Peace, War, and Defense Major, B.A.

专业介绍

While peace may be among our oldest dreams, human conflict is an enduring challenge faced by societies around the world. The Curriculum in Peace, War, and Defense (PWAD) offers students the tools to understand and analyze the complexities of conflict, security, and cooperation on a global scale. Whether you are passionate about diplomacy, strategy, or justice, the study of PWAD offers the foundation to explore the world’s most pressing issues.

The curriculum puts a premium on experiential learning, combining academic expertise and practitioner experience to offer students classes rooted in real-world security dilemmas. By providing students with this unique mix of theory and practice, the PWAD program at UNC is unlike any other undergraduate program in the country.

A major in PWAD begins with three foundational courses that provide students with a shared intellectual framework. From there, students select a concentration that aligns with their interests—ranging from international security and intelligence to the cultural dimensions of war and peace. Alongside coursework, PWAD students benefit from hands-on experiences like field trips, guest lectures, internships, and study abroad opportunities.

The study of peace, war, and defense opens doors to a wide range of impactful careers and advanced study. Many alumni pursue graduate studies in areas such as international relations, law, public policy, and history. Others step directly into meaningful work across work in federal agencies, NGOs and international organizations, state and local government, finance, media, academia, consulting, and private sector industries.

PWAD graduates are uniquely equipped with interdisciplinary insight, strong analytical skills, and global awareness—traits that are in high demand across sectors. Whatever path they choose, they carry forward a deep understanding of global conflict and cooperation and the ability to lead with perspective and purpose.