Analytical skills and techniques are critical to solving the world's toughest problems. In order to solve conflict we must first understand it. Critical thinking and research skills are the focus of our Bachelor of Science program and are in demand by employers of all sectors. Students pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution develop research skills and have the opportunity to gain experience designing surveys, conducting interviews, analyzing statistics, and organizing data.
All conflict analysis and resolution majors choose an area of concentration:
- Building Peace in Divided Societies
- Global Engagement
- Political and Social Action
- Justice and Reconciliation
- Interpersonal Dynamics
- Collaborative Leadership
- Environmental Conflict and Collaboration
Advising
Advisors help students create an interdisciplinary course of study that meets their interests and career goals. All majors are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor from the School who will help students develop and follow a coherent plan of study and complete the degree in a timely manner.
Policies
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Major Coursework Grade Requirement
Students cannot use more than 12 credits of coursework within the major with a C- or D grade to count towards the Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BS. If a student receives C- or D grades in excess of the allowed number, they may retake courses to meet the major coursework grade requirement for graduation. Students taking a graduate course for undergraduate credit must achieve a grade of B- or higher for graduate course credits to count towards their undergraduate degree.
Transfer Students
For policies governing admission and requirements for students transferring from another college or university, see Undergraduate Admission Policies - Transfer.
Admitted and enrolled transfer students who have completed an AA, AS, or AA&S degree from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and have been offered admission to Mason by the Office of Admissions may be eligible for a waiver of all George Mason University's Mason Core requirements in accordance with the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students eligible for this waiver are still required by the university to complete ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core) and a synthesis course.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 120
Students must fulfill all requirements for bachelor's degrees as stated in Academic Policies including all Mason Core requirements. Carter School majors must complete the 6-credit college-level requirement in research methods as well as 52 major requirement credits for the BS degree.
Students pursuing a double major/degree with a program outside of the Carter School undergraduate program will be expected to fulfill all of the Mason Core and college requirements necessary to complete the second major. Please check with the second major department concerning additional requirements.
Required Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CONF 101 | Conflict and Our World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONF 210 | Theories of Conflict Analysis and Resolution | 3 |
| CONF 300 | Conflict Resolution Techniques and Practice | 3 |
| CONF 301 | Research and Inquiry in Conflict Resolution | 3 |
| CONF 302 | Culture, Identity, and Conflict (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONF 320 | Interpersonal Conflict Analysis and Resolution | 3 |
| CONF 330 | Community, Group, and Organizational Conflict Analysis and Resolution | 3 |
| CONF 340 | Global Conflict Analysis and Resolution (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CONF 490 | RS: Integration (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Field Experience
Students can choose to fulfill this requirement through an internship, study abroad, field experience course, or independent study.
Students may not be approved for field experience until they have earned at least 30 credits. It is recommended that students complete at least 9 credits of conflict coursework before applying for field experience credit. Prior departmental approval is required for students to receive credit through any field experience options. Please contact a Carter School advisor with questions or for information on the opportunities, policies, and procedures for field experience credit.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select a minimum of three credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Internship Field Experience | ||
| Special Programs Field Experience | ||
| International Field Experience | ||
| Independent Research in Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Skills and Practice
This requirement can be fulfilled by taking any four credits from this course list. Students are encouraged to have more than one field experience and may count an additional 3 credits from a second field experience toward the skills and practice requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four credits from the following courses: | 4 | |
| Special Topics in Practice | ||
| Career Development Seminar | ||
| Dialogue and Difference | ||
| Negotiation | ||
| Simulation in Community and Organizational Conflict Resolution | ||
| Simulation in Global Conflict Resolution | ||
| Special Programs Field Experience | ||
| International Field Experience | ||
| Context and Synthesis: Study Abroad | ||
| Study Abroad Special Topics (Allowed only when also completing CONF 386) | ||
| Mediating Conflict | ||
| Independent Research in Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Total Credits | 4 | |
Courses may NOT double count for the concentration requirement, field experience requirement, or the skills and practice requirement.
