It was the most pivotal moment of your life. You snatched the caterpillar out of your little brother’s firm grip, saving its life and watching it slither back into freedom. Right then, you understood the sole purpose of your existence: to save the world from evil wrongdoers. OK, so it may not be that easy, but you CAN contribute to society through your education. Whether you’re an activist or just simply active, there are a plethora of college courses available for socially conscious students such as yourself. Try courses in peace and justice studies, intercultural studies, ecology, international security and conflict resolution. Many colleges and universities have established majors, minors and other programs along those disciplines. In fact, more than 200 university-level peace studies majors and programs have emerged over the past few years. One example is Tufts University’s peace and justice studies program. Participants in the program explore the trials and tribulations, obstacles and paths for achieving world peace. Students investigate causes of war, learn about traditionally peaceful cultures and practice conflict resolution. In addition, students enrolled in the major or certificate program have plenty of chances to participate in related activities, practice teaching tolerance and even help shape the program curriculum. Peace studies is an emerging concentration among colleges nationwide. However, there are numerous related courses of study that are also becoming more and more popular. All of the following programs can help you prepare for careers in serving the world and helping society. While they encompass a vast array of subjects, each and every one of them is significant in its own domain. World peace could never be achieved without adequate understanding and knowledge of different cultures. Among many other colleges, Washington State University offers concentrations in ethnic studies, multiethnic studies and cultural studies. These intercultural courses of study take a comparative approach to understanding and embracing cultural differences. If you love learning new customs and languages, give intercultural studies a try. You will learn to appreciate other cultures and negotiate cultural conflicts. Speaking of conflict, perhaps you’ve thought about becoming an international mediator or working for a worldwide organization? Consider a course of study that focuses on teaching conflict resolution, such as San Diego State University’s international security and conflict resolution major. Students take classes about international relations, human rights, arms control and economic development. The program teaches cooperation and resolution in intercultural conflicts, as well as international security. If you are interested in helping society through research and science, consider subjects like ecology and environmental studies. Columbia University has recently added an environmental biology major that offers students an opportunity to learn about ecology, environmental policies, conservation biology, evolution and genetics. Participants prepare for careers dealing with the preservation and conservation of the world’s natural resources. These courses of study offer you a unique opportunity to help society through your education. You’ll acquire crucial problem-solving and peacemaking skills. Many graduates of these progressive programs have taken jobs with the government as advisors, researchers and analysts. Some graduates are employed by nonprofit organizations to promote education, democracy and economic growth in developing countries. Other graduates choose to remain in the private sector, working as mediators and public interest lawyers. You can look for internships at the United Nations now, teach English in a developing country, or volunteer as a domestic/community mediator or conflict negotiator for an organization in your hometown. Perhaps now more than ever, the world needs young people who are educated in areas such as peace studies, conflict resolution, conservation of resources, intercultural studies and international security. You may just end up saving the world!
