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PACS Program Overview

The Peace, Conflict, and Security Program (PACS) serves students interested in the interdisciplinary areas of peace studies, conflict resolution, and human security and is available to any CU Boulder student. PACS has a four-decade history at the CU Boulder, preparing hundreds of students, many of whom are now peace and conflict professionals in a growing field. The students in our certificate program come from diverse backgrounds, and have varied interests.  However, they all share a deep concern about the destructive conflicts which create unnecessary violence, suffering, and injustice in our world. The PACS faculty believe that these forms of conflict are not inevitable, and that they can be managed through increased understanding and effective practices.

This program is dedicated to providing knowledge and skills that can help you to successfully engage the potential conflicts you will encounter in your personal and professional life. Perhaps most importantly, it will connect you with other students who share these commitments, and who seek to build strong peacemaking communities on the CU Boulder campus, and in the world.  As you’ll see, the requirements for the PACS Certificate are flexible, and allow you to pursue your unique interests as future peacebuilders and conflict intervenors.  

• To apply for the certificate program, students should visit the requirements page. Students are also encouraged to talk with the PACS Director Dr. Michael English about their plans. You can contact the PACS program via email.
• PACS students participate in related programs on campus and beyond through study abroad and internships. Upon graduation, their career paths may lead them to graduate study and a growing number of organizations working to moderate conflict and build peace and justice at all levels of national and global society.
• PACS relies on support from outside the University for its supplementary programs such as internships and scholarships. Those wishing to further the PACS mission, may do so by giving tax-deductible gifts to the Colorado Peace Studies Endowment.

PACS Data

The PACS program is proud to have a variety of students who learn important, life-long skills with high levels of student satisfaction. With smaller classes and more personalized instruction from experts in the field of Peace and Conflict studies, the PACS program gives students a comprehensive, well-rounded education.

• Students who participate in the PACS curriculum enter into a number of careers such as diplomacy, law, politics, nonprofits, business, leadership, and many more.
• Over 96% of students believe the program improved the quality of their experience at CU Boulder.
• While the top majors of the program include International Affairs and Political Science, students from many departments and colleges also benefit from the program.

To learn more about student satisfaction and how this program can benefit you, check out PACS certificate information and the exit survey data below.