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Institute for Conflict Analysis & Resolution
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Course Work Graduate Programs
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, M.S.The Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and The Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, offered by the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, is a two-year professional program that prepares students for practice by integrating conflict analysis and resolution theory, research, and practice. Students study the theory, methods, and ethical perspectives of the field and apply this knowledge in laboratory simulations and workshops, internships, and field practica. Graduates of the program work in a variety of settings where conflict resolution is useful—businesses, unions, government agencies, religious groups, court systems, educational institutions, community centers, international relief and development organizations, and conflict resolution consulting firms. Admission Requirements
The GRE is not required. Background courses in the 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; normally, the university does not permit any reduction in the total credits required for the degree. Although students may enroll on a full- or part-time basis, entry into the program is in the fall semester only. Degree Requirements Required Courses CONF 501 Overview of the field of conflict analysis and resolution Usually offered in the spring semester: CONF 601 Theories of Sources of Conflict and Conflict Resolution Selective Courses Students must select at least two courses (six credits) from the following list: CONF 701, 702, 709, 802, 803 Advanced theory Students must complete two courses (six credits) of integrative work: CONF 690 Practicum in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Elective Courses Students must complete 11 credits of relevant elective course work. ICAR supports three primary areas of study:
Once students have taken CONF 720, 730, or 740, they may construct plans of study that cross these emphases and may choose approved graduate courses from related disciplines. CONF 695 and CONF 795 may be repeated for credit as electives. Courses not used in the selective blocks may be used as electives. Directed readings: Field Opportunities Internship. The internship is intended to provide students with opportunities to use and further develop applied conflict resolution skills; integrate theory and practice of conflict analysis and resolution; apply theory through practice; and network with professionals in the field to enhance employment opportunities. Experience does not necessarily have to be explicitly "hands on": interns need not actually be intervenors, because such opportunities may not be readily available; rather, the goal is to get as close to analysis and resolution practice as possible. It is George Mason policy that internships for which academic credit is received cannot be paid. Students taking CONF 694 are required to register and pay for three credits of CONF 694 during Summer Term. Internships consist of at least 160 hours of supervised work on a project involving the analysis and/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, Dr. Dennis Sandole, before the internship begins. At the conclusion of the internship, the student must submit a 25- to 40-page paper on the experience, analyzing it in light of conflict and conflict resolution theories. In effect, the internship is an opportunity to apply theory or to test models, hypothesis, or processes; the internship paper is an opportunity to integrate the field experience with corresponding theory and research in the field. Also, upon completion of the internship, the site supervisor submits to Dr. Sandole a report describing what the intern did, how well he/she did it, and a grade for the student's work. Students are encouraged to arrange their own internships; however, Dr. Sandole is available to discuss internship possibilities and requirements. Additionally, an internship binder is kept in the Student Resource Room. Students are also encouraged to contact ICAR alumni for internship possibilities. Students meet with Dr. Sandole as required. APT. The Applied Practice and Theory (APT) program is a six-credit course running 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. Certificate in Conflict Resolution for Health Professionals ICAR jointly offers a certificate program for health professionals. For more information, see the "College of Nursing and Health Science" chapter.
Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Ph.D.The doctoral program, the first of its kind in the United States, provides advanced study for students in the fields of conflict and conflict resolution. Students are prepared for careers as researchers, theoreticians, and teachers in higher education, and as policy administrators, analysts, and consultants in both the public and private sectors. The program stresses a close link between knowledge of theory and of process in the resolution of conflict. For this, training in the methods of research and analysis is necessary and 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 Degree Requirements
Elective Courses
Directed Readings Dissertation Units
* CONF 811 has a prerequisite, "demonstrated competence in social statistics." This means that the entering student may be required to take an advanced course in statistics, STAT 510 (fall) or STAT 550 (spring), before registering for CONF 811. Such a course is not, however, counted toward the total credits needed for the degree. ** All CONF 998 courses are graded In Progress (IP) until completion of the proposal. At that time an appropriate grade is issued. ***All CONF 999 courses are graded In Progress (IP) until the dissertation defense is successfully completed. At that time an appropriate grade is issued. Credit for a Master's Degree Students entering with an M.S. in a related field or a J.D. may apply up to 15 credits of electives. 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. Entering the Doctoral Program without a Master's Degree Foreign Language Requirement
George Mason University:2000-2001 University Catalog: Catalog Index: Institute for Conflict Analysis & Resolution |
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