This 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.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
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. In addition, applicants must submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts; two 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 Admission of International Students. Students can be admitted to the MS program for either the Fall or Spring semesters.
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. The MS Program is available on-campus, online or in a hybrid format (on-campus and distance learning).
Policies
Mason requires all students to complete the master's degree within six years of their official admission date.
Consult the Carter School student handbook for information on registration procedures.
Transfer of Non-Degree Credit
A maximum of 12 credits of Carter School graduate courses taken at George Mason as a non-degree graduate student, or as part of the Carter School's graduate certificate program may be transferred into the MS program. How credit will be counted will be determined in consultation with the admitted student's advisor. A maximum of six credits of non-Carter School courses taken as non-degree credit can be counted toward the MS program. Courses counted toward another degree cannot be transferred.
Adding a Carter School Certificate Program
Students may elect to complete a Carter School Graduate Certificate in addition to the MS 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 MS program requirements. Students should consult with the Graduate Programs Director for policies on counting certificate courses toward the MS degree.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 33
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Course 1 | ||
| CONF 600 | Foundations of Conflict Analysis and Resolution | 6 |
| Conflict Inquiry | ||
| CONF 610 | Conflict Inquiry | 3 |
| or CONF 660 | Conflict Assessment and Program Evaluation | |
| Conflict Praxis 2 | ||
| CONF 657 | Facilitation Skills | 3 |
| CONF 625 | Engaging Conflict | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
- 1
Students must take the introductory course in the first semester.
- 2
Students must take CONF 657 Facilitation Skills and at least 3 credits of CONF 625 Engaging Conflict. Additional credits of CONF 625 Engaging Conflict will count as electives.
Concentration in Social Justice Advocacy and Activism (SJAA)
This concentration will be geared towards students who want to work in communities both in the United States and internationally on issues of social justice and critical human rights promotion.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select twelve (12) credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Collaborative Community Action Participatory Governance | ||
| Diversity and Difference in Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Principles of Environmental Conflict Resolution | ||
| Ethics and Conflict | ||
| Conflict and Race | ||
| Conflict and Religion | ||
| Conflict and Gender | ||
| Human Rights Theory and Practice in Comparative Perspective | ||
| Law and Justice from a Conflict Perspective | ||
| Reconciliation | ||
| Addressing Intractable Conflict | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Professional Opportunities: Conflict Resolution NGOs, Advocacy NGOs, Human Right Organizations, International
Concentration in Dynamics of Violence (DYNV)
This concentration is geared towards students who are interested in understanding the various manifestations of violence, structural sources of violence, networks of violence that straddle the divides between domestic and international contexts and who want to work on violence prevention both in the United States and internationally.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select twelve (12) credits from the following: | 12 | |
| World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Mass Atrocity: Early Warning and Prevention | ||
| Peace Studies | ||
| Ethics and Conflict | ||
| Gender and Violence | ||
| Ethnic and Cultural Factors in Conflict Resolution | ||
| Conflict and Gender | ||
| Structural Sources of Conflict | ||
| Dynamics of Civil Wars | ||
| Micro-theories of Conflict | ||
| Social Dynamics of Terrorism | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Professional Opportunities: Gang Violence Prevention, Sexual Assault Prevention, Domestic Violence Prevention, Police, Conflict Resolution NGOs, Think Tanks, Development NGOs, Humanitarian organizations, USAID, State Department, UN
Concentration in Inclusive Conflict Engagement (ICEN)
This concentration prepares students for working to resolve conflicts and address divided cultures, societies, and organizations as advocates, mediators, peace-builders, and insider-partials. It will also prepare students for working with an intersectional awareness of diversity.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select twelve (12) credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Conflict Analysis and Resolution Advanced Skills | ||
| Collaborative Community Action Participatory Governance | ||
| World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Diversity and Difference in Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Principles of Environmental Conflict Resolution | ||
| Peace Studies | ||
| Narrative Approaches to Conflict Analysis | ||
| Ethics and Conflict | ||
| Gender and Violence | ||
| Identity and Conflict | ||
| Ethnic and Cultural Factors in Conflict Resolution | ||
| Conflict and Race | ||
| Conflict and Religion | ||
| Conflict and Gender | ||
| Conflict in Organizations | ||
| Conflict in Development | ||
| Negotiating in Complex Systems | ||
| Reconciliation | ||
| Transforming Conflict through Insight | ||
| Addressing Intractable Conflict | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Professional Opportunities: Conflict Resolution NGOs, Advocacy NGOs, International Peacebuilding NGOs, USAID, State Department, Human Rights, Resilience, Community Development, Humanitarian NGOs, Courts, Ombudsmen, Public Schools, Private Sector
Concentration in Conflict-Sensitive Development and Resilience (CSDR)
This concentration will be geared towards students who wish to work in development and humanitarian assistance fields, bringing an in-depth knowledge of conflict dynamics to improving communities' capacity to adapt to change and be resilient in times of social, economic, and political stress.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select twelve (12) credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Conflict Analysis and Resolution Advanced Skills | ||
| Collaborative Community Action Participatory Governance | ||
| Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Prevention, Reconstruction, and Stabilization Contexts | ||
| Leadership in Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Narrative Approaches to Conflict Analysis | ||
| Conflict and Discourse Analysis | ||
| Ethics and Conflict | ||
| Gender and Violence | ||
| Identity and Conflict | ||
| Conflict and Religion | ||
| Conflict and Gender | ||
