BA in Humanitarianism & Conflict Response

BA in Humanitarianism & Conflict Response

We believe that even the world’s most destructive conflicts can be resolved to create a more peaceful future. With a bachelor’s degree in conflict resolution from Portland State University, you will be able to participate and contribute to this important work locally and globally.

As a conflict resolution major, you will learn to analyze conflict, uncovering the underpinnings of conflict dynamics in a wide variety of settings and scales. You will develop perspectives and gain skills to defuse and de-escalate destructive conflicts that arise among individuals, groups, and countries.

The courses in the program encompass the practical and theoretical bases of mediation, negotiation, and an array of peace-enhancing perspectives and strategies. The program includes research, theory, and competency-based education focusing on building the necessary personal, social, and institutional conditions necessary for positive peace, conflict transformation (from destructive to constructive), and universal respect for context-sensitive human rights. Students are encouraged to pursue their own particular interests in the study of conflict resolution.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION BACHELOR'S DEGREE OR MINOR: WHY HBIU?

HBIU conflict resolution program introduces you to peacebuilding and dispute methods drawn from psychology, communications theory, philosophy, and even "improv." With seasoned faculty, you will explore culturally sensitive and diverse approaches to engaging and transforming conflict.

Our faculty work closely with community partners and international organizations as consultants, board members, and trainers in conflict resolution strategies. They bring their real-world experience into your classes.

In your courses, you will gain the fundamentals of conflict resolution practice and research, including fieldwork. You will also gain skills in areas like nonviolence, bystander intervention, and social organizing. Campus organizations, like Students United for Nonviolence, provide you with opportunities to engage with the university and the Portland metro area.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE 

Our students graduate ready to solve real-world conflicts. You will have the sensitivity and an innovative, practical toolbox to bring conflict resolution skills into a multitude of careers, from non-profits to government. You will be suited for careers in the field of conflict resolution and prepared to add value in any community setting, occupational field, or workplace by bringing conflict transformation strategies to bear. Undergraduates acquire these skills as they focus on the transformation of conflict for the achievement of peace and social justice at the small group and community level. Our graduates go on to careers in academia, advocacy, nonprofits, federal, state, and local government agencies, social work and community services, international development and policy, primary, secondary, and higher education, and education administration.

A career preparation course open to students majoring and minoring in Conflict Resolution prepares you to step into the marketplace grounded and confident.

Major Requirements (48 units)

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this degree:

2022 - 2023 Major Map

Conflict Resolution, BA

Term 1 / 0 - 13 Credit Hours Critical course signified by critical course

Hours

Critical Course

COM 100: Introduction to Human Communication (SB) 3C 

ENG 101 or ENG 102: First-Year Composition OR

ENG 105: Advanced First-Year Composition OR

ENG 107 or ENG 108: First-Year Composition 3C 

Mathematics (MA) ( MAT 142 recommended)3C 

Elective 3  

Term 2 / 13 - 29 Credit Hours Critical course signified by critical course Hours

ENG 102: First-Year Composition 

Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications (CS)3C 

Literacy and Critical Inquiry (L)3C Natural Science - Quantitative (SQ)4C 

Elective 3  

Term 3 29 - 45 Credit Hours Critical course signified by critical course

Hours

critical course

COM 222: Argumentation (L) 

ORCOM 230: Small Group Communication (SB) 

ORCOM 263: Elements of Intercultural Communication (SB & C & G)3C  

Historical Awareness (H)3C Humanities, Arts and Design (HU)3C 

Natural Science - Quantitative (SQ) OR Natural Science - General (SG)4C Elective 3  

critical course: / Complete First-Year Composition requirement.

critical course: / Complete Mathematics (MA) requirement.critical course /Complete ENG 101 OR ENG 105 OR ENG 107 course(s).

NCR 289

Key Issues in Peacebuilding 3

NCR 290 Intro to Negotiation Theory 3

NCR 291 Psychology of Peacebuilding 3

NCR 387 Environment and Peacebuilding 3

NCR 390 Fundamentals of Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding 3

NCR 405 Research Methods: NCRP Pedagogy 3

NCR 490 Capstone Course:

NCRP 3 Interdisciplinary Courses

ANT 338 Mainland Southeast Asia 3

ANT 339 Mexico and Central America 3

PHI 383 Comparative Religions 3

POL 373 Conflict, Violence, Nonviolence, and Peace 3

SOC 331 Minority Racial and Ethnic Relations 3

SOC 334 Women In Society 3

SOC 335 Social Movements 3

SOC 362 Gangs and Adolescent Subcultures 3