Purpose
A Certificate in Just Peace and Conflict Transformation will be useful for persons interested in gaining knowledge and skill regarding their own and others’ conflicts on a personal and/or vocational level. Conflict transformation goes beyond conflict resolution and conflict management to an understanding of the journey involved in engaging conflict. This approach emphasizes the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, waiting, and deep listening as well as an openness to the oftentimes serendipitous nature of a transformative process, which then guides us toward the relational nature of healthy conflict engagement.
~ Dr. Debbie Roberts
Primary Faculty
Dr. Scott Holland, Slabaugh Professor of Theology and Culture and Director of Peace Studies and Cross-Cultural Studies
Dr. Debbie Roberts, continuing adjunct professor, conflict transformation
Faculty from Earlham School of Religion, our partner seminary
Objectives
The Certificate in Just Peace and Conflict Transformation provides a means of focusing on the work of conflict transformation and creation of just peace in the world. Along with theoretical approaches, the skills needed for constructive work in these areas are practiced both individually and in groups.
Graduates with a Certificate in Just Peace and Conflict Transformation will
- exhibit knowledge of interpersonal, sociopolitical, and theological factors that influence a creative process of conflict transformation and just peace;
- practice skills that promote a healthy conflict transformation process that is responsive to diverse settings and participants, whether among individuals or groups;
- demonstrate the ability to apply just peace theory and practice in interdisciplinary and intercultural contexts.
Courses
This certificate requires 15 hours of coursework, including two required courses. The additional hours may come from a variety of courses in reconciliation and peace studies, as listed in the catalog. Students can take any number of courses in a semester. Not all courses are offered every year. The certificate can be completed in one to two years.
Required Courses
- Conflict Transformation
- Just Peace: An Ecumenical Call
Three Elective Courses
- Feminist Theological Perspectives on Conflict
- Gospel of Peace
- Interfaith Dialogue
- Introduction to Pastoral Care*
- Mediation as Social and Spiritual Practice
- Pastoral Care with Family Systems*
- Religion as a Source of Terror and Transformation
- Restorative Justice
*Offered through Earlham School of Religion
Admissions Process Deadlines
Fall session: May 15th
Spring session: November 15th
Cost
Total cost for 15 credit hours is $7,200. Students may apply for financial aid through Bethany: Church Service Covenant Grant, Academic Excellence Scholarship, and need-based aid.
Through our generous financial aid program, students may reduce their total tuition costs down to as low as $2,200 for the entire certificate if completed in four semesters. There is a $350 extension fee if a fifth semester is needed. An institutional loan program is also available for those who qualify. For full details on financial aid, payment plans, and extension fees, contact the Admissions Office.
For more information on this certificate and courses, refer to the Academic Catalog.
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