Arts & Humanities

Peace Studies


Manchester University Peace Studies Institute and Program in Conflict Resolution

The mission of Manchester's Peace Studies program is to graduate persons with a critical understanding of the causes and consequences of violence and injustice, equipped with both theoretical and practical knowledge of nonviolent ways of resolving conflict and promoting justice. Peace Studies prepares our graduates to be capable, confident, and courageous in the work of building a peaceful and just world. 

Established in 1948, the Peace Studies Institute and Program in Conflict Resolution at Manchester University was the first undergraduate Peace Studies program in the world. The curriculum offers a major in Peace Studies as well as a minor. 

The Manchester Peace Studies Institute sponsors public conferences and programs for the university and community on topics related to world peace and conflict resolution. The Bulletin of the Peace Studies Institute publishes academic papers and news of the program. Recent issues have included award-winning student research papers, autobiographies of contemporary peacemakers, faculty and staff articles on peace and justice topics, and reports from our non-governmental representative to the United Nations. 

By graduation, Peace Studies majors:

  • understand and analyze the dynamics of conflict, be it interpersonal, intragroup, or between nations or global parties
  • know nonviolent strategies to address conflicts and challenges to peace and justice
  • develop mediation and conflict resolution skills that are valuable in both personal and professional life
  • develop strong critical thinking, writing, and communication skills that are transferable to any field

    For information about the peace studies program at Manchester University, contact Katy Gray Brown, director of the Peace Studies Institute, at klgraybrown@manchester.edu or 260-982-5343. You may also contact Libby Kreps, Peace Studies Coordinator, at eakreps@manchester.edu or 260-982-5108.
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