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  • Online Certificate for Peace and Social Good

    Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Peace Engineering

    Drexel University’s online Graduate Certificate in Peace Engineering is a groundbreaking program providing a unique opportunity to study at the intersection of STEM and conflict management.

    The 3-course, 9-credit Peace Engineering Certificate introduces you to the field while training you to develop systems-level analysis skills. It features a highly-focused curriculum, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Institute of Peace and the PeaceTech Lab.

    The study plan will help you learn critical ways to prevent and reduce conflict. These methods integrate innovative technologies, engineering approaches, policies, and practices of peacebuilders.

    Apart from technical competencies, the program will help you understand the human dimensions of conflict. For instance, how working in a conflict zone links with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

    As a graduate of the program, you will leave with a toolbox of transferrable skills that will enable you to succeed in peacebuilding and leadership. This makes it an ideal option for FEMA, Army Corps of Engineers, and many other professionals:

    • Peacebuilding practitioners who work on issues related to engineering, technology, and infrastructure
    • Government and military officers responsible for reconstruction and peacebuilding post-conflict
    • Engineers engaged in reconstruction or development work in conflict regions, or where natural resource extraction may lead to conflict

    What is Peace Engineering?

    Peace engineering is the application of science and engineering principles to promote and support peace and a sustainable future for the planet.

    The peace engineering process envisions a world where "prosperity, sustainability, social equity, entrepreneurship, transparency, community voice and engagement, and a culture of quality thrive."

    To reach these goals, peace engineering calls for professionals who can come up with technology-based solutions and processes. Studies show that proper engineering solutions can prevent violent outcomes.

    Drexel’s online Engineering Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies covers key courses to help you understand the peace engineering process:

    • Systems Engineering for Peacebuilding
    • Introduction to Peacebuilding for Engineers
    • Conflict Management for Engineers

    What Projects Does an Engineer Work On Related to Conflict Zones?

    Engineers in conflict zones may work for humanitarian organizations which help communities in major national disasters or to help with the effects of war. Some of the projects that peace engineers work on include:

    • Repair Telecommunications Systems
    • Reconstruct Towns, Bridges, and Infrastructure
    • Install Water Tanks
    • Manage Hydroelectric and Irrigation Projects
    • Develop Rural Areas

    What is the Average Salary of a Humanitarian or Peace Engineer?

    Humanitarian or peace engineers may earn different salaries depending on the type of work they do. Per the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual wage for engineering occupations was $80,170.

    Conflict zones may involve many types of engineers—civil, hydraulic, electrical, transport, mining, petroleum, agricultural, etc. Salaries for these professions vary.

    Type of Engineering Role

    Median Annual Wage

    Job Outlook to 2026

    Civil

    $86,640

    11% (Faster than average)

    Environmental

    $87,620

    8% (As fast as average)

    Hydrologist

    $79,370

    10% (Faster than average)

    Mechanical

    $87,370

    9% (As fast as average)

    Petroleum

    $137,170

    15% (Much faster than average)

    Agricultural

    $77,110

    8% (As fast as average)

    Electrical

    $99,070

    7% (As fast as average)

    Health and Safety

    $89,130

    9% (As fast as average)

    Network

    $109,020

    6% (As fast as average)

    *Data from bls.gov

    What Can You Do with a Certificate in Peace Studies?

    The skills you gain from a peace studies certificate transfer to many settings. Employers look for candidates who can communicate, negotiate, and work in teams. Jobs in conflict zones also require someone who can take into account the environmental, social, and other factors that impact specific projects.

    • Electrical Engineer
      After a natural disaster or armed conflict, an electrical engineer may work to bring energy to remote or ravaged areas. Other projects could include planning, installing, and testing solar-powered lights or water heaters.
    • Environmental Engineer
      In developing countries, environmental engineers help design systems for accessing clean water and waste disposal. Their research can find new ways to restore contaminated sites, reduce pollution, and positively impact the environment.
    • Mechanical Engineer
      In conflict zones, mechanical engineers might design diesel generators to power hospitals. Their design skills may also forge new ways to irrigate fields, grow crops, or process food.
    • Civil Engineer
      Infrastructure is often the first thing that cripples a community after a war, emergency, or crisis. Civil engineers plan schools, roads, dams, bridges, and other vital elements to the disaster recovery process.
    • Hydrologist
      Water availability, use, and quality is vital to the health of individuals and communities. Hydrologists working in conflict zones team up with engineers to establish safe water sources, predict changes in supply, and mitigate flood risks.
    • Computer Systems (Network) Engineer
      Staying connected is a priority in times of conflict and crisis. Network engineers monitor and maintain data networks and telecommunication systems. They also oversee crucial new installations.

    Graduate Certificate in Peace Engineering Program Features

    The program was designed in response to requests from federal and academic institutions to provide technical training in Peace Engineering without requiring a BS in Engineering or full-time enrollment.

    • The only graduate certificate program in Peace Engineering in the nation
    • 3 courses (9 credits) that you can complete part-time in less than one year
    • Develops the skills necessary to address the needs of society at a grand scale
    • Provides opportunities to collaborate with peacebuilding professionals and engineering mentors
    • Available entirely online to fit the needs of working professionals

    State restrictions may apply to some programs.

    Curriculum

    This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

    Required Courses  
    PENG 540
    Systems Engineering for Peacebuilding 3.0
    PENG 545 Introduction to Peacebuilding for Engineers 3.0
    PENG 550 Conflict Management for Engineers 3.0
    Total Credits 9.0

    View Course Descriptions

    Admissions Criteria

    • A bachelor’s degree in an applied or social science, or appropriate work experience

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 2023-2024 is $1007 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1342 per credit)

    For the academic year 2023-2024, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

    • This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
      • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
      • These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
      • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
      • All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
      • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
      • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

     

    Academic Calendar

    2023-2024 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Exams Begin

    Exams End

    Fall 2023

    September 26, 2023

    December 9, 2023

    December 11, 2023

    December 16, 2023

    Winter 2024

    January 8, 2024

    March 16, 2024

    March 18, 2024

    March 23, 2024

    Spring 2024

    April 1, 2024

    June 8, 2024

    June 10, 2024

    June 15, 2024

    Summer 2024

    June 24, 2024

    August 31, 2024

    September 3, 2024

    September 7, 2024

     

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