The Interdisciplinary Studies Department at Salem State University meets the intellectual and professional needs of 21st century students by providing them with opportunities to study complex topics and create new knowledge through the integration of methods, skills and materials from across the university. These skills and ways of engaging with the world are essential tools for successful careers and lives. We offer a major in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and a self-designed option. We also offer ten interdisciplinary minors. <br>This concentration is concerned with the issues of peace, sources of intercultural conflict, their resolution, and social justice. The program of study draws upon the strengths of a range of disciplines and focuses on developing an understanding of recent history, contemporary social political structures, the problems associated with these structures, the ethical values embedded in these structures, potential conflicts, and possible paths to resolution.