Peace isn’t a niche interest at Goshen College—it’s a shared passion. Peace is central to our identity, which is apparent in our curriculum, our history and our core values. The peace, justice and conflict studies (PJCS) program pulls together and gives full expression to the many strands of peace that permeate campus culture.
As a PJCS student, you’ll study subjects like restorative justice, social change and war and peace in the modern world. And you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your beliefs into action through a range of internship options. Some are local, with organizations like La Casa (working with low income families) in Goshen and the Center for Community Justice in Elkhart, and some are across North America, with agencies like Mennonite Central Committee or a summer internship with the Service Inquiry Program. Some students find a way to do international internships as well.
What can you do after college with a PJCS major? Anything that requires the ability to analyze complex problems, come up with creative solutions, be an effective organizer and transform destructive conflict in positive directions. As a graduate of the PJCS program, you’ll have top-notch preparation for your future career as a social worker, teacher, lawyer, mediator or peace worker for a service or mission organization.
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.
Matt Troyer-Miller '05 is pastor of Wood River Mennonite Church, and an EMT and chaplain for the Wood River Volunteer Fire Department, and Elizabeth Troyer-Miller '06 works part time for Heartland Disaster Recovery Group and offers mediation services.
Dr. Regina Shands Stoltzfus is a professor and director of Peace, Justice & Conflict Studies at Goshen College. She is the co-author of "Been in the Struggle" (Herald Press, Nov. 2, 2021).
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
First peace course taught at GC (War, Peace, & Nonresistance)
of alumni agree that PJCS professors at GC are genuinely interested in students
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
Rob Vander Giessen-Reitsma ’05 is using his peace, justice and conflict studies major to solve injustices with a Christ-centered approach.
Rob's storyAllen 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 storyCade Fisher ‘22 is interested in helping people find themselves on the fringes of our society.
Bauman’s calling is a combination of working for sustainability, healing, community and justice.
Nicole's storyRegina Shands Stoltzfus '84 sees her students as curious, passionate and eager to make a difference in the world by fostering justice.
Regina's storyAJ Delgadillo wanted to improve society's food waste problem, so he took an idea and ran with it.
AJ's storyRegina Shands Stoltzfus
Professor of Peace Justice & Conflict Studies
Director of PJCS
Jerrell Richer
Professor of Economics
Carl Kreider Chair
Keith Graber Miller
Professor of Bible
Religion & Philosophy
Luke Kreider
Assistant Professor of Religion and Sustainability
