Best Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Programs of 2022
Learn more about the best peace studies and conflict resolution programs and what you can do with this degree after you graduate.
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Peace and conflict studies is an interdisciplinary social science field that analyzes structural reasons for violence and looks for ways to resolve conflicts. Peace studies and conflict resolution students often seek answers to violence by studying ideas like democracy, human rights, and gender.
A bachelor’s in peace studies and conflict resolution packs all of this theory into a four-year, 120-credit degree. In the 2019-20 academic year, the average annual tuition for a bachelor’s degree was approximately $9,350 for in-state learners and $27,020 for out-of-state students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Students who enroll online can save on true program costs, avoiding fees like room and board and transportation.
Read on to learn more about the 10 best bachelor’s in peace studies and conflict resolution programs.
Our Top Pick
Swarthmore College – Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Why It’s #1: Swarthmore College is the number one ranked school on our 2022 Best Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution list. This elite liberal arts college maintains a competitive admission rate of 9%. Nevertheless, the vast majority of students who enroll (94%) are able to graduate from the program. About 63% of Swarthmore’s students receive financial aid, which helps offset some of the college’s higher tuition rates.
2022 Best Accredited Bachelor’s in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA4 yearCampus
$54,256
$54,256
9%
N/A
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $58,928
Out-of-State | $58,928
Credits to Graduate
32 units (8 major units)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College offers a bachelor's program in peace and conflict studies that explores conflict at micro and macro levels, including interpersonal dispute and global wars.
The major is flexible, as students have options to take major courses in multiple disciplines like political science, English, and anthropology. Notable recommended courses include crisis resolution in the Middle East, introduction to peace and conflict studies, and global responses to violence.
Swarthmore maintains a competitive admissions policy, as half of the school's applicants score 31-34 on the ACT.
N/A
N/A
98%
1,594
Private
Yes
$54,256
$54,256
Swarthmore, PA4 yearCampus
$54,256
$54,256
9%
N/A
N/A
N/A
98%
1,594
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $58,928
Out-of-State | $58,928
Credits to Graduate
32 units (8 major units)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College offers a bachelor's program in peace and conflict studies that explores conflict at micro and macro levels, including interpersonal dispute and global wars.
The major is flexible, as students have options to take major courses in multiple disciplines like political science, English, and anthropology. Notable recommended courses include crisis resolution in the Middle East, introduction to peace and conflict studies, and global responses to violence.
Swarthmore maintains a competitive admissions policy, as half of the school's applicants score 31-34 on the ACT.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$7,019
$34,198
23%
12%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $293
Out-of-State | $960
Credits to Graduate
120 credits (30 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in the Triangle Area, Carolina offers a bachelor's program in peace, war, and defense with three focus options: the culture of peace and war, international security and intelligence, and the evolution of warfare. All learners take three core courses: global history of warfare; the ethics of peace, war, and defense; and introduction to peace and security studies.
Applicants must have a high school or GED diploma. They can submit ACT or SAT scores if they wish.
$10,552
$28,278
96%
29,877
Public
Yes
$7,019
$34,198
Chapel Hill, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$7,019
$34,198
23%
12%
$10,552
$28,278
96%
29,877
Public
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $293
Out-of-State | $960
Credits to Graduate
120 credits (30 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in the Triangle Area, Carolina offers a bachelor's program in peace, war, and defense with three focus options: the culture of peace and war, international security and intelligence, and the evolution of warfare. All learners take three core courses: global history of warfare; the ethics of peace, war, and defense; and introduction to peace and security studies.
Applicants must have a high school or GED diploma. They can submit ACT or SAT scores if they wish.
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA4 yearCampus
$55,728
$55,728
22%
N/A
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $61,584
Out-of-State | $61,584
Credits to Graduate
32 units (9.5 major units)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Wellesley offers a bachelor's program in peace and justice studies that grew out of the nuclear peace movement in the 1980s and the work of former faculty members. Required courses in the program's curriculum include introduction to the study of conflict, justice, and peace; conflict transformation in theory and practice; and experiential learning. All students must also complete a capstone seminar.
Prospective students need proof of a high school or GED diploma. Wellesley has suspended standardized testing requirements through 2024.
N/A
N/A
97%
2,519
Private
Yes
$55,728
$55,728
Wellesley, MA4 yearCampus
$55,728
$55,728
22%
N/A
N/A
N/A
97%
2,519
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $61,584
Out-of-State | $61,584
Credits to Graduate
32 units (9.5 major units)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Wellesley offers a bachelor's program in peace and justice studies that grew out of the nuclear peace movement in the 1980s and the work of former faculty members. Required courses in the program's curriculum include introduction to the study of conflict, justice, and peace; conflict transformation in theory and practice; and experiential learning. All students must also complete a capstone seminar.
