"As a JPCS major, I was exposed to a variety of disciplines in the peacebuilding field while also gaining a critical foundation of basic theories and approaches to conflict.
I entered EMU with a strong interest in international peacebuilding in areas of war and extreme violence, but I also learned practical skills of mediation and facilitation, skills I'm using now as a trainer and mediator with Bridge Builders, a conflict transformation program of the London Mennonite Centre."
--Sharon Kniss, class of '06 JPCS major
Other careers in justice and peacebuilding include:
- social services
- development
- criminal justice
- law
- conflict resolution/ mediation
- advocacy organizations
- and non-profit agencies
Through a trans-disciplinary and experiential learning program, the Justice, Peace and Conflict Studies (JPCS) major and minor seek to foster the development of graduates committed to being catalysts for social and personal change.
New major in peacebuilding and development
Coming in fall 2009, this 45 semester-hour major will provide an Anabaptist-influenced framework for understanding social justice and intentional social change within the context of the fields of peacebuilding and development. By integrating foundational theoretical knowledge, interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and development of skills, the major prepares students for professional employment (practice) in social justice and social change. (The new major will replace both JPCS and applied sociology beginning fall 2009.)
The major embodies EMU’s stated mission to live out Anabaptist Christian convictions by following Jesus’ call “to witness faithfully, serve compassionately, and walk boldly in the way of nonviolence and peace. Learn more
About our current major...
Focusing on the analytical and intuitive aspects of justice and peace work the program prepares students to engage in reflective practice, a balance between action and reflection. As a program without walls, it draws on knowledge and skills from a variety of departments throughout the university, though the program has a clear theological and social science orientation. JPCS courses and activities give concrete expression to its commitment to nurture a lifestyle of justice and reconciliation.
It also encourages students to develop the disciplines and creativity needed to sustain such a lifestyle. The program emphasizes practical interaction with the local community, the church, the nation and the world at large.
An important on-campus resource is EMU's Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, which offers graduate studies in conflict transformation as well as seminars on trauma healing and international peacebuilding.
Through thoughtful planning students can design a combination of core and elective courses to build on their particular strengths and interests. The program strongly recommends that:
- Majors pursue competency through the intermediate level II in one foreign language.
- Majors take a non-JPCS minor in order to broaden options for service and employment.
- Majors and minors participate regularly in Peace Fellowship.