 | Agnieszka Paczynska, Ph.D. Director, Master's Program |
What is the MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Program?
The Masters of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution offers a comprehensive study of a wide variety of conflict types and prepares students for research and intervention that can mitigate, resolve, and potentially prevent negative relations between parties. In this program, students analyze the root causes and defining characteristics of conflicts and explore the wide-ranging consequences for those parties engaged and engulfed in hostilities.
Conflicts are examined at all levels – interpersonal, intragroup, intergroup, and international with the assumption that there are common dynamics across levels of analysis. Much of the analysis centers on discovering common patterns of interaction among various conflict parties and developing models for the evolution of conflicts. However, detailed case studies reveal that each conflict has its unique characteristics and that the actions of the involved parties are somewhat unpredictable.
Along with learning about patterns of conflict and their resolution, students will learn a set of practices that seek to address the sources of hostility and to alter negative patterns of interaction between the parties. A defining characteristic of the MS program is the integration of theory, research and practice. A major lesson practitioners have learned is the centrality of knowledge put into practice—that is, knowing how best to implement such practices in the moment of engagement with conflict parties. Such knowledge reflects acquired skills, practical experience, and awareness of the strengths and weakness of the different modes of practice.
Conflict analysis and resolution has its origins in a wide range of disciplines, including political science, anthropology, public policy, law, social-psychology, sociology, communications, and religion.
Graduates of the M.S. program work in a variety of settings where conflict resolution is useful, such as businesses, unions, government agencies, religious groups, court systems, educational institutions, community centers, international relief and development organizations, conflict resolution consulting firms, and in situations where interest groups are in conflict with current and emergent public policy. The program also prepares students for doctoral study in both conflict analysis and resolution, as well as related fields.
Agnieszka Paczynska, Ph.D.