Description
The Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, offered by the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, is a two-year professional program that prepares students for practice and further academic work by integrating conflict analysis and resolution theory, research, and practical techniques. Students study the theory, methods, and ethical perspectives of the field and apply this knowledge in laboratory simulations and workshops, internships, and field practica. Graduates of the 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 where interest groups are in conflict with current and emergent public policy.
Degree Requirements
A total of 41 credit-hour units are required: 15 credits are required core courses, 20 credits are electives and, six integrative credits (students can choose from a defined list). The choice of electives can vary significantly according to each student's individual goals or needs. Therefore, each student should develop a Plan of Study that should be discussed once each semester with his/her advisor and updated as appropriate.
Time Limit: GMU requires that all students complete their Masters degrees within six years of their official admission date.
Required Courses
Students take 15 credits of required course work. The semester in which courses are generally offered is indicated in parentheses.
CONF 501 (fall or spring) Overview of the field of conflict analysis and resolution (should be taken in the student's first semester at ICAR)
CONF 610 (fall or spring) Introduction to research
CONF 713 (fall or spring) Introduction to application at the interpersonal and small group level
CONF 601 (fall or spring) Theories of Sources of Conflict and Conflict Resolution
CONF 642 (fall or spring) Integration of Theory and Practice (should be taken in the student's last semester at ICAR)
Elective Courses
Students must complete 20 credits of relevant elective course work.
CONF 720, 730 or 740 (spring) Gateways to Specialization Tracks
CONF 701, 702, 709 (fall) Advanced Theory
CONF 703 (fall), 714 (spring), Advanced Practice
CONF 715 (fall)
CONF 611 (spring) Advanced Research
CONF 695, CONF 795, CONF 697, and appropriate graduate courses from other GMU departments or Consortium Universities may also apply as electives.
*ICAR students are limited to a max of 6 credits of non-ICAR elective coursework to be counted towards the MS degree requirements (another GMU department, a course through the Consortium, a course from another university). Certificate classes count as ICAR coursework and can be taken towards elective credit degree requirements.
Integrative Courses:
Students must complete six credits (two courses) of integrative work, choosing one of the following integration options:
1. CONF 690 Practicum in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (6 credits) or
2. CONF 694 Internship (3 credits or 6 credits) or 3 credits of CONF 694 and 3 credits of CONF 795 or
3. CONF 799 Master's Thesis (3 credits in fall and 3 credits in spring) or a combination of 1 credit of CONF 798 (thesis proposal) and 5 credits of CONF 799.
Directed Readings
Only two directed readings/independent studies (CONF 697) may be applied toward requirements for a master's degree (these would be counted as elective credits).
Internship. ICAR's internship option is available throughout the academic year to M.S. and Ph.D. students as three credit hour elective opportunities to experientally apply theory to practice. With the assistance of ICAR's Internship Coordinator, students locate suitable organizations or other opportunities "in the field" where they can assist site supervisors in relevant aspects of conflict analysis and resolution. Frequently, this takes place where public agencies have formulated or intend to formulate polices that one or more segments of the population are in conflict with. Although internships can be done throughout the year, enrollment occurs only during the summer term (CONF 694). Additional information on ICAR Field Opportunities and Internships can be found in the ICAR Student Handbook.
Applied Practice and Theory (APT)
The APT program is a six-credit course running yearlong. It is designed to take the concepts presented in class and practiced in labs into real situations with conflict and consequences. Students work in teams integrating research and practice with theory development and applied ethics.
For more information on the Masters Program,
please consult the ICAR Student Handbook
