Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Conflict Analysis and Resolution, M.S.

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 technique. 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 usefulbusinesses, 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.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting all admission requirements for graduate study, an applicant to the M.S. program must submit the following:

1. All undergraduate and graduate transcripts

2. Three letters of recommendation, one of which should be from a faculty member in the applicant's undergraduate or graduate major field

3. A four- to five-page essay stating the applicant's goals and reasons for seeking admission to the program

The GRE or other standardized test is not required, but may be submitted. The TOEFL is required for foreign students. See Admission of International Students in the Admission Chapter.

Background courses in the social sciences, as well as prior work experience, are desirable. Prior graduate academic work is evaluated on an individual basis for possible transfer credit and fulfillment of program requirements; normally, the university does not permit any reduction in the total credits required for the degree. Although students may enroll on a full- or part-time basis, entry into the program is in the fall semester only.

Degree Requirements

A total of 41 credits is required: 15 credits are required core courses, 15 credits are selectives (students can choose from a defined list), and 11 credits are electives (students may choose appropriate graduate courses that expand their education relevant to their areas of interest). The choice of electives can vary significantly according to each student's individual goals or needs., Each student, therefore, should develop a program of study that should be discussed once each semester with his/her advisor and updated as appropriate.

Required Courses
Students take 15 credits of required course work.

These courses are usually offered in the fall semester:

• CONF 501 Overview of the field of conflict analysis and resolution
• CONF 610 Introduction to research
• CONF 713 Introduction to application at the interpersonal and small group level

Courses usually offered in the spring semester:

• CONF 601 Theories of Conflict and Conflict Resolution
• CONF 642 Integration of Theory and Practice

Selective Courses
Students take 15 credits of selective course work.

Students must select at least 2 courses (6 credits) from the following list:

• CONF 720, 730, or 740 Introduction to areas of study
• CONF 701, 702, 709, 802, 803 Advanced theory
• CONF 703, 714, 715 Advanced practice
• CONF 611 Advanced research

Students must complete 2 courses (6 credits) of integrative work:

• CONF 690 Practicum in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• CONF 694 Internship
• CONF 697 Directed Reading
• CONF 799 Master's Thesis

Elective Courses
Students must complete 11 credits of relevant elective course work. ICAR supports three primary areas of study:

1. 72X series: Courses numbered 72X focus on conflict related to diversity, cultural, and regional issues.

2. 73X series: Courses numbered 73X focus on aspects of structural or institutional conflict.

3. 74X series: Courses numbered 74X focus on practice and application of conflict analysis and resolution to various situations.

Once students have taken CONF 720, 730, or 740, they may construct plans of study that cross these emphases and may choose approved graduate courses from related disciplines. CONF 695 and CONF 795 may be repeated for credit as electives. Courses not used in the selective blocks may be used as electives.

Directed Readings
Only two directed readings (CONF 697) may be applied toward requirements for a master's degree.

Field Opportunities

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 policies 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.

APT. The Applied Practice and Theory (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.