies, women’s studies, among others.
Socio-cultural conflict track course list >

Internship, practicum, or study abroad
Students pursuing the undergraduate minor are encouraged, but not required, to participate in an approved internship, practicum, or study-abroad experience with a theme related to the study of conflict. An approved internship/practicum/study-abroad experience can substitute for one of the 4 courses required from within the student’s track.