Peace & Conflict Studies


General Planning Tips For Peace & Conflict Studies 

  • The Peace and Conflict Studies curriculum is quite flexible, and with careful planning you can study abroad for a semester and still graduate on time.
  • There are a wide variety of both core and elective PCS courses to choose from abroad.  Many of the PCS course options focus on concepts and topics unique to that particular country giving you a chance to study something that is not offered at KU.
  • Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements. Therefore, it is a good idea to reserve some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.
  • Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Research your opportunities early.

When To Go

Freshman

  • Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your graduation plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.
  • After you've met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
  • Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it's good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
  • The summer before your sophomore year would be a great time to take some of your KU Core courses abroad.  Applications for these programs are usually due around March 1st, so come to the Study Abroad Info Center early in the spring semester to learn more about your options.

Sophomore and Junior

  • PCS majors can study abroad during the fall or spring semester of their sophomore or junior year.
  • You can take a combination of PCS major courses, elective courses, minor requirements, and/or KU Core requirements during your semester or summer abroad.
  • Summer internships abroad are a great way to gain valuable professional experience in a unique location.  There are several locations to choose from, and you can participate in these internships the summer after your sophomore or junior year.

Senior

  • If you go abroad as a senior, work closely with your academic advisor prior to your departure to make sure that you have completed all your degree requirements.
  • Your senior capstone experience, Senior Seminar in Peace and Conflict Studies: PCS 650, is only offered at KU during the spring semester, so consider this factor as you're planning for your study abroad experience. 
  • Completing your capstone experience abroad is possible, but there are limited options available.  SIT Uganda and Uppsala University would be good options to pursue during this time period as both offer an equivalent course to KU's Senior Seminar in Peace and Conflict Studies.  

Courses and Credit

  • Peace and Conflict Studies faculty have already pre-approved a number of PCS courses abroad. To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalency Database.
  • If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

Recommended Programs For Peace & Conflict Studies

Programs Offering Peace & Conflict Studies Courses

Augsburg College - Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore, junior, or senior year

Sample Courses: Cultural Conflict and Change in Latin America

Augsburg College - Namibia and South Africa

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore, junior, or senior year

Sample Courses: Racism and Resistance in Southern Africa, Politics of Development in South Africa

Free University - Germany

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore, junior, or senior year

Sample Courses: Themes and Issues in Transatlantic Relations; Integration, Conflict, and Security in Europe

School of International Training (SIT) Study Abroad - Rwanda, South Africa, or Uganda

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore, junior, or senior year

Sample Courses: Varies by location - Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding, Development and Nation Building

Trinity College Dublin - Ireland

Recommended Timing: Spring semester - sophomore, junior, or senior year

Sample Courses: Religion and International Relations, Engaging Religious Fundamentalism

University of Kent - England

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore, junior, or senior year

Sample Courses: Terrorism and Political Violence, Humans at War

Uppsala University - Sweden

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore, junior, or senior year

Sample Courses: Mass Media and Contemporary Armed Conflict

Short-Term Programs

International Internships

Recommended Timing: Summer - after sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: varies by location

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University - South Africa

Recommended Timing: Summer

Sample Courses: Conflict Management and Transformation

Queen's University - Northern Ireland

Recommended Timing: Summer

Sample Courses: Irish Studies