Peace and Justice Studies

The Peace and Justice Studies program at Tufts University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education focused on understanding and addressing issues related to peace, conflict, social justice, and human rights. Designed to prepare students for active engagement in creating a more equitable and peaceful world, the program integrates perspectives from political science, sociology, anthropology, history, law, and other disciplines to provide a well-rounded understanding of the underlying causes of injustice and conflict as well as strategies for conflict resolution and social change. Students have the opportunity to explore topics such as global conflict, human rights abuses, social movements, diplomacy, and development, equipping them with the analytical skills needed to critically assess complex global issues. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in internships, service projects, and research initiatives that connect academic theory with real-world applications. Through coursework, research, and community engagement, students develop a strong foundation in ethical reasoning, intercultural understanding, and leadership. The program is ideal for students interested in careers in international organizations, NGOs, government agencies, advocacy groups, or graduate studies in international relations, law, or public policy. Faculty members are dedicated to fostering an inclusive academic environment that promotes dialogue, critical thinking, and active citizenship. With a commitment to social justice, the Peace and Justice Studies program at Tufts prepares graduates to become informed and compassionate leaders dedicated to advancing peace, justice, and human dignity worldwide.

For the PJS Major, a total of 11 courses (8 core and 3 electives) are required:

Introductory

PJS 001 Introduction to Peace and Justice Studies (offered every semester)

Core Courses
One class must be taken from each category A-E.

1. War and Peace
   • SOC 120 Sociology of War and Peace
   • PS 61 Introduction to International Relations
   • ANTH 25 Anthropology of War and Peacemaking
   • PS 170 Understanding Civil Wars: Internal Wars & International Responses
2. Justice
   •  
   • SOC 130 Wealth, Poverty, and Inequality
   • PHIL 141 Global Justice
   • ANTH 185-08 After Violence: Truth, Justice and Social Repair
   • ENG 160 Environmental Justice and World Literature
   • PJS 150-01 Introduction to Social Justice
   • PJS 150-06 Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights in the Middle East
   • PJS 150-07 Race, Ethnicity and US Africa Policy
   • PJS 150-10 Introduction to Human Rights
3. Violence and Peace in Culture
   • PJS/ED 164 Education for Peace and Justice
   • FAH 002 Art History from 1700 to the Present
   • ENG 0191-05 War and American Values
   • HIST 93 The Black Power Movement
   • PJS/PS 121 Political Culture in Comparative Perspective
   • PHIL 45 War and Terrorism
   • PJS 150-03 Genocide
   • PJS 150-03 Interventions in Africa: Violence & Technologies of Repair
   • PJS 150-06/RUS/ILVS/WL 91 War Stories
   • PJS 150-08 Peace Implementation in Bosina
   • PJS 150-09 Black Panther Party
4. Conflict Resolution
   • PJS 50 Introduction to Conflict Resolution
   • PJS 131/UEP 130 Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution
5. Creating Social Change
   • PJS/SOC 111 Making Social Change Happen: Grassroots Organizing and Community Activism
   • PJS/SOC 135 Social Movements
   • PJS/CH 109 Community Action and Social Movements in Public Health
   • PJS/ANTH 27 Human Rights in Cultural Context
   • PJS/HIST 128 Civil Rights Movement
   • PJS 150-04/CD 143 Arts, Resilience and Social Justice
   • PJS 150-07 The Arab Spring

Advanced

• PJS 099 Internship in Social Change Organizations
• PJS 190 Integrative Seminar in Peace, Justice, and Social Change
• PJS 198 Senior Thesis (May be used to replace one of required three electives. Note: students undertaking a thesis must still complete PJS 190 senior seminar)

Three electives on a particular theme will be chosen in consultation with a PJS advisor.

