Institute of Conflict Analysis and Resolution
- Faculty
- Administration
- Course Work
- Undergraduate Program
- Graduate Programs
Phone: 703-993-1300
Web: icar.gmu.edu
Faculty
- Professors: Avruch, Druckman, Gopin, Mitchell, Rouhana, Rubenstein, Sandole
- Associate professors: Cobb, Cheldelin, Jeong
- Assistant professors: Goodale, Lyons, Paczynska, Warfield
- Research professor: Sluzki
Administration
- Sara Cobb, Director
- Susan Hirsch, Undergraduate Program Director
Course Work
The Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR) offers all course work designated CONF in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Program
All conflict analysis and resolution students take a series of core courses that address theories of conflict, including sources and processes; methods of conflict analysis; and identity conflicts. These courses also provide training in conflict resolution skills. Following the core courses, students take a series of gateway courses that cover conflict resolution in the areas of interpersonal conflict, group and community conflict, and international conflict. After selecting an area of conflict as a concentration, students choose courses from a variety of units across the university that relate to their concentration, including anthropology, communication, economics, government, sociology, philosophy, psychology, and New Century College. The major also requires 3 credits of field work that can take the form of an internship, service learning, or study abroad through the Center for Global Education. The BA, BS, and minor in conflict analysis and resolution are jointly awarded by ICAR and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Students in this program are considered students in both ICAR and CAS.
Advising
All conflict analysis and resolution majors and minors are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor who will help them to develop and follow a coherent plan of study and complete the degree in a timely manner. The ICAR program is designed for students to develop concentrations that are relevant to their educational and career goals. Students interested in pursuing a BS are strongly encouraged to consult an advisor early in their program of study to obtain complete information about degree requirements.
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BA
In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements and the requirements for the BA degree within CAS, students majoring in conflict analysis and resolution must complete the requirements listed below.
Students will complete a total of 39 credits for the major:
- 15 credits in required core courses: CONF 101, 300, 301, 302, and 490
- 9 credits of required bridge courses: CONF 320, 330, and 340
- 3 credits of field experience approved by an advisor: internship, service learning, or study abroad. Students register for internship and service learning credits through New Century College and should speak with an advisor at NCC before registering. More information is available at www.ncc.gmu.edu. Students interested in Study Abroad should register through the Center for Global Education. Prior approval by the major advisor is required for study abroad.
- 12 credits within a concentration of conflict at the interpersonal, community and organizational, or international level. Students should choose classes that pertain to their concentration and are listed as approved. Approved courses include offerings in anthropology, communication, government, philosophy, sociology, and psychology, among others within CAS. For the full listing of approved courses, go to icar.gmu.edu/undergrad. Students are encouraged to check special topics courses of interest each semester, and to think creatively about the applicability of courses that support learning in their chosen concentration.
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BS
In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements and the requirements for the BS degree within CAS, students majoring in conflict analysis and resolution must complete the following requirements:
- 15 credits in required core courses: CONF 101, 300, 301, 302, and 490
- 9 credits of required bridge courses: CONF 320, 330, and 340
- 3 credits of field experience approved by an advisor. Field experience can take the form of an internship, service learning, or study abroad. Students register for internship and service learning credits through New Century College, and should speak with an advisor at NCC before registering. More information is available at www.ncc.gmu.edu. Students interested in Study Abroad should register through the Center for Global Education. Prior approval by the major advisor is required for study abroad.
- 12 credits within a concentration of conflict at the interpersonal, community and organizational, or international level. Students should choose classes that pertain to their concentration and are listed as approved. Approved courses include offerings in anthropology, communication, government, philosophy, sociology, and psychology, among others within CAS. For the full listing of approved courses, go to icar.gmu.edu/undergrad. Students are encouraged to check special topics courses of interest each semester, and to think creatively about the applicability of courses that support learning in their chosen concentration.
Writing-intensive requirement
All Mason students are required to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their major at the 300-level or above. CONF 302 has been designated as writing intensive.
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Minor
Students are required to take the following, for a total of 18 credits:
- 6 credits in required core courses: CONF 101 and 300
- One of three bridge courses: 320, 330 or 340. Students should choose the course that corresponds to their chosen concentration.
- 9 credits from the list of courses approved for the concentration. Students will choose classes that pertain to their concentration and are listed as approved. Approved courses include offerings in anthropology, communication, government, philosophy, sociology, and psychology, among others within CAS. For the full listing of approved courses, go to icar.gmu.edu/undergrad. Students are encouraged to check special topics courses of interest each semester, and to think creatively about the applicability of courses that might support learning in their chosen concentration.
Students are required to achieve a minimum 2.00 GPA in courses applied to a minor. At least 8 credits of the minor must be applied only to the CAR minor, and may not be used to fulfill requirements of the student's major, major concentration, or another minor.
Graduate Programs
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, MS
This two-year professional program 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 work in a variety of settings where conflict resolution is useful—businesses, unions, government agencies, religious groups, court systems, educational institutions, community centers, international relief and development organizations, and 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, applicants must submit the following:
- All undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation, one of which should be from a faculty member in the applicant's undergraduate or graduate major field
- A 750- to 1,000-word essay on goals and reasons for seeking admission to the program
GRE or other standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted. The TOEFL is required for foreign students. For more information, see the "Admission of International Students" section in the Admission chapter of this catalog.
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; usually, Mason 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 are required: 15 in required core courses, 20 elective credits, and 6 integrative credits (students can choose from a defined list). Mason requires all students to complete the master's degree within six years of their official admission date.
