Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
Equivalent to a minor at the University of Hawaiʻi, the Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies (UCPS) broadens students’ perspectives and strengthens critical thinking on issues of war and peace, justice and human rights, and governance. The Certificate exposes students to the fundamentals of peace and conflict resolution; skills that are highly valued by employers in a wide range of professional fields, making it an excellent complement to many popular majors.
Learn more about the Matsunaga Institute for Peace.
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
A talk story event between two survivors, one from the bombing of Nagasaki and the other from the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Although these individuals came from different sides of World War 2, during this event, they came together in their shared experiences. Their connection and empathy for each other were truly heartwarming.
– Sarah Cain, 2022
BA in Nursing; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
The PACE 495 “Practicum” with Dr. Maya Soetoro. I really enjoyed fulfilling my practicum with the nonprofit Hui Aloha, where I got the opportunity to work with communities of houseless ohana on Oʻahu. I learned so much about solutions to houselessness that were not centered around sweeps, but rather, community building and care. I am super grateful to the Hui Aloha ohana and Dr. Soetoro for this experience!
– Kaitlyn Evans, 2022
BA in Psychology; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
The enriching experience and exceptional guidance of Dr. Maya Soetoro throughout my undergraduate practicum with Punahou School.
– Giuliana Ferraz Soares Garcia, 2022
BA Psychology; BA in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
My experience overall has been amazing and so empowering. I got to learn about topics that aligned with my passion and interests. I also got to connect and learn from some incredible mentors.
– Healani Goo, 2022
BA in Psychology; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Taking PACE 447 “Introduction to Mediation” and PACE 470 “Advocating for Children: Rights and Welfare” where I learned a variety of skills that I know I will be able to use in my future.
– Jenna Kirschner, 2022
BS in Psychology; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
During my PACE 495 “Practicum” course/internship, I attended a celebration for the passing of an important environmental bill with many different environmental organizations. It was very exciting and inspiring seeing these organizations make such big social changes! This internship helped me to realize that within my own major, Social Work, I really wanted to go into macro-level work such as policy, advocacy, and community organizing.
– Tehya Nichols, 2022
BSW in Social Work; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
During the PACE 495 “Practicum” course – I was so lucky to have a wonderful group of mentors, and I learned a lot from the people we worked with and developed a sense of camaraderie with everyone. It was a great experience, and I made lots of memories.
– Asia Pai, 2022
Accounting Major; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Getting the opportunity to intern for Ceeds of Peace through the PACE 495 “Practicum” course. I am grateful for the opportunity that Dr. Soetoro and Scott Nishimoto offered me by allowing me to intern for the organization, as well as the Matsunaga Institute for Peace for giving me the chance to learn through experience.
– Velika Yasay, 2022
BA in Anthropology; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
In one class I made and did an oral presentation, and I got to put it on YouTube.
– Barbara Barnhart, 2021
Interdisciplinary Studies; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
My entire experience at the Matsunaga Institute has been my fondest memory. Every day I am a part of this community and family of leaders. I feel proud to be alive knowing that there are amazing people doing good for society. To be specific, I enjoyed assisting José Barzola as his student assistant. He is a huge mentor in my life from my study skills to my work habits.
– Sky Kauʻilani Sau Ying Chun-Matsukawa, 2021
BA in Ethnic Studies; BA in Political Science; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
PACE 310 “Survey of Peace and Conflict Studies” with Professor Brien Hallett. In class, we delved into deep issues in our society and politics.
– Aimee Vanessa Coronado Bravo, 2021
BBA in Business Management; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
My whole path changed once I found the Matsunaga Institute. It started simply with meeting José Barzola and beginning the Peace Corps Prep program. After being told I’d be able to work toward a Peace Studies Certificate alongside my Peace Corps Prep Certificate, I enrolled in PACE courses and discovered Conflict Resolution and Mediation. The thing I had been so successful at throughout my life actually had a name and a career path! Who knew?! After taking Mediation and Negotiation with Professor Wahl, Survey Peace/Conflict Studies with Borjana, and finally my practicum with Dr. Soetoro, I’ve been given all the support and guidance I need to follow my path as a peace builder for the rest of my life. I will forever treasure the Matsunaga Institute and am so grateful for everything I have learned.
– Simone Davenport, 2021
BA in Communication; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
The amazing people I got to meet. From the amazing Professors that guided me in my journey and my peers, who I have been able to learn so much, to the connections I made with genuinely amazing and intellectual people I have met has been my favorite moment so far.
– Dasha Figueroa, 2021
BA in Anthropology; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
The courses that I took gave me a great understanding of issues facing and challenging our country and the skills to solve those problems. This program made me think deeply about the root causes of social problems and how to achieve social justice through peaceful movements.
– Chhay Heng Lao, 2021
BA in Political Science; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Working with the Professors in the academic programs to learn and put into practice concepts of negotiation, organizational change, as well as strategies to achieve just and sustainable peace. As a student, I feel that my Certificate strongly compliments my major because in each area of study we deepened our critical thinking skills, strengthened our research and writing ability, and learned specific theories in areas such as conflict transformation, peace-building and social change. Thank you for providing me with this opportunity to learn with my peers and influential mentors. These are valuable lessons I will use in the future and take with me into the community.
