School of Peace & Conflict Studies

KSU Rock says Flashes Take Care of Flashes

Understanding, Imagining, and Practicing Peaceful Change

A Living Memorial to May 4, 1970

Understanding, Imagining, and Practicing Peaceful Change

A Living Memorial to May 4, 1970

A Living Memorial to May 4, 1970

Why Study With SPCS?

Degree Options

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May 4 Information

Welcome to the School of Peace and Conflict Studies, where we are dedicated to developing in our students the knowledge and skills to bring about positive peaceful change.

As a hub for academic excellence and research in the field of conflict resolution and peace studies, we invite you to explore our diverse programs and join us in shaping a better future.

Experience SPCS

Welcome!

Fall classes start Monday, August 19. We look forward to seeing our new and returning students, and wish you a successful semester.

Statement on Israel/Palestine by the School of Peace and Conflict Studies We write as faculty and staff of an academic unit created over 50 years ago by 5X�� (KSU) with a mission to research, teach, and advocate for the principles of peaceful change, and whose original degree program began in 1973, the same year as the Yom Kippur War. This is a reminder that the recent violence in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank has its roots in a deeper history, and that the search for sustainable peace will not be achieved by further perpetuation of violence and militarism. ... Read more >>>

What's New?

New! Masters of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies

New! Masters of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies

The School of Peace and Conflict Studies at 5X�� will be offering a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies starting in Fall 2023.

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New! Environment, Peace and Justice Minor

New! Environment, Peace and Justice Minor

Beginning in Fall 2023, SPCS is offering a new interdisciplinary minor in Environment, Peace & Justice.

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New! 3+3 Law School Program

New! 3+3 Law School Program

The Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) major is now part of Kent State’s 3+3 Law School Program, which allows students to complete both their bachelor's degree and a law degree in six years.

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NEW! Office Renovation

NEW! Office Renovation

The SPCS office space in McGilvrey Hall is being remodeled and expanded during the Fall 2023 semester and is expected to be completed in early 2024.

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Our Historical Legacy

Famous not only for the violent conflict of May 4th, Kent State is now also well-known for its academic study of peace, constructive conflict management, and the prevention of violence.

Undergraduate Program

SPCS offers a BA in Peace & Conflict Studies, as well as minors in Peace & Conflict Studies, and Environment, Peace & Justice. Our popular Intro to Conflict Management course fulfills both Kent Core and diversity requirements, and teaches valuable skills for students in any major.

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Graduate Programs

At the graduate level SPCS now offers a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies. SPCS faculty also teach courses in the Conflict Analysis and Management concentration of the graduate program in Political Science. Peace and Conflict Studies graduate-level courses are also included in the Leading Through Challenge Graduate Certificate program offered by the College of Business.

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What Can I Do with a PACS Degree?

Our alumni are employed in a variety of fields which include mediation, human resources, law, social work and counseling, nonprofit management, social services, government, education and training, community organizing and activism, business, and finance.

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May 4th Legacy Scholarships

The May 4th Legacy Scholarship Program provides four scholarships to be given to students majoring in our Peace and Conflict Studies program, in honor of the four students killed on May 4, 1970.

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Highlights of the Global Peace Education Conference in Rwanda - July 11-13, 2023

In July 2023, School of Peace and Conflict Studies faculty and students, as well as other members of the Kent State community and local educators, traveled to Kigali, Rwanda to participate in the “Peace Education in an Era of Crisis” conference.

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Contact Us

Email: spcs@kent.edu
Phone: 330-672-3143
Fax: 330-672-0668

Need help resolving conflict?
Find Conflict Resolution Services on campus.

The SPCS Listserv sends out periodic emails about jobs, internships, news and events related to conflict management and social change. Sign up to join the listerv.

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