Research Methods
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least six credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Ethnographic Research Methods | ||
| Research Methods and Analysis in Criminology | ||
| Introduction to Computational Social Science | ||
| Introduction to Social Network Analysis (Mason Core) | ||
| Research Methods and Analysis (Mason Core) | ||
| Public Policy Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Historical Method (Mason Core) | ||
| The Digital Past (Mason Core) | ||
| Philosophy of the Social Sciences | ||
| Statistics in Psychology | ||
| Research Methods in Psychology (Mason Core) | ||
| Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (Mason Core) | ||
| Methods and Logic of Inquiry (Mason Core) | ||
| Social Surveys and Attitude and Opinion Measurements (Mason Core) | ||
| Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Computer Statistical Packages | ||
| Introduction to Survey Sampling | ||
| Feminist Research Methods | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Concentrations
There are eight concentrations:
-
Concentration in Building Peace in Divided Societies (BPDS)
-
Concentration in Global Engagement (GLBE)
-
Concentration in Political and Social Action (PSA)
-
Concentration in Justice and Reconciliation (JRCN)
-
Concentration in Interpersonal Dynamics (INTD)
-
Concentration in Collaborative Leadership (CLDR)
-
Concentration in Environmental Conflict and Collaboration (EVCC)
-
Individualized (IND)
Concentrations are made up of six courses. The following are guidelines for approved concentrations:
- At least four courses must be taken from the selected concentration category. The remaining two supporting courses may be selected from any of the concentration lists or may be any CONF course not applied to another degree requirement.
- Three of the six courses must be in-residence CONF coursework. CONF 397 Study Abroad Special Topics and courses transferred from another institution may be substituted for concentration requirements, but cannot fulfill the in-residence requirement.
Special topics courses relevant to the concentration and/or courses that provide regional expertise can be substituted with departmental approval. Students are encouraged to check special topics courses each semester and think creatively about which courses support learning in their chosen concentration. Courses may not double count for the concentration requirement, field experience requirement, or the skills and practice requirement.
Concentration in Building Peace in Divided Societies (BPDS)
Focuses on how divided societies with a history of conflict seek to transform relationships and situations of violence and injustice. Examines communities and societies that have experienced conflict and how individuals and groups build peace locally and globally.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least four of the six concentration courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Dialogue and Difference | ||
| Justice and Reconciliation | ||
| Youth and Conflict | ||
| Violence: Causes, Dynamics Alternatives | ||
| Building Peace in Divided Societies | ||
| Foundations of Intercultural Communication (Mason Core) | ||
| Globalization and Culture (Mason Core) | ||
| Economics of Developing Areas (Mason Core) | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Diplomacy | ||
| The Civil War and Reconstruction | ||
| Globalization and Social Change (Mason Core) | ||
| The remaining two courses can be taken from any Conflict Analysis and Resolution concentration course list or may be any CONF elective course not already applied to a degree requirement. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Concentration in Global Engagement (GLBE)
Focuses on studying the dynamics and impact of global conflict resolution. Examines domestic and international dimensions of security, state-to-state conflict, internal wars, terrorism, migration, negotiation, and diplomacy. Explores what can be done to reduce violent conflict and increase peace and security.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least four of the six concentration courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Justice and Reconciliation | ||
| Social Dynamics of Terrorism, Security, and Justice | ||
| Law and Justice around the World (Mason Core) | ||
| International Economic Policy | ||
| Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries (Mason Core) | ||
| Political Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| International Relations Theory | ||
| Diplomacy | ||
| International Law and Organization | ||
| Refugee and Internal Displacement (Mason Core) | ||
| Violence and Religion | ||
| The remaining two courses can be taken from any Conflict Analysis and Resolution concentration course list or may be any CONF elective course not already applied to a degree requirement. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Concentration in Political and Social Action (PSA)
Focuses on the ways that people organize themselves to effect change in their societies. This concentration explores social action, social organization, social movements, and civil resistance to analyze and investigate the role of constructive conflict.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least four of the six concentration courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Mobilizing for Change and Justice | ||
| Violence: Causes, Dynamics Alternatives | ||
| Human Rights and Inequality | ||
| Rhetoric of Social Movements and Political Controversy (Mason Core) | ||
| Economic Problems and Public Policies | ||
| Public Law and the Judicial Process | ||
| Public Policy Making | ||
| Social Movements and Community Activism (Mason Core) | ||
