Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution graduates vary by role and location. Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn a median of $100,340 annually, while Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn around $78,490. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Nebraska average $134,170 compared to $60,403 in North Dakota. Approximately 196,360 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 82 accredited institutions offer Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include George Mason University (130 graduates), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (96 graduates), and Georgetown University (GU) (54 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,145 in 2010 to a peak of 1,222 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,003 in 2023-24. This represents a 12% decrease overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, and Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators. Related occupations employ approximately 196,360 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.