Program Overview

Overview of the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies

The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) program is a coursework-based, professional degree that empowers students with knowledge and skills to contribute to nonviolent peacebuilding. Combining rigorous interdisciplinary scholarship with experiential learning opportunities, the program provides graduates with tools to understand sources of conflict, polarization, and systems of violence, as well as to imagine and initiate transformative peacebuilding. Our distinctive focus is on civil society and community-led change.

Program Structure

The program is designed to be completed in 16 months by full-time students (a part-time option is available). Students take a combination of core PACS courses and electives of their choice, offered with the cooperation of other programs and departments at the University of Waterloo. Optional experiential learning opportunities include an internship placement and conflict skills workshops.

Degree Requirements

The MPACS program consists of 5 core courses and 5 electives (at least two of which must be PACS courses). Students typically begin the program in the fall term (September-December), taking 3 courses each term for the first and second terms, and 2 courses each term for the third and fourth terms.

Core Courses

• PACS 601 | Thinking Critically About Civil Society
• PACS 602 | Reflective Peace Practice
• PACS 603 | Engaging Communities in Social Change
• PACS 604 | Conflict Analysis
• PACS 605 | Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding

Electives

• PACS 610 | Contemporary Nonviolent Movements
• PACS 611 | Reconciliation
• PACS 612 | Culture, Religion, and Peacebuilding
• PACS 620 | Special Topics in Peace and Conflict Studies
• PACS 621 | Peace Research
• PACS 623 | Directed Peace Readings
• PACS 625 | Internship
• PACS 626 | Conflict Resolution Skill Training

Cross-listed Electives

• PACS 630/GGOV 610/PSCI 688 | Governance of Global Economy
• PACS 633/GGOV 640/PSCI 658 | Human Rights
• PACS 634/GGOV 630/PSCI 678 | Security Ontology-Theory
• PACS 635/GGOV 631/PSCI 679 | Security Governance: Actors, Institutions, and Issues
• PACS 638/SOC 720 | Social Inequality
• PACS 640/SOC 765 | Political Sociology
• PACS 642/SOC 782 | Feminism, Law & Governance
• PACS 650/INDEV 604 | Sustainable Cities
• PACS 651/INDEV 605 | Economic for Sustainable Development
• PACS 652/INDEV 608 | Water and Security
• PACS 660/PSCI 624 | Justice and Gender
• PACS 661/PSCI 655 | Ethnic Conflict and Conflict Resolution
• PACS 670/TS 637 | War and Peace in Christian Theology
• PACS 671/TS 619 | The Bible, Peace, and Violence
• PACS 672/TS 731 | Christianity's Encounter with Other Faiths

Academic Milestones

Students must complete two academic milestones, an academic integrity module and a research colloquium. The research colloquium involves completing a public presentation on research completed for the degree, followed by peer review and question and answers with the audience.

Field-Experienced Faculty

All MPACS faculty have practical experience in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies, through innovative, on-the-ground peace research, and implementation of conflict resolution and intercultural conflict transformation.

Internship Placement

Students have the opportunity to link theory and practice by pursuing an internship placement. The goal of an internship is to develop practical competencies necessary for peace work in a setting in which students can observe agencies at work and be mentored to develop their own approaches to peace work.

Conflict Resolution Skills Training

Students may take practical skill-building workshops for academic credit by enrolling in PACS 626 Conflict Resolution Skills Training. The course involves taking conflict skills workshops in conjunction with supervised academic work. Workshops are offered through the Certificate Program in Conflict Management or students may seek approval for workshops from other credible organizations.

Conflict Resolution Skills Workshops

• Understanding Conflict
• Mediating Groups in Dispute
• Narrative Mediation
• Peacemaking Circles

Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement

The Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement (CPA) is a hub for innovative peace work and research located on the fourth floor of Conrad Grebel University College. The Centre contains partner organizations, an incubator for young peace initiatives, graduate student space, and a gallery. Students in MPACS take advantage of mentoring opportunities, internships, networking, and special events at the CPA.

Graduate Specialization in Peace Integration

The increasing complexity of global conflict requires sophisticated responses from a new generation of graduates working for peace. The Graduate Specialization in Peace Integration provides MPACS students with the opportunity to enroll in world-class, interdisciplinary academic courses offered by programs highlighting holistic and integrated approaches to the study of peace that encapsulates more than simply the absence of violent conflict.

Independent Research Options

MPACS is a coursework-based master's degree, however, students who wish to pursue a career in research may take independent study courses, PACS 621 Peace Research and PACS 623 Directed Peace Readings. These courses involve working under the supervision of a faculty member to advance academic research and writing skills. The two courses may be combined to create a major research project.

About Conrad Grebel University College

A liberal-arts college founded by the Mennonite community in the Waterloo Region, Conrad Grebel University College is affiliated with the University of Waterloo and home to the oldest peace program in Canada. Be part of a community-centered learning environment while benefiting from the reputation and resources of the University of Waterloo, one of Canada's premier universities.