Academics

Academic Programs in Peacemaking and Conflict Studies

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Academic programs in peacemaking and conflict studies at Fresno Pacific University are based on the assumption that all humans experience conflict and can benefit from learning about conflict and peacemaking. To make such learning accessible to as many students as possible, a variety of curricular structures are used, including the single course, focus series (mini-concentration in the undergraduate general education program), concentrations, minor, graduate certificates, and a full MA program. In addition, linkages between peacemaking/conflict studies and a variety of other program areas have been developed at both the undergraduate and graduate levels so that students can incorporate this study into their home disciplines.

Peacemaking and Conflict Studies academics from Duane Ruth-Heffelbower on Vimeo.

A mediation practicum is offered to both undergraduate and graduate students in cooperation with the local community Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP). Peacemaking and conflict studies academic programs are part of the School of Humanities, Religion and Social Science. We also offer a cooperative program with San Joaquin College of Law in which the student simultaneously earns the M.A. from PACS and the J.D. from SJCL. View our shared brochure.

We have 30 or so graduate students at various stages of preparedness in our MA program at any given time. They will have over 2,000 hours of classroom and practical training by the time they are done. Our faculty is made up of professional mediators and facilitators who actively seek contracts for services. Our students come along to assist as they are able. Most graduates have hundreds of hours of real mediation and facilitation under their belts before graduation. We offer training in nuanced skills unavailable anywhere else. Our faculty members regularly present at national conferences and publish in respected journals and textbooks. Our program is practitioner focused, but has also sent students on to Ph.D. work.

MA Degree and Certificate Programs

One-Course Introduction (one of the following two courses)

• PACS 700: Basic Institute in Conflict Management and Mediation (2). The Basic Institute is offered in a one-week intensive format. Students include working adults, professionals, university graduate students, seminary students, etc. The Basic Institute may be taken with or without credit. Credit requires additional reading and writing. The Basic Institute is offered twice each year in this intensive format. It is also offered in a three-unit eight evening format at the Visalia Center in spring semester and the North Fresno center in the fall semester. MCLE and non-credit participants are welcome at either the intensive or evening courses.
• Curriculum/Teaching 704: School Conflict Management and Mediation (3) This course contains the same basic content as the Basic Institute but is adapted for educators. It is offered in a one-week intensive format during the summer session.

Graduate Certificate Programs (15 units)

Certificate programs combine core studies in conflict management and peacemaking with an emphasis in a particular area. Several of the certificate programs may overlap with other graduate programs (e.g. School Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking with the graduate program in school counseling, school psychology, and administrative services; and Workplace Conflict Management and Peacemaking with the graduate program in administrative leadership.) Working in cooperation with other academic programs enables students in a variety of disciplines to learn about conflict and peacemaking. Graduate certificate programs are available with the following emphases:

• Church Conflict and Peacemaking
• Mediation
• Restorative Justice
• School Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking
• Workplace Conflict Management and Peacemaking
• Personalized Certificate in Peacemaking and Conflict Studies

Master of Arts Degree in Peacemaking and Conflict Studies (40 units)

The MA degree in Peacemaking and Conflict Studies combines core studies and a project/thesis with emphases in the following areas:

• Church Conflict and Peacemaking
• Mediation
• Restorative Justice
• School Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking
• Workplace Conflict Management and Peacemaking
• Administrative Leadership
• Personalized Certificate in Peacemaking and Conflict Studies

Master of Arts in Education - Curriculum and Teaching Emphasis (37 units)

Students may elect to take a concentration in school conflict resolution and peacemaking in this graduate program preparing them for working with conflict in the school setting.

BA Degree Completion Programs

B.A. Degree completion program in Criminology and Restorative Justice Studies

Undergraduate Programs

General Education Focus Series in Conflict and Peacemaking (8 units)

Each undergraduate student at Fresno Pacific selects a mini-concentration (6-8 units) called a Focus Series as part of the general education program. Studies in Conflict and Peacemaking is one of eight options. Courses required in this option are as follows:

• Biblical/Religious Studies 465: Theological Ethics of Conflict and Peacemaking (4)
• Communication 420/Sociology 430: Conflict Management and Resolution (3)
• COM/PSY/SOC/SW 483: Mediation Practicum (1)

Minor in Conflict and Peacemaking (6 courses, 17-18 units)

Students may build on the General Education Focus Series and complete a minor. The minor includes the following:

Required Courses

• Biblical/Religious Studies 465: Theological Ethics of Conflict and Peacemaking (4)
• History 455: Historical Peacemakers (3)
• Communication 420/Sociology 420: Conflict Management and Resolution (3)
• COM/PSY/SOC/SW 483: Mediation Practicum (1)

Courses to Complete the Minor

• (Students may choose two courses from a list of 19 courses from the different departments of the university. Courses which may be chosen are identified in the university catalog ).

Concentration in Conflict and Peacemaking in the Liberal Studies Major

The Liberal Studies Major is required in California for entry into teacher education (elementary level). It is the largest major of the university. Each student in the major must choose one of several concentrations. The concentration in Conflict and Peacemaking requires the following:

Required Courses

• Biblical/Religious Studies 465: Theological Ethics of Conflict and Peacemaking (4)
• Sociology 430: Conflict Management and Resolution (3)
• Sociology 483: Mediation Practicum (1)

Courses to Complete the Concentration

• (Students may choose two courses from a list of 12 courses from the different departments of the university. Courses which may be chosen are identified in the university catalog.)