Prospective students need proof of a high school or GED diploma. Wellesley has suspended standardized testing requirements through 2024.
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA4 yearCampus
$54,050
$54,050
34%
N/A
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $58,360
Out-of-State | $58,360
Credits to Graduate
32 courses (6 major courses)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based out of Worcester, Massachusetts, Holy Cross offers a concentration in peace and conflict studies through which students can also pursue a social justice track. To graduate, students must take at least one course in each of the following categories: ethical and philosophical approaches to peace, war, and conflict; in-depth examination of contemporary/modern large-scale conflict; and structural causes of violence and conflict.
To earn admission, applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma. Holy Cross maintains a test-optional policy.
N/A
N/A
93%
2,963
Private
Yes
$54,050
$54,050
Worcester, MA4 yearCampus
$54,050
$54,050
34%
N/A
N/A
N/A
93%
2,963
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $58,360
Out-of-State | $58,360
Credits to Graduate
32 courses (6 major courses)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based out of Worcester, Massachusetts, Holy Cross offers a concentration in peace and conflict studies through which students can also pursue a social justice track. To graduate, students must take at least one course in each of the following categories: ethical and philosophical approaches to peace, war, and conflict; in-depth examination of contemporary/modern large-scale conflict; and structural causes of violence and conflict.
To earn admission, applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma. Holy Cross maintains a test-optional policy.
Villanova University
Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$54,550
$54,550
28%
23%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $3,377
Out-of-State | $3,377
Credits to Graduate
122 credits (30 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Located just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Villanova offers a major in peace and justice studies through the university's interdisciplinary Center for Peace and Justice Education, which is grounded in the Catholic social tradition. The 30-credit major curriculum includes courses like introduction to global interdisciplinary studies; race, class, and gender; an internship; and a thesis.
After enrolling at Villanova, prospective peace and justice students are encouraged to set up a meeting with the director of the center.
$20,506
$20,506
96%
10,848
Private
Yes
$54,550
$54,550
Villanova, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$54,550
$54,550
28%
23%
$20,506
$20,506
96%
10,848
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $3,377
Out-of-State | $3,377
Credits to Graduate
122 credits (30 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Located just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Villanova offers a major in peace and justice studies through the university's interdisciplinary Center for Peace and Justice Education, which is grounded in the Catholic social tradition. The 30-credit major curriculum includes courses like introduction to global interdisciplinary studies; race, class, and gender; an internship; and a thesis.
After enrolling at Villanova, prospective peace and justice students are encouraged to set up a meeting with the director of the center.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online
$7,412
$26,017
62%
34%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $9,002
Out-of-State | $30,488
Credits to Graduate
122 credits (36 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Salt Lake City, the U offers a bachelor's program in peace and conflict studies that prepares graduates for careers as journalists, public relations professionals, and victim advocates. Notable courses in the 36-credit curriculum include introduction to peace and conflict studies; the political economy of race, class, and gender; current social problems in America; and justice and international affairs.
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. They have the option of submitting ACT or SAT scores.
$7,211
$25,455
89%
32,852
Public
Yes
$7,412
$26,017
Salt Lake City, UT4 yearCampus + Online
$7,412
$26,017
62%
34%
$7,211
$25,455
89%
32,852
Public
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $9,002
Out-of-State | $30,488
Credits to Graduate
122 credits (36 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Salt Lake City, the U offers a bachelor's program in peace and conflict studies that prepares graduates for careers as journalists, public relations professionals, and victim advocates. Notable courses in the 36-credit curriculum include introduction to peace and conflict studies; the political economy of race, class, and gender; current social problems in America; and justice and international affairs.
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. They have the option of submitting ACT or SAT scores.
DePauw University
Greencastle, IN4 yearCampus
$50,278
$50,278
64%
N/A
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $54,400
Out-of-State | $54,400
Credits to Graduate
31 courses (11 major courses)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Greencastle, Indiana, DePauw offers a bachelor's program in peace and conflict studies that prepares graduates for careers in law, nonprofits, politics, education, and public policy. The program's 11-course major curriculum includes plenty of opportunities for flexibility, and students can take courses in disciplines like anthropology, economics, political science, history, philosophy, and religion.
Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit ACT or SAT scores.