| Environmental Justice (Mason Core) | ||
| Social Justice and Human Rights (Mason Core) | ||
| Community Engagement for Social Change (Mason Core) | ||
| Social Movements and Political Protest | ||
| Power, Politics, and Society | ||
| Social Problems and Solutions (Mason Core) | ||
| The remaining two courses can be taken from any Conflict Analysis and Resolution concentration course list or may be any CONF elective course not already applied to a degree requirement. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Concentration in Justice and Reconciliation (JRCN)
Focuses on the relationships between human rights, justice, and conflict resolution. Encompasses a spectrum of coursework including legal dimensions of human rights, trauma, memory, healing, conflict transformation, and forms of restorative justice.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the six concentration courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Justice and Reconciliation | ||
| Restorative Justice | ||
| Human Rights and Inequality | ||
| Building Peace in Divided Societies | ||
| Social Inequality, Crime, and Justice | ||
| Crime Victims and Victimization | ||
| Law and Justice (Mason Core) | ||
| Conflict, Trauma and Healing | ||
| Social Justice and Human Rights (Mason Core) | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in a Changing World (Mason Core) | ||
| Social Inequality (Mason Core) | ||
| The remaining two courses can be taken from any Conflict Analysis and Resolution concentration course list or may be any CONF elective course not already applied to a degree requirement. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Concentration in Interpersonal Dynamics (INTD)
Focuses on the dynamics of social interaction that lead to interpersonal conflict and the processes and skills that support the transformation of these conflicts. Issues examined include intercultural communication, psychology of groups, family relationships, and other dimensions of human relations.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the six concentration courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Dialogue and Difference | ||
| Youth and Conflict | ||
| Mediating Conflict | ||
| Relational Communication Theory | ||
| Foundations of Intercultural Communication (Mason Core) | ||
| Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace | ||
| Issues in Family Relationships (Mason Core) | ||
| Social Psychology (Mason Core) | ||
| Applied Cross-Cultural Psychology (Mason Core) | ||
| Science of Well Being | ||
| The Psychology of Working in Groups and Teams | ||
| Contemporary Families and Intimate Relationships | ||
| Contemporary Gender Relations (Mason Core) | ||
| The remaining two courses can be taken from any Conflict Analysis and Resolution concentration course list or may be any CONF elective course not already applied to a degree requirement. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Concentration in Collaborative Leadership (CLDR)
Focuses on improving the capacity of leaders to work with conflict and manage change. Includes topics in conflict transformation, mediation, dialogue, and organizational leadership.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the six concentration courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Dialogue and Difference | ||
| Negotiation | ||
| Community Engagement and Collaborative Problem Solving | ||
| Restorative Justice | ||
| Mediating Conflict | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Administration in the Political System | ||
| The Nonprofit Sector (Mason Core) | ||
| Ethics and Leadership | ||
| Leadership in a Changing Environment | ||
| Principles of Management | ||
| Leadership and Outdoor Education | ||
| Psychology in the Workplace (Mason Core) | ||
| Psychology of Creativity and Innovation | ||
| The remaining two courses can be taken from any Conflict Analysis and Resolution concentration course list or may be any CONF elective course not already applied to a degree requirement. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Concentration in Environmental Conflict and Collaboration (EVCC)
Focuses on using a variety of conflict resolution processes to address environmental issues. Examines how communities and societies are dealing with environmental issues and prepares students with process skills to promote collaborative solutions.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least four of the six concentration courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Dialogue and Difference | ||
| Negotiation | ||
| Community Engagement and Collaborative Problem Solving | ||
| Mediating Conflict | ||
| Environment and Culture | ||
| Human Dimensions in Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Integrated Conservation Strategies (Mason Core) | ||
| Tackling Wicked Problems in Society the Environment (Mason Core) | ||
| Environmental Policy Making in Developing Countries (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Policy | ||
| Politics of Climate Change Governance | ||
| Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | ||
| Environmental Justice (Mason Core) | ||
| The remaining two courses can be taken from any Conflict Analysis and Resolution concentration course list or may be any CONF elective course not already applied to a degree requirement. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Individualized Concentration (IND)
Students interested in creating their own concentration can work with an advisor to decide upon a set of at least six courses that will fulfill the requirements of the BS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Individualized concentrations must be approved by the Director of the Undergraduate Program.
