The Specialization in Peace and Justice Studies, which is administered by the College of Social Science, is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. The specialization is devoted to analyzing the causes and manifestations of violence, war, oppression, and injustice and to studying and working toward theoretical and practical alternatives, locally and globally, to create a more peaceful and just world. The specialization complements a wide range of majors and is especially suited for students who plan to include peace and justice issues in their study of law, in international service, or as a member of society.
With the approval of the department and the college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

The Specialization in Peace and Justice Studies includes course work, a capstone paper, and electives such as an internship, study abroad, service learning, and independent study. Students in this specialization will focus on the exploration of such interdisciplinary topics as environmental justice, representative democracy and globalism, morality and ethics, conflict resolution, human rights and humanitarian law.
The undergraduate advisor for the Peace and Justice specialization is located in the College of Social Science and will assist the student in planning a program of study tailored to the student’s interests, major, and career objectives.  The undergraduate advisor for the specialization must approve the student’s program of study in writing.

Requirements for the Specialization in Peace and Justice Studies

All courses must be approved by the undergraduate advisor for Peace and Justice Studies before enrollment.

1. The student must complete the following (15 credits):
   1. Core Course (3 credits). One 400-level course focusing on basic concepts and assumptions of peace and justice, contexts of violence and domination, alternatives to violence and domination, and peace and justice as a practice.
   2. Complete the following (12 credits):
      (1)    At least nine credits at the 300-400 level.
              (a)    at least three of these credits must be in a subject outside the student’s major.
      (2)    Two courses focusing on themes of violence and domination and/or justice and domination.
   3. Capstone Paper. This paper may derive from one of the courses completed for requirements 1.a. or 1.b. It is intended to synthesize themes the student examined in the specialization. A faculty member affiliated with the Specialization in Peace and Justice Studies must approve the paper and inform the undergraduate advisor for Peace and Justice Studies of its satisfactory completion.
2. Electives. (1 to 3 credits) An internship, study abroad course, service learning option or independent study. These may be counted toward requirement 1.b. above.