International Conflict & Peace Studies
The International Conflict & Peace Studies major examines the causes, dynamics, and resolutions of conflicts between nations, communities, and political groups. It explores theories of war, diplomacy, negotiation, and peacebuilding, analyzing historical and contemporary case studies to understand patterns of violence and cooperation. Students use this knowledge to develop strategies for conflict prevention, reconciliation, and sustainable peace, shaping policies and interventions that promote global stability.
In addition to the course requirements below, International Studies majors must be proficient in a language other than English. To learn more about the language requirement, visit the World Language Requirement page.
To learn more about major requirements, check out the links below. Requirements and course offerings do change, so if you have any questions please reach out to internationalstudies@osu.edu or contact your academic advisor.
International Conflict & Peace Studies Major Requirements
Bachelor of Arts
For students admitted to OSU prior to Autumn 2023, please schedule an appointment with an advisor.
World Language Requirement: All International Studies majors must be proficient in a language other than English (2000 level)
International Studies is an 11 course major (33 hours) (World Language does not count toward this total)
Embedded Literacies: 3 courses (9 hours)
Students must complete one course each in Advanced Writing (AW), Data Analysis (DA) and Technology (TECH) as part of the major.
Required Foundations: 2 courses (6 hours)
- INTSTDS 3850 - Introduction to Globalization - ideally taken sophomore year
- INTSTDS 4852 - Research in Globalization (AW) - ideally taken senior year
Methods & Analysis: Choose one course (3 hours)
- Geography 4103 - Introductory Spatial Data Analysis (DA)
- INTSTDS 3400 - The Analysis & Display of Data (DA)
- Political Science 3780 - Data Literacy & Data Visualization (DA)
- Sociology 5650 - Presenting & Communicating Quantitative Data (DA)
Primary Specialization, any 5 courses from list below (15 hours)
Secondary Specialization: any 3 courses from list below (9 hours)
- AGRCOMM 5150 - Communication for Change & Development
- COMM 3330 - Communication & Conflict Management
- COMM 3554 - Social Implications of Communication Technology (TECH)
- INTSTDS 2800 - Introduction to Peace Studies
- INTSTDS 3703 - Ethical Issues in Information Technology (TECH)
- INTSTDS 4701 - Development & Control of Weapons of Mass Destruction (TECH)
- INTSTDS 4801 - Model United Nations
- INTSTDS 4803 - Intervening for Peace: Peacekeeping & Collective Security
- POLITSC 3460 - Global Justice
- POLITSC 4320 - Strategies for War & Peace
- POLITSC 4331 - The U.N. System
- POLITSC 4455 - Human Rights
- PUBAFRS 2150 - Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations
- PUBAFRS 3140 - Nonprofit Management & Governance
- SOCIOL 3302 - Technology & Global Society (TECH)
- SOCIOL 3463 - Social Stratification: Race, Class & Gender
- SOCIOL 4666 - Power & Society
Bachelor of Science
For students admitted to OSU prior to Autumn 2025, please schedule an appointment with an advisor.
World Language Requirement: All International Studies majors must be proficient in a language other than English (2000 level)
International Studies is an 11 course major (33 hours) (World Language does not count toward this total)
Embedded Literacies: 3 courses (9 hours)
These courses are part of the major - one course in Advanced Writing (AW); one in Technology (TECH); and complete a 3-course sequence in Data Analysis (DA).
Required Foundations: 2 courses (6 hours)
- INTSTDS 3850 - Introduction to Globalization (AW) - ideally taken sophomore year
- INTSTDS 4852 - Research in Globalization (AW) - ideally taken senior year
Data Analysis: 3 courses (9 hours)
Choose one 3-course Series, and complete the 3 courses from that one Series
- Series 1
- Geography 4103 - Introductory Spatial Data Analysis
- Geography 5103 - Intermediate Spatial Data Analysis
- Geography 5210 - Fundamentals of Geographic Information System
- Series 2
- INTSTDS 3400 - The Analysis & Display of Data or Political Science 3780 - Data Literacy & Data Visualization
- Political Science 4781- Data Literacy in Political Science I
- Political Science 4782 - Data Literacy in Political Science II
- Series 3 (check course catalog for prerequisites for 3301 and 3302)
- Statistics 2450.01 or 2450.02 Introduction to Statistical Analysis I
- Statistics 3301 - Statistical Modeling for Discovery I:
- Prerequisites: MATH 2568 and STAT 3202 and 3201
- Statistics 3302 - Statistical Modeling for Discovery II
Specialization: Choose 6 courses (18 hours)
- AGRCOMM 5150 - Communication for Change & Development
- COMM 3330 - Communication & Conflict Management
- COMM 3554 - Social Implications of Communication Technology (TECH)
- INTSTDS 2800 - Introduction to Peace Studies
- INTSTDS/GEOG 3650 - A World Divided? Place, Space, and Regions in World Affairs
- INTSTDS 3703 - Ethical Issues in Information Technology (TECH)
- INTSTDS 4701 - The Development & Control of Weapons of Mass Destruction (TECH)
- INTSTDS 4801 - Model United Nations
- INTSTDS 4803 - Intervening for Peace: Peacekeeping & Collective Security
- POLITSC 3460 - Global Justice
- POLITSC 4320 - Strategies for War & Peace
- POLITSC 4331 - The U.N. System
- POLITSC 4455 - Human Rights
- PUBAFRS 2150 - Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations
- PUBAFRS 3140 - Nonprofit Management & Governance
- SOCIOL 2463 - Social Stratification: Race, Class & Gender
- SOCIOL 3302 - Technology & Global Society (TECH)
- SOCIOL 4666 - Power & Society