Peace & Justice Programs

Student in inside out class

Study Peace. Practice Justice. Lead Change.

At Goshen College, peace isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live. Rooted in our core values and our Mennonite heritage, the Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies (PJCS) program invites you to explore how real, lasting change happens—across communities, cultures, and systems.

As a PJCS student, you’ll dive into topics like restorative justice, social movements, nonviolence, and global conflict. But more than that, you’ll learn how to put theory into action—how to organize, advocate, and build relationships that make transformation possible.

Whether you’re passionate about community healing, international diplomacy, or systemic change, PJCS gives you the tools to think critically, engage compassionately, and lead with purpose.

Peace & Justice Programs

All Majors & Minors

  • Conflict Transformation

    Mediation, negotiation and nonviolent communication define conflict transformation studies at Goshen College, a minor geared toward peacebuilding.

  • Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice

    In the criminal justice and restorative justice program, you learn to address crime, harm, and injustice in ways that go beyond punishment—focusing instead on healing, accountability, and systemic change.

  • Interdisciplinary Studies

    As an Interdisciplinary Studies major at Goshen College, you’ll have the freedom to chart your own academic path by combining courses from multiple fields to match your unique interests and career goals.

  • Peace and Justice Studies

    As a Peace and Justice Studies minor at Goshen College, you’ll explore how people and communities work to resolve conflict, promote justice and build more peaceful societies.

  • Peace, Justice & Conflict Studies

    Study restorative justice, global conflict and reconciliation in Goshen College's Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies major, taught in small classes.

  • Sociology

    As a sociology major at Goshen College, you’ll investigate the forces that influence human behavior, identity, and inequality—and learn how to be a force for justice and social transformation.

    All Majors & Minors

    Real-World Peacebuilding Starts Here

    You won’t just study peace—you’ll practice it. Internships are a central part of the PJCS experience, helping you apply what you learn in real-world settings. You might work with:

    • La Casa in Goshen, supporting local families

    • The Center for Community Justice in Elkhart, focusing on restorative practices

    • Mennonite Central Committee, with peace and justice placements across North America

    • Or even design your own international internship rooted in service and advocacy

    No matter where you go, you’ll be supported by faculty who believe in your growth and who model lives of service and justice.

    Turn Your Passion for Justice into a Career

    A degree in our peace and justice programs prepares you for careers where thoughtful leadership, strategic thinking, and compassion are essential. You’ll be equipped to work in:

    • Social work and community development

    • Education and nonprofit leadership

    • Law and public policy

    • Mediation and restorative justice

    • Peacebuilding through NGOs, mission organizations, or government agencies

    More than a major, PJCS is a mindset: you’ll learn to approach conflict not with fear, but with the skills and imagination to build something better.

    Take the Next Steps

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