| Human Rights Theory and Practice in Comparative Perspective | ||
| Structural Sources of Conflict | ||
| Conflict in Organizations | ||
| Conflict in Development | ||
| Dynamics of Civil Wars | ||
| Transforming Conflict through Insight | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Professional Opportunities: Conflict Resolution NGOs, Humanitarian organizations, development NGOs, USAID, UN, State Department
Concentration in Media, Narrative, and Public Discourse (MNPD)
This concentration is designed for students who wish to work with and create representation, communication, media, discourse and narratives related to conflict.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select twelve (12) credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Engaging Conflict | ||
| Narrative Approaches to Conflict Analysis | ||
| Conflict and Discourse Analysis | ||
| Conflict and Literature | ||
| Social Dynamics of Terrorism | ||
Additional courses under developement | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Professional Opportunities: Journalism, Media, Communications, Conflict Resolution NGOs, Advocacy NGOs, International NGOs, Film Production
Concentration in Peacebuilding (PCB)
This concentration is designed for students interested in real-world, practical and professional skills in project design, management, monitoring and evaluation that will enable them to work in the peacebuilding field, primarily in NGOs and international organizations.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select twelve (12) credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Program Design and Monitoring | ||
| Funding and Managing Peacebuilding Programming | ||
| Collaborative Community Action Participatory Governance | ||
| Conflict Sensitive and Inclusive Peacebuilding | ||
| Internship | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Individualized Concentration (IND)
Students will also be able to craft their own twelve (12) credit concentration with the approval of MS Program Director.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits of elective courses from 500, 600, or 700 level CONF courses except required courses. 1 | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Students will need to declare their concentration by the start of their second semester of study. Students will need to take 12 credits of courses within their concentration to meet the concentration’s distribution requirement.
Because the choice of courses within concentrations 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.
With the advisor's approval, each student is eligible to include a maximum of six credits of electives from outside the Carter School program, including courses in other Mason departments, consortium courses, and transfer courses from other universities.
Students wishing to complete a Master's Thesis or Internship would count these credits towards their elective requirement.
Internship
The CONF 694 Internship internship course 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. The internship requires 160 hours of supervised work per every 3 credits. The goals and objectives of the internship are defined in an application and memorandum of agreement to be signed by the student, the internship site supervisor, and the advisor before the internship begins.
Students may either take 3 or 6 credits of CONF 694 Internship.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CONF 694 | Internship (take 3 or 6 credits) | 3-6 |
Thesis
Students wishing to complete a Master's Thesis are strongly encouraged to take CONF 797 Proposal Development (Proposal Development) the semester before beginning the thesis project. Before registering, students must have identified a Master's thesis committee chair to supervise the project. Students should contact Carter School student services to receive the CRN to register for thesis.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CONF 797 | Proposal Development | 1 |
| CONF 799 | Thesis | 1-6 |
Directed Readings
Only two directed readings may be applied toward requirements for the master's degree (maximum 6 credits).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CONF 697 | Directed Readings and Research | 1-3 |
Dual Degree Program with the University of Malta
Students have the opportunity to pursue a MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and a MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediterranean Security from the University of Malta through an innovative dual degree program. Teaching faculty includes professors from both George Mason University and the University of Malta. All teaching is in English and all classes are held at the Valetta Campus of the University of Malta. The 400-year-old University of Malta Valletta campus incorporates state-of-the-art instructional technology. The entire program is delivered over three intensive semesters on a full time basis starting in late September. Classes are held on a two week intensive block basis for the first two semesters while the third semester is devoted to the completion of a thesis.
Orientation in Malta begins at the end of September. Classes run from the beginning of October through June. Students work on their theses from June until October. University of Malta graduation is in November and Mason graduation is in December. The total duration of the program is 15 months. More information is available at the program website. US and Canadian students apply through the Mason graduate admissions process and indicate they want to participate in the Malta program. All other students should apply through the University of Malta.
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, MS and Social Work, MSW Dual Degree
The Department of Social Work and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution have joined forces to offer a three year dual-degree program. Students can earn both an MSW and an MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution while taking advantage of the diversity of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and the university's proximity to the nation's capital.
The MSW/MS Dual Degree program is available only through the Mason MSW on campus program. This is the only dual-degree program of its kind.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission standards and application requirements specified in Graduate Admissions and apply using the online Application for Graduate Admission. The application process is competitive, and applications are considered for the fall semester only.
Students interested in the 3-year dual degree program submit one online Application for Graduate Admission, select the MSW in Social Work as a primary program, and submit all application support materials to the Office of Graduate Admission in the College of Public Health. Applicants should communicate their interest in completing the dual degree program in their essays, and recommendations should address the dual program interest. Students must be admitted to both programs in the same semester (fall only) to be admitted to the dual degree program.
