UNT Peace Studies

Established in 2000, the Peace Studies Program at the University of North Texas is the only program in the southern and southwestern United States that offers a certificate program, a minor, and the equivalent of a major in Peace Studies. It is also the only Peace Studies Program in that region that has an endowed professorship - the Johnie Christian Family Peace Professorship – to provide leadership for the program.

Under the leadership of Dr. Steven C. Poe, the original holder of the Johnie Christian Family Peace Professorship, the Peace Studies Minor and Peace Studies Certificate programs were established at the University of North Texas. The growth of the programs enrollment was enhanced by the generous support of several patrons who endowed four undergraduate scholarships in Peace Studies.

Building on this foundation, in 2003 the Peace Studies Program gained inclusion as one of six concentrations from which students in UNT’s International Studies Major can choose as their primary area of emphasis; in effect, students can now earn the equivalent of a major in Peace Studies. The International Studies Major, established in 1999, is one of the fastest growing degree programs at UNT, with over 300 majors currently

Undergraduate programs in Peace Studies have been around since after World War II. The University of North Texas joins more than 200 colleges and universities nationwide in offering Peace Studies. The Peace Studies Program at UNT is unique in that there are no other programs in Texas or the Southwest offering an undergraduate major or minor in Peace Studies. Beginning in the Fall of 2003, students can choose Peace Studies as their primary concentration in the International Studies Major.

An interdisciplinary minor in this growing field allows students to adjust their course work to best fit their major field. With Peace Studies courses in Political Science, Anthropology, Communications, Economics, History, and Sociology, a major or minor in Peace Studies is a perfect supplement to any undergraduate education.

The Peace Studies Program at UNT also offers several scholarships for students who major or minor in Peace Studies. There are a number of options Peace Studies graduates can pursue, such as a career in the foreign service; in an international organization; in international or human-rights law; in corporations that invest overseas; or in non-governmental organizations working in human rights, development, environmental protection, or conflict resolution.

New! Choose Peace Studies as your concentration in the International Studies Major.