About
The Certificate in Peace Studies cultivates an interdisciplinary approach to the academic study of peace, conflict, (re)conciliation, the nature of substantive justice and the practice of nonviolent resistance. Peace studies is concerned with both the analysis and creative transformation of conflict and injustice. Within the field, peace is defined as not only the absence of war but also by positive conditions such as social justice, gender and racial equality, and ecological health.
- One- or two-year certificate program
- Part-time study
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
You will learn about the causes and consequences of conflict, violence and injustice, as well as theoretical and practical strategies to transform conflict. Through case studies, discussions and classes in various disciplines, you will study real-world examples of peace-making in various places and times, allowing you to apply your knowledge in your own discipline, future profession and community.
CPSJ 112: Introduction to Peace Studies
What is peace? What is justice? What are the causes that lead to violent conflict, what strategies can bring violent conflict to an end, and what conditions promote human flourishing? This course introduces students to the various ways scholars and activists define peace and the challenges they face in securing peace. The course surveys the major causes of direct and structural violence; the various definitions of "peace" and the conditions under which it is achieved and sustained; and the comparative success of various strategies to promote nonviolent social change. Because peace studies is an interdisciplinary field, the course will draw widely on sources from the humanities and social sciences. And because peace studies is a praxis-oriented field, students will also be asked to reflect on both applications of theory to current global and local events as well as on their own practices of community engagement.
CPSJ 310: Peace Theory and Praxis
This course offers an interdisciplinary survey and synthesis of contemporary peace theory and peacebuilding practices. Topics may include approaches to peacebuilding, conflict transformation, reconciliation, mediation, and international conflict resolution. As the capstone in the Peace Studies certificate, this course invites students to integrate the learning they have done in their interdisciplinary courses and apply their knowledge to case studies and lived situations of conflict.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
The Certificate in Peace Studies is the only post-secondary education peace studies program in the province. Established with the support of both community and university stakeholders, it draws on the world-class expertise of professors in political science, anthropology, international studies, Indigenous studies, English, philosophy, religious studies and history to make cross-disciplinary and real-world applications.
The certificate draws on resources from the St. Thomas More College's Schmeiser Centre for Faith, Reason, Peace, and Justice, and allows students to participate in integrative extracurricular learning opportunities. These include:
- Community service learning
STM's Engaged Learning Office partners with local, national, and international organizations to offer student placements that facilitate extended real-world learning to complement classroom education. - In Medias Res
Students may contribute to and help run STM's liberal arts journal, published twice a year. - Development and Peace Just Youth
This club offers students a chance to learn about and work toward global social justice and solidarity.
Careers
The certificate format allows students in any college and community members not currently pursuing a degree to complete a credential. So, for example, students in nursing, medicine, education or law might decide to add the Certificate in Peace Studies to expand their professional skill sets.
The Certificate in Peace Studies will allow you to develop skills relevant for any work context, and conflict resolution skills are particularly helpful in management, criminal justice, counseling, politics, social work, business, child and family services, mediation and other career paths.
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $746 per 3 credit unit class | $3,611 per 3 credit unit class |
| Student fees | $1,121 per year | $1,121 per year |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.
Program options
The Certificate in Peace Studies is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree program from this college or others, or after completing a degree.
If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor about enrolling in this program.
To apply to this program as a new student, create an admissions account and apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. (Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.) After you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.
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