PEACE & JUSTICE STUDIES

Do you have a passion for peace and justice but feel bewildered by the size and complexity of the social problems humans face?  Do you want to make a difference in the world?  The Peace and Justice Studies program may be the right choice for you. 

This interdisciplinary program prepares students for vocations in organizations that seek to establish peace and justice among individuals, communities, and nations.  It is ideal for students interested in work with non-governmental organizations such as the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps and Amnesty International or church-related organizations such as Lutheran World Relief, Catholic Worker Movement or American Friends Service Committee.  It also provides excellent preparation for students who plan careers in politics or law or for those with a passion to make matters of peace and justice a part of their lives and careers. 

The course of study provides…

  • an historical understanding of the struggle to promote human rights, peace, justice and freedom from oppression.
  • models for understanding the causes of violence, oppression and injustice.
  • theories of peace and justice that ground concrete practices.
  • strategies for the remediation of violence and injustice.

Quick Facts

Peace and Justice Studies is the most broadly interdisciplinary minor at Wartburg. Faculty from many disciplines act as teachers and mentors in the program.

Peace and Justice minors will be prepared to enter careers in non-governmental or church-related organizations. In addition, students who combine the Peace and Justice minor with another major will be well equipped to channel their passion for peace and justice through vocations such as medicine, law, politics, or mass communications.

Students typically spend a semester either studying abroad or studying at Wartburg West or the Washington Center. Internship experiences help students to make the vital connection between theory and practice and equip them to pursue their vocational goals after college.

In their fourth year, students have the opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor on an integrative research project as part of the capstone experience.