2009-2010 University Catalog
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, MS
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Banner Code: CA-MS-CONF
This two-year professional program prepares students for practice and further academic work by integrating conflict analysis and resolution theory, research, and practical techniques. Participants study the theory, methods, and ethical perspectives of the field, and apply this knowledge in laboratory simulations and workshops, internships, and field practice. Graduates work in a variety of settings where conflict resolution is useful and interest groups are in conflict with current and emergent public policy. Examples are businesses, unions, government agencies, religious groups, court systems, educational institutions, community centers, international relief and development organizations, and consulting firms.
Admission Requirements
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 resume or curriculum vitae; and 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 of international students. For more information, see the Admission of International Students section in the Admissions chapter of this catalog.
Background courses in 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; however, Mason usually does not reduce the total credits required for the degree. Students may enroll on a full- or part-time basis.
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 M.S. program. How credit will be counted will be determined in consultation with the accepted student’s advisor. A maximum of 6 credits of non-ICAR courses taken as non-degree credit can be counted toward the M.S. program. Courses counted toward another degree cannot be transferred. |
Degree Requirements
Forty-one credits are required: 15 in required core courses, 20 in elective courses, and 6 in integrative courses (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.
Please check the ICAR student handbook for information on registration procedures. Required Courses
Students take the following 15 credits of required course work. Elective Courses
Students take 20 credits of elective coursework. Electives are any 500, 600, or 700 level CONF courses, except required courses and courses from the Graduate Certificate Program. With the advisor’s approval, each student is eligible to include a maximum of 6 credits of electives from outside the ICAR program, including courses in other Mason departments, consortium courses, ICAR graduate certificate courses, and transfer courses from other universities. Integrative Courses
Students must complete 6 credits of integrative work, choosing one of the following options: Applied Practice and Theory
The Applied Practice and Theory (APT) Program is a 6-credit course that runs 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. Internship
The internship program provides students with opportunities to use and develop conflict resolution skills, integrate theory and practice of conflict analysis and resolution, and network with professionals in the field to enhance employment opportunities. Experience does not necessarily have to be explicitly hands on. CONF 694 requires at least 160 hours of supervised work on a project toward the analysis or resolution of conflict. Such work must be spelled out in a memorandum of agreement to be signed by the student, the site supervisor, and the internship coordinator before the internship begins. Students may either take 6 credits of CONF 694 or 3 credits of CONF 694 & 3 of CONF 795. Thesis
Students wishing to complete a Master’s Thesis are strongly encouraged to take CONF 798 (Thesis Proposal) the semester before beginning the thesis project. Before registering, students must have identified a Master’s thesis committee chair to supervise the project. Directed Readings
Only two directed readings (CONF 697) may be applied toward requirements for the master’s degree. |
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