N/A
N/A
86%
1,972
Private
Yes
$50,278
$50,278
Greencastle, IN4 yearCampus
$50,278
$50,278
64%
N/A
N/A
N/A
86%
1,972
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $54,400
Out-of-State | $54,400
Credits to Graduate
31 courses (11 major courses)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Greencastle, Indiana, DePauw offers a bachelor's program in peace and conflict studies that prepares graduates for careers in law, nonprofits, politics, education, and public policy. The program's 11-course major curriculum includes plenty of opportunities for flexibility, and students can take courses in disciplines like anthropology, economics, political science, history, philosophy, and religion.
Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit ACT or SAT scores.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL4 yearCampus
$35,424
$35,424
61%
1%
On Campus | Self-Paced Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $53,774
Out-of-State | $55,688
Credits to Graduate
121 credits (39 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, ERAU offers a bachelor's degree in global conflict studies that prepares graduates for careers as private defense contractors, nonprofit executive directors, and intelligence agency operatives. Relevant courses in the core curriculum include war, terrorism, and diplomacy in cyberspace; human geography; introduction to international relations; and theories of nations and nationalism.
Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma and are strongly encouraged to submit ACT or SAT scores.
$17,712
$17,712
78%
7,056
Private
Yes
$35,424
$35,424
Daytona Beach, FL4 yearCampus
$35,424
$35,424
61%
1%
$17,712
$17,712
78%
7,056
Private
Yes
On Campus | Self-Paced Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $53,774
Out-of-State | $55,688
Credits to Graduate
121 credits (39 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, ERAU offers a bachelor's degree in global conflict studies that prepares graduates for careers as private defense contractors, nonprofit executive directors, and intelligence agency operatives. Relevant courses in the core curriculum include war, terrorism, and diplomacy in cyberspace; human geography; introduction to international relations; and theories of nations and nationalism.
Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma and are strongly encouraged to submit ACT or SAT scores.
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
77%
51%
On Campus | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $239
Out-of-State | $635
Credits to Graduate
120 credits (48 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Located in Carson, California, CSUDH offers an interdisciplinary bachelor's program in negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding, focusing on intercultural communication, the role of women in culture, and mediation. The program leads directly into a master of arts program in the same field, which students have the option of completing online. Possible courses include Chicana/o popular culture, Africana literature and culture, effective communication skills, and sociology of law.
In-state applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, while out-of-state applicants need a 3.0.
$7,176
$16,680
77%
17,977
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Carson, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
77%
51%
$7,176
$16,680
77%
17,977
Public
Yes
On Campus | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State | $239
Out-of-State | $635
Credits to Graduate
120 credits (48 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Located in Carson, California, CSUDH offers an interdisciplinary bachelor's program in negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding, focusing on intercultural communication, the role of women in culture, and mediation. The program leads directly into a master of arts program in the same field, which students have the option of completing online. Possible courses include Chicana/o popular culture, Africana literature and culture, effective communication skills, and sociology of law.
In-state applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, while out-of-state applicants need a 3.0.
Whitworth University
Spokane, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$43,800
$43,800
91%
2%
On Campus | Self-Paced Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $62,090
Out-of-State | $62,090
Credits to Graduate
126 credits (43 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Spokane, Washington, Whitworth offers a bachelor of arts program in peace studies that can lead to careers in teaching, law, nonprofit organizations, and research. The program's 43-credit major curriculum includes relevant courses like American national politics, international relations, comparative politics, and nonviolent defense and conflict resolution. All learners must also complete a relevant internship experience in the field.
All applicants to Whitworth need a high school diploma or its equivalent.
$12,168
$12,168
84%
2,814
Private
Yes
$43,800
$43,800
Spokane, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$43,800
$43,800
91%
2%
$12,168
$12,168
84%
2,814
Private
Yes
On Campus | Self-Paced Classes
Cost per Year
In-State | $62,090
Out-of-State | $62,090
Credits to Graduate
126 credits (43 major credits)
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Spokane, Washington, Whitworth offers a bachelor of arts program in peace studies that can lead to careers in teaching, law, nonprofit organizations, and research. The program's 43-credit major curriculum includes relevant courses like American national politics, international relations, comparative politics, and nonviolent defense and conflict resolution. All learners must also complete a relevant internship experience in the field.
All applicants to Whitworth need a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Programs
For the majority of students, a bachelor’s in peace studies and conflict resolution is worth it. However, the value of any degree is subjective and depends on each individual student’s goals and circumstances.
A peace studies and conflict resolution degree teaches broad skills — including decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking — that apply to careers in nearly any field. As such, students can qualify for most entry-level careers, taking their futures into their own hands.
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