SPCS new reception area
KSU Rock says Flashes Take Care of Flashes
Understanding, Imagining, and Practicing Peaceful Change
The School of Peace and Conflict Studies
Understanding, Imagining, and Practicing Peaceful Change
May 4 Memorial
A Living Memorial to May 4, 1970
The School of Peace and Conflict Studies
A Living Memorial to May 4, 1970
Four Lanterns for May 4 victims
Understanding, Imagining, and Practicing Peaceful Change
The School of Peace and Conflict Studies
Understanding, Imagining, and Practicing Peaceful Change
Annual Candlelight March
A Living Memorial to May 4, 1970
The School of Peace and Conflict Studies
A Living Memorial to May 4, 1970
Kent State May 4 Ohio Historical Marker
A Living Memorial to May 4, 1970
The School of Peace and Conflict Studies
A Living Memorial to May 4, 1970
Why Study With SPCS?
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May 4 Information

Welcome to the School of Peace and Conflict Studies, where we are dedicated to developing in our students the knowledge and skills to bring about positive peaceful change. 

As a hub for academic excellence and research in the field of conflict resolution and peace studies, we invite you to explore our diverse programs and join us in shaping a better future.

Deadline Extended for May 4th Legacy Scholarship Applications

Applications are now being accepted for the four May 4th Legacy Scholarships being awarded in 2025 to PACS majors (BA and MA).  Each scholarship is in the amount of $3,000.  The deadline for applications has been extended as follows:
 

The deadline for the first round of applications for the May 4 Legacy Scholarships has been extended to midnight on Monday, May 26, 2025.    Applications received by the deadline for the first round of applications will receive priority in determining scholarship awards. 

A second round of applications will be accepted up until a deadline of Friday, June 6, 2025.     Applicants for this second round will be eligible to receive funding if we are unable to make a decision on the award of all four of the May 4 Legacy Scholarships based on first round of applications.

 

Learn More about the May 4th Legacy Scholarships and How to Apply 

Experience SPCS

 

Welcome!

We look forward to seeing our new and returning students in the Fall, and wish you a good summer.

 

Statement on Israel/Palestine by the School of Peace and Conflict Studies We write as faculty and staff of an academic unit created over 50 years ago by Kent State University (KSU) with a mission to research, teach, and advocate for the principles of peaceful change, and whose original degree program began in 1973, the same year as the Yom Kippur War. This is a reminder that the recent violence in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank has its roots in a deeper history, and that the search for sustainable peace will not be achieved by further perpetuation of violence and militarism. ... Read more >>> 

What's New?

  • New! Masters of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies

    New! Masters of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies

    The School of Peace and Conflict Studies at Kent State University will be offering a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies starting in Fall 2023.

    Learn more

  • New! Environment, Peace and Justice Minor

    New! Environment, Peace and Justice Minor

    Beginning in Fall 2023, SPCS is offering a new interdisciplinary minor in Environment, Peace & Justice.

    Learn more

  • New! 3+3 Law School Program

    New! 3+3 Law School Program

    The Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) major is now part of Kent State’s 3+3 Law School Program, which allows students to complete both their bachelor's degree and a law degree in six years. 

    Learn More

  • NEW! Office Renovation

    NEW! Office Renovation

    The SPCS office space in McGilvrey Hall is being remodeled and expanded during the Fall 2023 semester and is expected to be completed in early 2024.

    Learn more
Annual Candlelight March
Our Historical Legacy

Famous not only for the violent conflict of May 4th, Kent State is now also well-known for its academic study of peace, constructive conflict management, and the prevention of violence. 

 

  •
    Undergraduate Program

    SPCS offers a BA in Peace & Conflict Studies, as well as minors in Peace & Conflict Studies, and Environment, Peace & Justice.  Our popular Intro to Conflict Management course fulfills both Kent Core and diversity requirements, and teaches valuable skills for students in any major.

  • Part of the new Student Green located in front of the Risman Plaza.
    Graduate Programs

    At the graduate level SPCS now offers a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies.  SPCS faculty also teach courses in the Conflict Analysis and Management concentration of the graduate program in Political Science.   Peace and Conflict Studies graduate-level courses are also included in the Leading Through Challenge Graduate Certificate program offered by the College of Business.

  • CACM Alumni Panel
    What Can I Do with a PACS Degree?

    Our alumni are employed in a variety of fields which include mediation, human resources, law, social work and counseling, nonprofit management, social services, government, education and training, community organizing and activism, business, and finance.

  • Photo of B'nai B'rith Hillel Marker on May 4 site
    May 4th Legacy Scholarships

    The May 4th Legacy Scholarship Program  provides four scholarships to be given to students majoring in our Peace and Conflict Studies program, in honor of the four students killed on May 4, 1970. 

     

  • Rwanda Peace Conference program booklet
    Highlights of the Global Peace Education Conference in Rwanda - July 11-13, 2023

    In July 2023, School of Peace and Conflict Studies faculty and students, as well as other members of the Kent State community and local educators, traveled to Kigali, Rwanda to participate in the “Peace Education in an Era of Crisis” conference.

Featured News
Apr 25, 2025
What Does Peace Look Like?
Apr 25, 2025
Event: Peace Mural Exhibit Opening - Thursday May 1
Apr 02, 2025
Applications being accepted for May 4th Legacy Scholarships - deadline April 28, 2025
Feb 18, 2025
Event: Storytelling as Resistance:  The Power of Narrative in Conflict Resolution
Dec 05, 2024
Peace, Conflict and the Courtroom
View More News

Contact Us

Email: spcs@kent.edu
Phone: 330-672-3143
Fax: 330-672-0668

Need help resolving conflict? 
Find Conflict Resolution Services on campus.

The SPCS Listserv sends out periodic emails about jobs, internships, news and events related to conflict management and social change. Sign up to join the listerv.

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