Tension is an inevitable part of life. At Goshen College, we believe that conflict can be beneficial when we engage it in healthy ways. If students choose this minor at Goshen College, they will learn to see how disagreements and tension can lead to growth, reconciliation, and social change.
Learning about conflict management at Goshen College provides students with an understanding of the origins, root causes and dynamics of interpersonal tension and skills in nonviolent communication, conflict mediation, and negotiation. Students learn to understand conflict analysis from different perspectives among all parties involved, and to intervene constructively in challenging situations.
This minor is designed for students who hope to use mediation training, alternative dispute resolution and communication skills in a particular career path. They will take classes to give them practical skills and theological, ethical, and philosophical understandings of conflict management and justice. Course themes include conflict and communication; personal, interpersonal, and systemic violence; mediation skills and facilitation; social justice and restorative justice; and power and social change.
The conflict management minor from Goshen College will give you the skills and knowledge to pursue many different career opportunities, even if you’re not pursuing a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in conflict resolution. Career paths include professional mediator, facilitation, community organizing, specialized training programs, nonprofit leadership, public policy, international relations, social work, criminal justice, and law school. And you will be prepared to work in various settings, including government agencies, business, education, mediation associations, professional organizations, legal research, sustainable development, human rights, international organizations and nonprofit organizations.
By the time students graduate, they will be equipped with an appreciation of the transformative power of tension and the tools to initiate peace and reconciliation. You will learn to identify and work through complex intercultural conflicts and be able to promote dialogue in individual or group settings as a skilled facilitator, mediator, and negotiator. Peacemaking skills make students indispensable members of their workplace, community and graduate programs in a wide variety of fields.
Gaining mediation experience can be an opportunity for personal growth. In addition to learning about organizational conflict, students will also gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. You will learn about the different stages of tension and how to deal with emotions such as anger, fear, and hatred. This minor will also help you understand your own biases and empathize with others.
If you are interested in pursuing a degree in conflict resolution, this program will give you a strong foundation in the theoretical understanding and practices of peacebuilding. This minor is also an excellent complement to majors such as sociology, psychology, social work, education, business, and political science; including graduate school studies in these areas.
Please fill out the form below for more information. Financial aid options are available.
February 7, 2023 was the official release date for Dr. Howard Zehr’s newest book Restorative Justice: Insights and Stories from My Journey. Published by Walnut Street Books, the book contains what the title suggests – stories and insights (and photographs!) from Howard’s years spent teaching, practicing, critiquing, synthesizing, mentoring, and leading.
Meet Rob Brenneman, professor of criminal justice and sociology. He is in his third year as director of the Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice (CJRJ) major at Goshen College.
Dr. Regina Shands Stotlzfus, professor of Peace, Justice and Conflict studies, has been presented the 2021 Everence National Journey Award for her personal and professional dedication to anti-oppression and social justice.
of our peace, justice and conflict studies alumni volunteer at least once a year
of PJCS alumni are satisfied or very satisfied with their undergraduate education
of alumni agree that PJCS professors at GC are genuinely interested in students
First peace course taught at GC (War, Peace, & Nonresistance)
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
Lydette Assefa ’09 is an attorney and clinical fellow with the Children & Family Justice Center at the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
Lydette's storyCade Fisher ‘22 is interested in helping people find themselves on the fringes of our society.
Allen Bohnert ('98) is an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Ohio. His work is featured in the recent documentary The Penalty, available on Amazon Video. He looks forward to being left unemployed.
Allen's storyRob Vander Giessen-Reitsma ’05 is using his peace, justice and conflict studies major to solve injustices with a Christ-centered approach.
Rob's storyRachel Eisenstat, a 2006 graduate, studied peace, justice & conflict studies at Goshen College. Since graduating, she has recorded an album with top Denver musicians using funding support from community.
Rachel's storyEthan Lapp ’20 is a peace, justice and conflict studies and social work double major from Goshen. He was a leader of the Prevention Intervention Network (PIN).
Ethan's storyRegina Shands Stoltzfus
Professor of Peace Justice & Conflict Studies
Director of PJCS