– Lahela-Ann Kaulukukui, 2021
BA in Ethnic Studies; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
When I had the opportunity to host a workshop to an international audience.
– JiaQi Li, 2021
BS in Information and Computer Science; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Learning about the prisoner’s dilemma in my negotiation class. It really taught me about human nature and our ability to trust. Going into law school, I’ll take this with me.
– Mahina K. Smith, 2021
BA in Creative Media; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Interning (PACE 495 “Practicum”) at the Hawai‘i Innocence Project. The organization fights for wrongfully convicted prisoners and offers free legal aid. Having the opportunity to find an internship through the Matsunaga Institute enabled me to do something I am interested in while also creating new connections in the legal world. All of the Peace Studies (PACE) courses I have taken at UH Mānoa have had wonderful instructors. I am very grateful I was able to be a part of such an important program.
– Sage Gray, 2020
BA in Sociology; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Getting to organize my own webinar about the atomic bombing in Hiroshima.
– Yuno Kusaka, 2020
Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Volunteering with local organizations, such as Ceeds of Peace, and giving back to the community as part of my academic program.
– Ann Malluwa Wadu, 2020
BS in Psychology; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
All the valuable knowledge and skills that I have gained from the PACE courses. The knowledge and skills were constantly applied when I was a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. in the fall (August – December) of 2019.
– Basil Piazza, 2020
BA in Political Science; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
The internship course (PACE 495 “Practicum”), where we would give personal updates about how our internships were going. Maya (Dr. Soetoro) would have us describe our thoughts, goals, and feelings through metaphors and pictures – this was so relaxing and thoughtful! We were all stressed from world events and deadlines – but being able to relax, relate to each other, and listen to the meaningful work everyone was doing was so lovely. It really made me feel like we were truly making an impact in our communities!
– Eileen Roco, 2020
BA in Communication; BA in Chinese Language; Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
During my internship (PACE 495 “Practicum”) at the Matsunaga Institute for Peace with José Barzola (Educational Specialist). I enjoyed being able to spend quality time working with other students in the office, as well as participating in meaningful projects and events as part of the outreach programs.
– Julia Rodriguez, 2020
IS BA in Criminology Peace Corps Prep Certificate; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
My internship with the Hawai’i Innocence Project (HIP) – I am still very much connected to HIP. I attended an online school from grades 6 to 10 that used video conferencing software like Zoom and I did not flourish in that environment. It has been very difficult being online during the pandemic, but the support of friends and the faculty has been extremely helpful. I am very grateful to the Matsunaga Institute!
– Laura Rouse, 2020
BA in Sociology; Undergraduate Certificate in Law & Society; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies
What was your fondest memory at the Matsunaga Institute?
Participating in my internship seminar with Dr. Maya Soetoro who did a wonderful job in nurturing an environment that facilitated our personal reflection and growth during our internship experience.
– Candace Yu Noguchi, 2020
BS in Psychology; BA in Women’s Studies; Minor in Japanese; Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies; Peace Corps Prep Certificate
Additional Details
Course Delivery Options
Students may choose to complete the certificate by taking in-person courses or a mix of in-person and online courses.
Students are also able to complete the certificate fully online. The University of Hawaii at Mānoa is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the fully online Peace Studies 5-Course Certificate is approved by WASC.
UCPS Requirements
The certificate requires the completion of at least 5 courses (15 credits).
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 (6 credits)
This is a guide and not an exhaustive list.
- PACE 315: Personal Peace: Stories of Hope*
- PACE 345/ANTH 345: Aggression, War, and Peace
- PACE 325/CLAS 325: Greek and Roman War Literature
- 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 413: Terrorism
- PACE 420: Introduction to Human Rights*
- PACE 430: Leadership for Social Change*
- PACE 436/GEO 436: Geography of Peace and War*
- PACE 440: Peacebuilding in Performance
- PACE 450: Protest Under Occupation*
- PACE 460: Indigenous Nonviolent Action in the Asia-Pacific*
- PACE 468: Introduction to Facilitating Organizational Change*
- PACE 470: Advocating for Children: Rights & Welfare*
- PACE 477: Culture and Conflict Resolution*
- PACE 478: International Law and Disputes*
- PACE 480: Managing Human Conflict*
- PACE 482: Research and Peace*
- PACE 485: Topics in Peace and Conflict Resolution*
- PACE 489: Hiroshima & Peace (summer only)
- ANTH 423: Social and Cultural Change
- BIOL 310: Environmental Issues
- 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
- POLS 394/WGSS 394: Co-ops, Communes, Collectives
- SOC 332: Sociology of Law*
- SOC 446/WGSS 446: Gender Violence Over the Lifecycle*
* Distance learning (online) is available.
Next Steps / How to Apply
Students interested in the Undergraduate Certificate in Peace Studies should contact the Matsunaga Institute (uhip@hawaii.edu) to meet with an advisor, and obtain the UCPS Tracking Sheet to officially declare the certificate.