HELP 2010-2011 University Catalog Conflict Analysis and Resolution, PhD Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code: CA-PHD-CONF

The doctoral program, the first of its kind in the United States, provides advanced study for students in the fields of conflict analysis and conflict resolution. Students are prepared for careers as researchers, theoreticians, and teachers in higher education, and as policy administrators, analysts, and consultants in the public and the private sectors.

The program stresses a close link between knowledge of theory and process in the resolution of conflict. For this, training in the methods of research and analysis 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

A master’s or equivalent degree is required for admission to the Ph.D. program.  In addition to meeting all admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit 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; a written sample of work that shows the applicant’s potential for completing dissertation research in a doctoral program, and a resume or curriculum vitae.  The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or other standardized test scores are not required but may be submitted.  The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of international students.  For more information, see the Admission of International Students section in the Admissions chapter of this catalog.  Although students may enroll on a full- or part-time basis, entry into the program is in the fall semester only.

Credit for Prior Study

Students who have earned a Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Mason may have the course total credits required for a doctoral degree reduced by 15 credits. The actual number of credits reduced is determined in consultation with the student’s advisor and the Doctoral Program Director after a review of courses taken.

Students entering with other relevant degrees (MA, MS, or JD) may also 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, subsequent to a student’s admission to the program.

Transfer of Non-Degree Credit

A maximum of 12 credits of ICAR graduate courses taken at George Mason as a non-degree graduate student, or as part of ICAR’s graduate certificate program may be transferred into the Ph.D. program.  How credit will be counted will be determined in consultation with the student’s advisor. A maximum of 6 credits of non-ICAR courses taken as non-degree credit can be counted toward the Ph.D. program.  Courses counted toward another degree cannot be transferred.

Foreign Language Requirement

Every doctoral student must show competence in a foreign language (that is, a language other than their native tongue) before advancing to candidacy. Students cannot register for CONF 998 without evidence of meeting this requirement. International students may use English as their foreign language and the TOEFL as a demonstration of competency.  Neither American Sign Language nor computer languages can be used to fulfill this requirement. All students, regardless of how recently language courses have been taken, are required to fulfill the same standard before advancing to candidacy.

Competence in a foreign language must be shown by taking a placement test at Mason’s Language Laboratory. The test has oral and written components. Results of the proficiency test must indicate the student is proficient in the language at the intermediate level (competency at completion of 202, 209, or 210 level). For testing times and details, please visit mcl.gmu.edu/placementtesting  

If the student desires testing in a language that Mason does not offer, the test can be taken at an outside organization, embassy, church, or other entity. The student must submit a letter to Mason certifying that the test was passed at a high, intermediate, or low advanced level. The student may submit for approval the names and qualifications of those capable of administering such a test.  Please use the waiver form found on the Department of Modern and Classical Languages website:  mcl.gmu.edu/placementtesting

Prior to sitting for their comprehensive exam (and before they register for CONF 998), they should provide documentation of successful completion of the foreign language requirement to the Ph.D. Program Director.

Adding an ICAR Certificate Program

Students may elect to complete an ICAR Graduate Certificate in addition to the Ph.D. program. Graduate Certificates are opportunities for students to further tailor their academic program and specialize in a specific area of Conflict Resolution practice.  Certain graduate certificate courses can be used to fulfill PhD program requirements.  Students should consult with the Certificate Program Director and Doctoral Program Director for policies on counting certificate courses toward the Ph.D. degree.

Advancement to PhD Candidacy

After completing course work (except the dissertation) listed in the Program of Studies, passing the written comprehensive examination, and completing the language requirement, the student is advanced to candidacy. A candidate is permitted five years from the advancement date to complete the dissertation.