IS BA in Conflict Resolution and Civic Leadership*
In collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) program, the Matsunaga Institute offers a flexible, student-designed Bachelor’s in Conflict Resolution and Civic Leadership. Our program emphasizes interdisciplinary, practice-oriented study that actively prepares students for leadership roles in public service, advocacy, and diplomacy. This degree aims to meet national and international demand for leaders skilled in mediation, negotiation, and collaborative governance. Our coursework offers students applied training in conflict resolution, civic engagement, and leadership for social change. Students work closely with faculty advisors to develop a coherent, multidisciplinary course of study. Students have the flexibility to concentrate on a specific area of interest or to take a broader approach to conflict studies and global leadership.
Learn more about the Matsunaga Institute for Peace.
*Previously titled the IS BA in Peace and Conflict Resolution.
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Being able to hear from my classmates (from all of my different classes) their vision of a better future, and where we can effectuate positive change. That has given me the motivation and hope to continue to find ways to improve the status quo, whilst involving as many stakeholders as possible.
Cindy Ng, 2021
BA in Political Science; IS BA in Peace and Conflict Resolution [concentration: US-AS Relations]
Additional Details
Participation/Graduation in the program requires:
- Enrollment in the University of Hawaiʻi
- Submission of a proposed course of study
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Upon acceptance, a minimum of 21 credits must be completed while enrolled in the program
- Required 2.5 GPA in your major to graduate
- No grade below a C
In addition to University core requirements, the major requires at least 36 credits including:
Core Courses (9 credits)
- PACE 310: Survey of Peace and Conflict Studies *
- PACE 495: Practicum and Internship (or faculty-approved substitute) *
- And select one of the following core skills courses:
- PACE 447: Introduction to Mediation *; or
- PACE 429: Negotiation *
Elective Courses (27 credits)
Selected in consultation with the student’s IS advisor. This is a guide and not an exhaustive list.
- PACE 316: Environmental Governance
- PACE 345/ANTH 345: Aggression, War, and Peace
- PACE 373/POLS 396: Nonviolent Political Alternatives
- PACE 380/COM 380: Media Communications Conflict
- PACE 387/PHIL 387: The Meaning of War
- PACE 399: Directed Reading
- PACE 407/ASAN 407: Peace Processes in Philippines and Hawai`i
- PACE 410: History of Peace Movements
- PACE 412: Gandhi, King, and Nonviolence
- PACE 420: Introduction to Human Rights
- PACE 430: Leadership for Social Change
- PACE 436/GEO 436: Geography of Peace and War
- PACE 443: Statecraft & Diplomacy in East Asia
- PACE 468: Introduction to Facilitating Organizational Change
- PACE 477: Culture and Conflict Resolution
- PACE 478: International Law and Disputes
- PACE 479: ‘Ike Kūpuna: Introduction to Indigenous Frameworks for Peace Building
- PACE 480: Managing Human Conflict
- PACE 485: Topics in Peace and Conflict Resolution
- COM 340: Intercultural Communication
- COMG 455: Conflict Management
- ECON 332/SUST 332: Economics of Global Climate Change
- ECON 414: Global Economic Crisis and Recovery
- GEO 435: Political Geography of Oceans
- HDFS 350: Leadership and Group Process
- HRM 463: Negotiation and Workplace Dispute Resolution
- POLS 315: Global Politics/International Relations
- POLS 316: International Relations
- POLS 319: International Organization
- POLS 339/WGSS 439: Feminist Theory
Note
Only 9 credit hours from any combination of PACE 399 and PACE 495 courses may be applied toward the major.
Students interested in the IS BA in Conflict Resolution and Civic Leadership should carefully review the following Interdisciplinary Studies pages:
For questions or assistance, contact Interdisciplinary Studies Academic Advisor Elizabeth Gannaway (gannaway@hawaii.edu) or the Matsunaga Institute (uhip@hawaii.edu).