SCHOOL of INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
American University · Washington, D.C.
MA, INTERNATIONAL PEACE & CONFLICT RESOLUTION
MA Links
Degree Requirements (39 credits)
The Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution is the core degree option within IPCR. The curriculum explores the following critical issues: theories on the causes of war and organized violence at the international and international levels, alternative approaches to resolving and preventing conflict, approaches to peacemaking, the formation of cooperative global relationships, cross-cultural negotiation, crisis management and response, and individual and community transformation. The curriculum is unique in the field as it bridges peace studies with conflict resolution studies in an international and cross-cultural approach.
Our students learn to analyze current conflict situations and develop policy proposals for their resolution. Since culture and religion play strong roles in the resolution and transformation of conflict, students also develop strong cross-cultural communication skills. Our students have the opportunity to explore peace theory through religious and spiritual traditions, nonviolent social movements, as well as sustainable economics. Students also have the oppourtunity to develop practical skills in conflict resolution techniques through the classroom setting, hands-on practical institutes, and internship opportunities. These skills assist in transforming conflict through policy making, mediation, negotiation, activism, and other peacebuilding activities. The multidisciplinary approach combines both micro-and macro-level analysis that links theory with practice and research with action to provide training in implementation of skills as well as critical analysis. Graduates will have the analytical and practical competencies to serve at all levels of public policy-making institutions. You may specialize in a variety of different concentrations based on the core program.
Major Field (12 credit hours)
- SIS-606 Culture and Peace and Conflict Resolution: Alternatives to Violence (3)
- SIS-607 Peace Paradigms (3)
- SIS-609 Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice (3)
- SIS-610 Theory of Conflict, Violence and Wars (3)
Economics (3 credit hours)
- ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory (3)
- SIS-673 Comparative Political Economy (3)
- Another approved course in economics (3)
Related Field (12 credit hours)
- Four courses approved by IPCR faculty from one of the major field groups in SIS: Comparative and Regional Studies (CRS), International Communications (IC), International Politics (IP), International Development (ID), International Economic Relations (IER), or United States Foreign Policy (USFP), Global Environmental Politics (GEP).
- Four courses approved by the student's faculty advisor making up an optional related field or an academically-sound concentration defined by a central concept which allows the student to focus on a particular area of interest.
Social Science Research Methodology (6 credit hours)
- SIS-600 Quantitative Analysis in International Affairs (3)
- SIS-612 Research Seminar in Peace and Conflict Resolution (3)
- or -
SIS-639 Selected Topics in International Conflict Resolution Skills (1-3) (total of 3 credit hours)
- or -
other approved methodology course work appropriate to the student’s research interests (3)
Research and Writing Requirement (6 credit hours)
- SIS-797 Master's Thesis Supervision (6)
- Substantial research paper requirement *
- Research practicum **
* One 3 credit hour internship or cooperative education field experience and one 3 credit hour substantial research paper OR two substantial research papers.
** 6 credit hour supervised by major field faculty advisors (by permission and specific arrangement)
Foreign Language Proficiency
Certification of written proficiency in a modern foreign language related to regional concentration.
Comprehensive Examination
For specific information about courses, please consult the University Catalog, Bulletin, or your academic advisor.