Because the choice of electives can vary significantly according to individual goals or needs, each student should develop a plan of study that should be discussed once each semester with the advisor and updated as appropriate.
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) Overview of the Field
- CONF 610 (fall) Introduction to Research
- CONF 713 (fall) Introduction to Application at the Interpersonal Level
- CONF 601 (spring) Theory of Sources of Conflict
- CONF 642 (spring) Integration
Elective Courses
Students take 20 credits of elective course work.
- CONF 695, 795, and 697, and appropriate graduate courses from other Mason departments or consortium universities, may also apply as electives.
Integrative Courses
Students must complete 6 credits (two courses) of integrative work, choosing one of the following options:
- CONF 690 Practicum in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (6 credits)
- CONF 694 Internship (3 credits) and CONF 697 Directed Reading (3 credits)
- CONF 799 Master's Thesis (3 credits in fall; 3 credits in spring)
Directed Readings
Only two directed readings (CONF 697) may be applied toward requirements for the master's degree.
Field Opportunities
The internship option is available throughout the academic year to MS and PhD students as 3-credit elective opportunities to experientally apply theory to practice. With the assistance of ICAR's internship coordinator, students locate suitable organizations or other oppor-tunities "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 completed throughout the year, enrollment occurs only during the summer term (CONF 694). For more information, consult the ICAR Student Handbook.
The Applied Practice and Theory (APT) program is a 6-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 devel-opment and applied ethics.
Certificate in Conflict Resolution for Health Professionals
ICAR jointly offers a certificate program for health professionals. For more information, see the College of Nursing and Health Science chapter.
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, PhD
The doctoral program, the first of its kind in the United States, provides advanced study for students in the fields of conflict and conflict resolution. Students are prepared for careers as researchers, theoreticians, and teachers in higher education; and as policy administrators, analysts, and consultants in both the public and private sectors.
The program stresses a close link between knowledge of theory and of process in the resolution of conflict. For this, training in the methods of research and analysis is necessary and is emphasized. In addition, students are expected to obtain a background in a substantive area of conflict, usually related to the topic of the dissertation.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the three requirements listed for applicants to the MS program, requirements for the PhD program include a written sample of work that shows the applicant's potential for completing dissertation research in a doctoral program. Although students may enroll on a full- or part-time basis, entry into the program is in the fall semester only.
Degree Requirements
For students with a master's degree, 57 credits are required. The semester in which courses are usually offered is indicated in parentheses.
Required Core Doctoral Courses
Students take 24 credits of required course work; each course is 3 credits.
- CONF 713 Interpersonal and Intergroup Conflict
- CONF 801 Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution
- CONF 802 Micro Theories
- CONF 803 Macro Theories
- CONF 810 Philosophy of the Social Sciences
- CONF 811 Advanced Research Methods I *
- CONF 812 Advanced Research Methods II
- CONF 900 Integrating Theory, Practice, and Method in Conflict Analysis (spring)
Selective Courses
Students must take two of the following, for a total of 6 credits:
- CONF 601, 701, 702, 709, 901 Advanced Theory
- CONF 703, 714, 715 Advanced Practice
Elective Courses
Fifteen elective credits must be completed prior to comprehensive exams from any appropriate graduate courses. The intent is to allow students to have maximum flexibility in the selection of courses to build skills and knowledge needed in their dissertation work.
Directed Readings
Only two directed readings (CONF 897) can be applied toward doctoral elective requirements.
Dissertation Units
CONF 998
Doctoral Dissertation Proposal**
CONF 999
Doctoral Dissertation Research*** (total of 12 credits)
* CONF 811 has a prerequisite, "demonstrated competence in social statistics." This means that the entering student may be required to take an advanced course in statistics, STAT 510 (fall) or STAT 550 (spring), before registering for CONF 811. However, the course is not counted toward the total credits needed for the degree.
** All CONF 998 courses are graded In Progress (IP) until completion of the proposal. At that time, an appropriate grade is issued.
***All CONF 999 courses are graded In Progress (IP) until the dissertation defense is successfully completed. At that time, an appropriate grade is issued.
Credit for Prior Study
Students who have earned an MS in conflict analysis and resolution from Mason may have the course total required for doctoral degree reduced by up to 18 credits. The actual number of the credit reduction is determined in consultation with the student's advisor and the program coordinator after a review of courses taken.
Students entering with graduate credit or degrees (MA, MS or JD) may have the required course load reduced by up to 15 credits. The actual number of applied credits is determined in consultation with the student's advisor and the program coordinator after a review of courses taken.
Entering the Program without Master's Degree
Students may be admitted to the doctoral program directly without having completed a relevant master's degree (in conflict analysis and resolution or a related field). However, a master's degree is strongly recommended. Students without a master's degree are required to take 15 additional credits at the beginning of the doctoral course of study, including CONF 601; and 720, 730, or 740.
Foreign Language Requirement
All doctoral students must show competence in a foreign language (that is, a language other than the native tongue), preferably before "comps." This requirement must be completed before beginning the dissertation. Under no circumstances are dissertations accepted without evidence of meeting this -requirement. Overseas students may use English as their -foreign language and the TOEFL as a demonstration of competency. The Department of Modern and Classical Languages has ruled that American Sign Language or com-puter languages cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
Advancement to PhD Candidacy
Upon completing course work (except dissertation) listed on the Program of Studies and passing written comprehensive exams, students will be advanced to candidacy. A candidate is permitted five years from the advancement date to complete the dissertation.