Last updated on 2025-11-18
Program overview
Earn a degree in Peace Studies through our Peace and Conflict Studies program. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and address the complexities of conflict and violence in today's world. By focusing on systems of violence and conflict, students will learn to build peace with justice. The program emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and compassion, allowing students to contribute to innovative solutions in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, graduates will be prepared to foster healthy societies where communities and individuals can thrive.
Program structure
The Peace and Conflict Studies program offers a comprehensive structure that allows students to tailor their education to their interests. The program is available as an Honours Bachelor Degree and can be pursued through two options: Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. The program length is typically four years, with students encouraged to explore various subjects in their first year before declaring their major.
Key features of the program structure include:
- Program Length: Typically four years
- Available as a co-op program, providing students with relevant paid work experience
- Internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field
- Small class sizes for personalized learning and engagement with professors
- Flexibility to choose electives from over 100 subject areas
Students can also customize their degree by focusing on areas such as Applied Conflict Resolution, Violence and Nonviolence, and Development, Human Rights, and Social Justice. Additionally, students have the option to pursue minors in popular fields like Human Resource Management, Legal Studies, and Political Science.
Featured Experiences
The Peace and Conflict Studies program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:
- Co-op Program: Students can participate in a co-op program that integrates classroom learning with real-world experience, allowing them to alternate between study and work terms.
- Internship Opportunities: Students can pursue internships that provide practical experience in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
- Living Learning Community: Students can connect with peers and professors who share their passion for peace studies by joining the Peace and Conflict Studies Living Learning Community at Conrad Grebel University College.
- Transformational Learning: Engage with specialists in peacebuilding who share both academic and practical expertise.
- Sample Co-op Job Titles: Opportunities include roles such as Research & Marketing Assistant, Junior Project Analyst, Program Coordinator, and Communications Assistant.
Career Options
Graduates of the Peace and Conflict Studies program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada. Here are some potential job options:
- Fundraising Coordinator: Manage fundraising campaigns for non-profit organizations, ensuring financial support for various initiatives.
- Junior Consultant: Work with organizations like the United Nations to develop strategies for addressing climate change and other global issues.
- Corporate Disaster Preparedness Analyst: Help companies prepare for and respond to emergencies, ensuring safety and compliance.
- Child Youth Worker: Support children and youth in various settings, providing guidance and assistance in overcoming challenges.
- Human Resource Generalist: Manage employee relations, recruitment, and training within organizations, fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Emergency Shelter Worker: Provide support and resources to individuals in crisis situations, helping them find stability and safety.
DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.
Visit University of Waterloo official website



























