For application deadlines and detailed application requirements please refer to the College of Public Health Admissions website. Interested students should consult the MSW program website, the MSW program, and the MSW program director for additional information prior to applying.
Transfer of Credit
Transfer credit is governed AP.6.5.3 Transfer of Credit and AP.6 Graduate Policies. Transfer credits must be approved by the program director and the dean. Students who enroll initially through non-degree studies should seek course advising through the department prior to taking a course and plan to submit their application to the dual degree program as soon as possible.
Please refer to the Transfer of Credit policy for the MSW in Social Work for departmental policy governing courses taken at another institution and the maximum number of credits allowed.
MSW-MS Degree Requirements
Social Work Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCW 600 | Foundations of Social Work and Social Welfare | 3 |
| SOCW 623 | Human Behavior and Social Systems | 3 |
| SOCW 644 | Community Practice Across the Life Course | 3 |
| SOCW 656 | Poverty, Oppression, and Inequity | 3 |
| SOCW 659 | Organizing and Advocating for Change | 3 |
| SOCW 660 | Foundations of Direct Practice | 3 |
| SOCW 672 | Generalist Social Work Practicum and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 673 | Generalist Social Work Practicum Education and Seminar II | 3 |
| SOCW 674 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| SOCW 688 | Program Evaluation for Social Workers 1 | 3 |
| or CONF 660 | Conflict Assessment and Program Evaluation | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Specialization in Children, Youth, and Families (CYF)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCW 630 | Clinical Social Work in Forensic Settings | 3 |
| SOCW 683 | Clinical Practice with Children, Youth, and Families | 3 |
| SOCW 696 | Specialization Practicum Education and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 698 | Specialization Social Work Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| GCH 500 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | 6 | |
| Clinical Practice with Adults | ||
| Immigration Policy | ||
| Social Policy for Children and Youth | ||
| Aging Programs and Policies | ||
| Global Human Rights Policy | ||
| Creative Arts in Social Work Practice | ||
| Advanced Group Theory and Practice | ||
| Selected Topics in Clinical Practice | ||
| Selected Topics in Social Work and Social Change | ||
| Family Therapy | ||
| Trauma and Recovery | ||
| Military Social Work | ||
| Substance Use Interventions | ||
| Social Work and the Law | ||
| Organizational Leadership for Social Workers | ||
| Clinical Practice with Older Adults | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Specialization in Adults and Healthy Aging (AHA)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCW 640 | Clinical Practice with Adults | 3 |
| SOCW 689 | Clinical Practice with Older Adults | 3 |
| SOCW 696 | Specialization Practicum Education and Seminar I | 3 |
| SOCW 698 | Specialization Social Work Practicum and Seminar II | 3 |
| GCH 500 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | 6 | |
| Clinical Social Work in Forensic Settings | ||
| Immigration Policy | ||
| Social Policy for Children and Youth | ||
| Aging Programs and Policies | ||
| Global Human Rights Policy | ||
| Creative Arts in Social Work Practice | ||
| Advanced Group Theory and Practice | ||
| Selected Topics in Clinical Practice | ||
| Selected Topics in Social Work and Social Change | ||
| Family Therapy | ||
| Trauma and Recovery | ||
| Military Social Work | ||
| Substance Use Interventions | ||
| Social Work and the Law | ||
| Organizational Leadership for Social Workers | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Conflict Analysis and Resolution Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CONF 600 | Foundations of Conflict Analysis and Resolution | 6 |
| CONF 610 | Conflict Inquiry | 3 |
| CONF 657 | Facilitation Skills | 3 |
| CONF 625 | Engaging Conflict 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
- 1
CONF 657 Facilitation Skills should be completed before a student takes CONF 625 Engaging Conflict.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credits of CONF Electives with approval from Carter School | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Total credits: 78
Bachelor's Degree (any)/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 BA or BS 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
-
Admitted students may take up to 6 credits of graduate coursework each semester. A maximum of 12 credits will count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. The courses may count towards undergraduate and graduate requirements with approval by the Program Directors.
-
For candidates not pursuing an undergraduate degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, a maximum of 6 graduate credits can be applied to the undergraduate requirements for a minor in Conflict Analysis and Resolution.
- Students must begin their master's program the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree and will be expected to complete all remaining graduate program requirements within five years.
- Contact tcsadvi@gmu.edu for additional information on application of courses.
- No grade below a B is permitted for any undergraduate or graduate CONF course taken after application to the accelerated master's program until completion of the undergraduate program.
- If a student receives a grade below a B in any CONF course after acceptance in the program, they will not be allowed to continue on to the master's program. Students that have received a grade below a B in a CONF course after acceptance into the program may re-apply to the master's program after conferral of the undergraduate degree; however, re-application does not guarantee admission.
- At the time of the undergraduate degree conferral, students' GPAs must meet the standard required for admission to the master's degree.
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.