Peace and Justice Studies

Peace and Justice Studies
Degree Options: Minor Only
Locations: Lincoln Center, Rose Hill
Visit the Peace and Justice Studies Program

Learn to defuse conflict and work for a more just and humane world.

Serving others, striving for justice—these are bedrock values of a Fordham education. By minoring in peace and justice studies, you’ll pursue your own interests and passions as you learn how these values can be realized in the world.

Founded in 1986, the peace and justice studies program embodies the Jesuit, Catholic ideals of Fordham, encompassing a wide scope of issues. In the classroom, you’ll study conflict resolution as well as environmental justice, race and culture, war and terrorism, criminal justice reform, economic justice, or other topics of your choice. Some of your instructors will be teaching from personal experience.

And you’ll also gain your own experience through internships or service projects in New York City, around the country, or abroad. You could be immersed in a local community in Asia or Central America, learning about the legacy of apartheid in South Africa, or interning with an advocacy group in New York, home of the U.N.’s headquarters—just a subway ride away—and many nongovernmental organizations. Two such learning experiences are required for the minor. After completing the program, you’ll graduate with a deeper understanding of global issues as well as the process of effecting change.

Of course, you’ll learn about more than peace and justice studies here. You’ll also study philosophy, theology, economics, mathematics, languages, science, and the performing arts through Fordham’s common core curriculum, the centerpiece of our liberal arts education.

  • Students pursuing this minor can focus on one issue area in coordination with their major, and may be able to count two of the minor’s courses toward their major. The requirements for the minor are as follows:

    One introductory course with the PJIN attribute: Students are encouraged to take Introduction to Peace and Justice, but other options include courses in human rights, the media, ethical issues, theologies of liberation, or gender, race, and class.

    Four electives drawn from these topic areas:

    • Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking
    • Religions and Justice
    • Social Justice Movements and Revolutions
    • Media and Justice
    • War, Terrorism, and Violence
    • Race and Culture
    • Gender and Sexuality
    • Economic Justice
    • Environmental Justice
    • Criminal Justice Reform

    Two experiential learning credits that may be earned through:

    • a course with a Community Engaged Learning attribute (SL)
    • a Global Outreach project
    • programs of the Center for Community Engaged Learning, Campus Ministry, or other Fordham office
    • a practicum at the Social Innovation Collaboratory
    • a study abroad program that includes service learning
    • other approved volunteer work or internship

    A capstone course: Students are encouraged to take Community Service/Social Action, Conflict Resolution and Justice Creation, or Conflict Analysis/Resolution, but may substitute another course.

  • The peace and justice studies minor is applicable to these and other career sectors:

    • Government
    • Nongovernmental organizations
    • Law
    • Business
    • Education
    • Health care
    • Community development
    • Environmental advocacy
    • Religious organizations

Learn More About Peace and Justice Studies

View the Peace and Justice Studies Program