BS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution without Concentration
Students may opt to complete their major in Conflict Analysis and Resolution without a concentration. The department offers many elective courses that allow students to deepen their understanding of theory and practice within the field of Conflict Resolution. Students may choose this option and complete the conflict resolution core and 18 credits of elective conflict coursework selected from the following. These credits may not be used to also fulfill the skills and practice or field experience requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 18 credits from the following: | 18 | |
| Narratives of Conflict | ||
| Dialogue and Difference | ||
| Negotiation | ||
| Community Engagement and Collaborative Problem Solving | ||
| Justice and Reconciliation | ||
| Restorative Justice | ||
| Social Dynamics of Terrorism, Security, and Justice | ||
| Mobilizing for Change and Justice | ||
| Special Programs Field Experience | ||
| Youth and Conflict | ||
| Violence: Causes, Dynamics Alternatives | ||
| Human Rights and Inequality | ||
| Special Topics in Advanced Techniques and Practices | ||
| Special Topics in Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Mediating Conflict | ||
| Building Peace in Divided Societies | ||
| Independent Research in Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
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 Culture, Identity, and Conflict (Mason Core) has been designated "writing intensive."
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Remaining credits needed to bring the degree total to 120 may be fulfilled with general elective courses. 1,2 | ||
- 1
Up to 3 credits of 100 level Recreation (RECR) courses may be taken as general elective credits.
- 2
Only Military Science (MLSC) courses at the 400-level can be used for credit for a degree in the School; credit for other MLSC courses may not be applied toward a degree in the School.
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
Bachelor of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Sample Plan of Study
The sample plan below is a recommended sequencing of courses based on pre-requisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor and with PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| CONF 101 | 3 | CONF 210 | 3 |
| Mason Core (ENGH or COMM) | 3 | Mason Core-ENGH or COMM | 3 |
| Mason Core-Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | Mason Core-World History or Western Civilization | 3 |
| Mason Core-Fine Art | 3 | Mason Core-Natural Science non-Lab | 3 |
| Elective CONF Topics Course | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| UNIV 100 (optional) | 1 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| CONF 300 | 3 | CONF 320 (or CONF 330 or CONF 340) | 3 |
| CONF 314 | 1 | Concentration Course #2 | 3 |
| Mason Core-Literature | 3 | Mason Core-ENGH 302 | 3 |
| Mason Core-Natural Science with Lab | 4 | Mason Core - Information Technology | 3 |
| Concentration Course #1 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| CONF 310 | 1 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| CONF 302 | 3 | CONF 340 (or CONF 320 or CONF 330) | 3 |
| CONF 330 (or CONF 320 or CONF 340) | 3 | Research Methods #2 | 3 |
| Concentration Course #3 | 3 | Skills and Practice (or Field Experience) | 3 |
| Research Methods #1 | 3 | Concentration Course #4 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| CONF 301 | 3 | CONF 490 | 3 |
| Field Experience (or Skills and Practice) | 3 | CONF 310 | 1 |
| Concentration #5 | 3 | Concentration #6 | 3 |
| Elective CONF Topics Course | 3 | Elective | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://advising.gmu.edu/current-student/majors-at-mason/.
Students are encouraged to work with an academic advisor to optimize their use of the elective credits. Options include studying abroad, adding a minor or concentration, developing workplace skills, or pursuing a secondary interest.
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BA or BS/Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Accelerated MS
Overview
This accelerated Master's option is designed for highly qualified and motivated undergraduate students. If accepted, students may take up to 18 credits of graduate coursework before undergraduate degree conferral and will be able to earn an undergraduate degree and the Conflict Analysis and Resolution, MS after satisfactory completion of at least 141 credits. The time period for the combined program is typically five years. It provides a streamlined MS application process with no additional application fee.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Application Requirements
For specific application requirements and information for the accelerated Conflict Analysis and Resolution, MS, see Eligibility, Policies, and Deadlines. Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions.
Students must have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 at the time of application.
Accelerated Master's Requirements
-
A maximum of 12 credits will count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students should meet with a Carter School Academic Advisor to discuss how the courses may count towards degree requirements.
- At the time of the undergraduate degree conferral, students' GPAs must meet the standard required for admission to the master's degree.
- Contact tcsadvi@gmu.edu or ugradcar@gmu.edu for additional information and to schedule an advising appointment.