Program Overview

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Social and Cultural Analysis (Peace Studies), BA

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in social and cultural analysis with a concentration in peace studies is a distinct, transdisciplinary offering that fosters a critical investigation of peace. It does so primarily, but not exclusively, through a humanities lens, and it provides an analysis of peace in connection with issues such as gender, ethnicity, race, and religion.

Program Description

Students learn many perspectives on peace and approaches to it, including theories and practices of peace-building, nonviolence, and conflict avoidance and resolution. The program builds on the expertise of faculty in the humanities and social sciences in fields such as history, linguistics, literature, ethics, philosophy, sociology, ethnic studies, and women and gender studies.

At a Glance

• College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
• Location: West Valley
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics or any math course that meets the MATH designation
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

• English, MA
• Social Justice and Human Rights, MA

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Global Opportunities

Studying abroad enables students in the social and cultural analysis program to observe the impacts of peace and war on cultures and communities across the globe. Students deepen their understanding of global peace through exploration of the impact of culture, race, religion, and law on peace-building.

Career Opportunities

There is a growing concern for peace-building within social and political institutions. As a consequence, numerous jobs now exist in peace-related sectors. The program's emphasis on the social aspects of peace, diversity, and identity provides graduates with an awareness of the needs of diverse populations and the discourses that help create a culture of peace.

Graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary for graduate work and for professional and personal advancement in education, writing, policy, law, cross-cultural communication, and ethics. Their knowledge can be applied in careers in government, education, business, and nonprofit organizations and in areas as diverse as:

• civil rights organizations
• colleges and universities
• government agencies
• libraries
• museums
• nonprofit organizations
• the Peace Corps
• political action groups
• research organizations
• social service agencies

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry-level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications, or state-specific licensure.

• Career | Growth | Median salary
  • Communication Professor | 2.1% | $77,800
  • Cultural Studies Professor | 2.4% | $84,290
  • Editor | 0.6% | $75,260
  • Lawyer | 4.1% | $151,160
  • Mediator | 4.3% | $67,710
  • News Reporter | -3.9% | $60,280
  • Political Analyst | -3.1% | $139,380
  • Political Science Professor | 2.0% | $94,680
  • Politician | 3.4% | $44,810

What are Accelerated Programs?

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree. These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years. Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

What are Concurrent Programs?

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees, and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.

What are Joint Programs?

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What Constitutes a New Program?

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.

What are Online Programs?

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.