1. Completed Common Application or Coalition Application
2. Completed Tufts Writing Supplement 
3. High School Transcript(s)
4. Senior Grades: All applicants will be required to send their senior grades as part of their application. Students applying Early Decision I should send first quarter or trimester grades no later than the last week in November. Students applying Early Decision II should plan for their first semester or trimester grades to arrive no later than the third week in January. Finally, Regular Decision applicants should submit their first semester or trimester grades by the middle of February. Students studying abroad (where predicted grades are common) should send those if senior grades are not available.
5. Testing:
   • For applicants to the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering or the Combined Degree Programs with the SMFA at Tufts or the NEC: SAT with two subject tests or ACT. See the standardized test requirements for information about these tests and recommendations regarding which subject tests to take.
   • For applicants to the SMFA at Tufts' BFA program: SAT or ACT. Subject tests are not required for BFA candidates applying to the SMFA at Tufts.
6. TOEFL Scores: Required only for students for whom English is not the first language or who attend a school where English is not the language of instruction.
7. Letters of Recommendation: Tufts requires one letter from a teacher in a junior or senior year major academic course (math, natural science, social science, English, or a foreign language) and one letter from a guidance counselor for all applicants. Candidates for the SMFA at Tufts' BFA or Combined Degree programs are required to submit a letter from their art teacher as well. An additional letter from all other applicants, though not encouraged, may be submitted if the student feels it can add new perspective to his or her application.
8. Extracurricular Activities: In addition to evaluating an academic fit, the admissions committee looks for ways a student may contribute to the community as a whole. They will assess the level and type of involvement in each activity and may ask questions such as: Has the student been a significant contributor or leader? How has the involvement contributed to the school or larger community? Does the student have a special talent in a particular area? We do not expect all students to be team captains, class presidents, or editors-in-chief; rather, we look for meaningful involvement in their school and/or community. The Common Application allows students to list up to ten different activities, but you don't need to fill every space. Some of the most successful applicants are heavily engaged in just a few activities. Keep in mind that the Common Application is your one chance to show your extracurricular engagements: we are not able to accept a supplemental resume of activities.
9. Art Portfolio: Required only for students applying to the Combined Degree BFA/BA or BFA/BS and BFA applicants to the SMFA at Tufts. Submit a 15-20-piece portfolio of recent work, which represents your strengths and interests, via SlideRoom.
10. $75 Application Fee or Fee Waiver - You may have the application fee waived by submitting either i) a written request from your college counselor or school official who can attest that the fee would represent a financial hardship, or ii) a College Board Request for Waiver of the Application Fee form. You may consider the waiver approved unless a member of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions notifies you otherwise. Without an application fee, or an approved fee waiver, we cannot continue to process your application to Tufts University.

tufts university offers a range of financing options for students enrolled in the peace and justice studies program. admitted students can apply for need-based financial aid, which is determined through the financial aid application process, including the submission of the CSS Profile and the fafsa. tufts is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from pursuing their studies. in addition to need-based aid, students may also explore merit-based scholarships, which are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, or contributions to the community. the university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive support and counseling to help students navigate application procedures and identify suitable funding sources. students are encouraged to apply early and complete all necessary documentation by deadlines to maximize their aid eligibility. in some cases, students may also consider external scholarships and private grants aligned with values of peace and justice. tufts offers flexible payment plans to help manage tuition costs over the academic year. work-study programs are available for eligible students to earn funds while gaining practical experience relevant to their field of study. international students seeking peace and justice studies assistance should consult with the financial aid office to explore available options, as aid packages vary by population. overall, tufts university aims to make its peace and justice studies program accessible through a combination of institutional aid, external funding sources, and financial planning resources, supporting students in their academic and career pursuits without undue financial hardship.

The Peace and Justice Studies program at Tufts University is an interdisciplinary academic program dedicated to exploring the root causes of conflict, violence, and injustice, as well as examining strategies for promoting peace, social justice, and human rights worldwide. This program integrates perspectives from political science, sociology, history, philosophy, and international relations to foster a comprehensive understanding of issues related to peace and conflict resolution. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that covers topics such as conflict analysis, theories of justice, human rights advocacy, diplomacy, nonviolent resistance, and global ethics.

The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical skills, preparing graduates to work in diverse fields including international organizations, non-governmental organizations, policy analysis, community development, and conflict mediation. Students can participate in internships, service-learning projects, and study abroad programs to gain real-world experience and enhance their understanding of global peace and justice challenges.

Faculty members involved in the program are experts in areas such as human rights law, international relations, peacebuilding, and social activism, providing mentorship and fostering an academic environment conducive to critical thinking and social engagement. The program encourages students to critically analyze historical and contemporary issues, contributing to meaningful social change and fostering a commitment to ethical leadership.

Graduates of the Peace and Justice Studies program at Tufts are equipped to work toward resolving conflicts, advocating for marginalized populations, and promoting sustainable peace initiatives. The program also promotes interdisciplinary research and collaborative projects, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing complex global issues. Overall, Tufts University’s Peace and Justice Studies program prepares its students to become informed, compassionate, and effective agents of positive change in an increasingly interconnected world.