Students entering this program are expected to develop an understanding and appreciation of the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological breadth of the field and to develop expertise in the pursuit of their own particular interests in the study of conflict resolution. In conjunction with the student’s adviser, each student will design a program based upon particular interests within the field of conflict resolution.
This program will provide the student with the appropriate research competencies—critical, qualitative, or quantitative—to pursue independent inquiry under faculty guidance. The master’s degree program consists of a minimum of 63 credits of coursework, including 9 credits of thesis or project work and 9 credits of practicum work. Each student’s program must be based upon the following courses or their transfer equivalencies.
Requirements
Courses
| CR 511 | Research Methods in Conflict Resolution | 4 |
| CR 512 | Perspectives in Conflict Resolution | 4 |
| CR 513 | Philosophy of Conflict Resolution | 4 |
| CR 518 | Psychology of Conflict Resolution | 4 |
| CR 515 | Negotiation | 4 |
| CR 524 | Advanced Mediation | 4 |
| CR 526 | Intercultural Conflict Resolution | 4 |
| CR 522 | Thesis and Project Prep Seminar | 1 |
Areas of emphasis
All graduate students are expected to develop a theoretical competency in at least two areas of emphasis. Areas of emphasis will be designed in consultation with the student’s program adviser. Areas of emphasis currently supported in this program include: mediation, democratic dialogue, violence prevention, restorative justice, peace education, nonviolent social change, international conflict resolution, intercultural conflict resolution, peace psychology, law-related conflict resolution, environmental conflict resolution, public policy conflict resolution, gender and peace, and dispute systems design and evaluation. Other areas of emphasis may be developed, according to particular student needs, in consultation with the program adviser.
Practicum
Each student will complete a 9 credit, 300-hour practicum (CR 509) that covers at least one of the emphasis areas. The practicum will be set up in consultation with the student’s program adviser. Optimally, the practicum will give the student professional experience in an emphasis area, as well as give the student ideas about research topics.
Culminating experience
Students must complete one of the following culminating experiences. The decision to pursue one or the other of these options is to be made in conjunction with the student’s faculty adviser.
Master's Thesis
Each student will complete a thesis and pass a final oral examination on the thesis. Students must complete at least 9 credits of CR 503 Thesis; 9 credits maximum count toward the degree. The thesis director and thesis committee will be selected, in consultation with the program adviser. Prior to beginning work on the thesis, all students will be required to take the Thesis Preparation Seminar where they demonstrate proficiency in relevant theories and research methodology.
Master's Professional Project
The student will complete a major project relating to his or her major area of study and present the results, with a written report and literature review, to faculty and students. The student will comply with current program guidelines for selection of project topic, project format, project committee, and presentation of the project outcomes. The student will complete the project under the direct supervision of the academic adviser. Students pursuing this option are required to sign up for at least 9 credits of CR 506 Special Project.