The Masters of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution offers a comprehensive study of a wide variety of conflict types and prepares students for research and intervention that can mitigate, resolve, and potentially prevent negative relations between parties. In this program, students analyze the root causes and defining characteristics of conflicts and explore the wide-ranging consequences for those parties engaged and engulfed in hostilities.
A total of 42 credit-hour units are required: 15 credits are required core courses and 27 credits are electives. The choice of electives can vary significantly according to each student's individual goals or needs. Therefore, each student should develop a Plan of Study that should be discussed once each semester with his/her advisor and updated as appropriate.
Please review the Master's Planning Sheet for a listing of program requirements.
Required Courses:
Foundations Courses (6 Credits)
- CONF 600 – Foundations of Conflict Analysis and Resolution Credits: 6 (must be taken in students first semester)
Conflict Inquiry Courses (3 credits)
- CONF 610 – Conflict Inquiry Credits: 3
- CONF 660 – Conflict Assessment and Program Evaluation Credits: 3
Conflict Praxis Courses (6 credits)
- CONF 657 – Facilitation Skills Credits: 3
- CONF 625 – Engaging Conflict Credits: 3
Electives Courses (27 credits)
Electives are any 500, 600, or 700 level CONF courses, except required courses. With the advisor's approval, each student is eligible to include a maximum of six credits of electives from outside the S-CAR program, including courses in other Mason departments, consortium courses, and transfer courses from other universities.
Students may aslo complete Internship, Masters Thesis, or Applied Practice and Theory (APT) courses as electives.
Other important documents and information:
For students entering before Fall 2016, a total of 41 credit-hour units are required: 15 credits are required core courses, 20 credits are electives and, six integrative credits (students can choose from a defined list). The choice of electives can vary significantly according to each student's individual goals or needs. Therefore, each student should develop a Plan of Study that should be discussed once each semester with his/her 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, spring, summer) Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution (should be taken in the student's first semester at S-CAR)
CONF 610 (fall, spring, occasionally summer) Philosophy and Methods of Conflict Research
CONF 620 (fall or spring) Reflective Practice in Interpersonal-Multiparty Conflicts
CONF 601 (fall, spring, occasionally summer) Theories of Conflict and Conflict Resolution
CONF 642 (fall or spring) Integration of Theory and Practice (should be taken in the student's last semester at S-CAR)
Elective Courses
Students must complete 20 credits of relevant elective course work. Elective courses are S-CAR courses that are at the 600 and 700 level (other than the required courses listed above). CONF 695, CONF 795, CONF 697, and appropriate graduate courses from other GMU departments or Consortium Universities may also apply as electives*.
Integrative Courses
Students must complete six credits (two courses) of integrative work, choosing one of the following integration options:
1. CONF 690 Practicum in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (6 credits) or
2. CONF 694 Internship (3 credits or 6 credits) or 3 credits of CONF 694 and 3 credits of CONF 795 or
For more information about the Internship click here
3. CONF 799 Masters Thesis (3 credits in fall and 3 credits in spring) or a combination of 1 credit of CONF 797 (thesis proposal) and 5 credits of CONF 799.
For more information about the Master's Thesis click here
Printable MS Requirements Flyer
Printable MS Plan of Study Form
Printable S-CAR MS Student Handbook
MS Admissions Information
Make an advising appointment
Please email S-CAR student services at [email protected] in order to set up an appointment. A very limited number of walk-in appointments are available. We highly encourage you to email and schedule an appointment.
Students should consult the MS Plan of study for their specific program as well as the George Mason University catalog.
Appointment made in advance are only available on certain days and subject to weather cancellations.
Description
Under special circumstances, students may arrange to take a Directed Reading (Independent Study) course, either numbered CONF 697 (for MS students) or 897 (for PhD). These can be arranged because:
1. A required course is not due to be scheduled for at least two semesters, thus unreasonably delaying graduation.
2. A student wishes to work with a particular member of the faculty on a specific topic not normally offered as part of their S-CAR program.
In such cases, the student may ask the professor responsible for that required course to substitute a "directed reading" course (CONF 697 or CONF 897) and cover the material independently. This route obviously should be used only in the instance of unavoidable hardship to the student (e.g. student leaving the area or major family illness); it is not intended as an alternative way of passing through the program. This courtesy can only be extended if it does not overburden faculty and prevent the smooth running of the program.
Procedure
Step 1: The student should initially approach the faculty member to obtain approval for a Directed Reading course and to discuss and agree upon the nature and contents of the proposed course. Registration information is listed below.
Step 2: An outline of the agreed course topic, together with a basic bibliography, should be written down after this initial discussion and deposited in the student's file, copies also being kept by the student, faculty member and MS or PhD Program Director. At this initial stage, details of expected course work, notes on readings, exercises to be carried out and method of grading should be agreed according to the wishes and working styles of student and faculty involved.
Step 3: Regular meetings should be scheduled and records kept of the student's performance during the course. It is suggested that at least six meetings take place after the initial planning meeting, although this can be varied when appropriate.
Step 4: If it is agreed that all or any substantial part of the final grade for a Directed Reading course is to be based upon a final paper, the topic should be approved at least four weeks before the last day of classes and handed in no later than the first day of Exam Week, to facilitate grading.
Step 5: Incomplete grades will not be granted for Directed Reading courses, except in the case of a medical emergency.
Registration
Registration for CONF 697 or 897 is completed using the Individual Section Form found on the Registrar web site under Forms. The form should be submitted after the student has confirmed with a faculty member to oversee their directed reading. Confirmation should be sent by email to the Graduate Student Services Director. This form should be signed by the S-CAR MS Program Director and the S-CAR Dean and then forwarded to the Registrar’s office by fax to 703-993-4032 or via campus mail to MS 3D1.