The Certificate in Foundations of Peace Education is designed for educational professionals working in a variety of educational environments, ranging from P-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and non-governmental organizations. This certificate will provide students with the concepts, skills, and values to infuse peace education throughout the curriculum, thereby providing them with greater opportunities to be hired in a variety of educational settings.

The Certificate is a 12-semester hour program. The certificate is available to students from any major and courses may be included as part of a master's  or doctoral program with the approval of the faculty advisor. Coursework can be completed online, on-campus or through a combination of on-campus and online courses. 

Admission to the Certificate in Foundation of Peace Education

In addition to admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, admission to the certificate program requires the following:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution

• An overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate work or acceptable scores on the GRE for prospective students with less than a 2.7 undergraduate GPA

• A well-written statement of purpose describing the student’s background and goals as well as the importance of the degree in achieving those goals

• Two letters of recommendation regarding the prospective student's potential for doing graduate level work. Letters should be recommendations from professionals such as an undergraduate major advisor, current employer, school principal or others who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s ability to engage in graduate work in the desired program

The certificate program has selective admissions and may admit a limited number of students. Thus, meeting all formal criteria does not guarantee admission.

What to Submit with Your Application

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

• Statement of purpose

• Two letters of recommendation 

• GRE scores if required

Requirements for the Certificate in Foundations of Peace Education

For the Certificate, students must complete the following program requirements: 

• A minimum of 12 semester hours of approved graduate course work

• Completion of TSOC 5600/7600 

• Completion of at least three additional courses in educational psychology or theory and social foundations as approved by the faculty advisor

Courses may be included as part of a master's or doctoral degree program as approved by the student's faculty advisor. Master's level courses (5000/6000 level) may be included as part of a master's plan of study. Doctoral level courses (7000/8000 level) may be included as part of a doctoral plan of study. 

All coursework and requirements of the certificate must be taken within a four-year period immediately preceding the date the degree is awarded.

Plan of Study

A plan of study identifying the courses for the certificate is required after 6 credit hours. The certificate plan of study must include the following within the 12 semester hour minimum:  

• 12 credits of specialization in peace education 

Guide for Developing a Plan of Study

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the Certificate in Foundations of Peace Education. Students should work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements.