About ISCOR
A unique multidisciplinary program that promotes a comprehensive understanding of
contemporary challenges to global and human security
Founded in 1989, the Institute for International Security and Conflict Resolution promotes an innovative, multidisciplinary perspective on issues vital to securing our future. Initially established to promote collaborative research across colleges and departments, the institute worked to set up an undergraduate major that would allow students to benefit from diverse faculty expertise in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of challenges to global and human security. As a result of the collaborative effort of faculty from Political Science, Physics, Public Administration, Biology, Sociology, and Economics, the ISCOR undergraduate major was set up in 1993.
In its nearly three decades of existence, ISCOR has thrived as a model interdisciplinary program of great relevance to students, faculty, and the broader San Diego community. It remains one of the few programs of its kind in California, and in fact, one of the few of its kind in the United States. Located within the College of Arts and Letters, the major draws from courses offered by faculty in other colleges including, Professional Studies and Fine Arts, Sciences, and Health and Human Services.
ISCOR functions as an academic program and not an independent department. It is housed within the Political Science Department and draws its primary strength from the involvement of the faculty of this department. However, it continues to build on its association with faculty across colleges and disciplines, ensuring that both the program and students benefit from multidisciplinary expertise.
Where can a degree from us take you?
Shawn Voutour
ISCOR, 2014
Ph.D. student, Political Science & International Affairs
University of Georgia
Brianna Bradley
ISCOR, 2018
Intelligence Analyst
Defense Intelligence Agency
Sara Anas
ISCOR, 2020
Associate Director of Refugee Services
Lutheran Social Services
Brandon Nguyen
ISCOR; 2025
Information Technology Consultant, San Diego State University and Graduate student,
Homeland Security Program, San Diego State University
Read more about our students and alumni.
In the News
ISCOR student credits international conference with fostering different perspectives and student connection
Tyler Paulo speaks to the value of attending the 2026 Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders in Bangkok with ISCOR peers.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
By Althea Millman
In January, the Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders in Bangkok, Thailand’s United Nations Conference Center, welcomed students from around the world to participate in an annual international conference centered on world peace.
Hosted by Humanitarian Affairs Asia, a global peace organization, the three-day event featured various planned talks from guest speakers and networking opportunities with fellow delegates. Speakers in the lineup included a German volunteer medic in the Ukraine, Ruben Mawick, and Emi Mahmoud, a Sudanese genocide survivor.
At the Peace Summit conference in Bangkok, (L to R): Leo Hymus, Tyler Paulo, Justina
Pow, Jess Seguin, Chloe Seger, and Samantha Alvarado.