Arcadia University Department of Historical and Political Studies
Master’s in International Peace and Conflict Resolution
Arcadia University, USA
Master degree
DURATION
6 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 30,170 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* $30,170 full-time
Key Summary
About: This cohort-based Master’s programme trains practitioners in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and international development. Over a three-semester full-time course (part-time and longer dual-degree routes available), you'll learn via project-based learning, global fieldwork, and internships. Coursework and interdisciplinary faculty support culminate in an individualized capstone or thesis that integrates theory with field experience and cross-cultural skills training.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter careers in NGOs, government, education, international development, diplomacy, counseling, public health, and the private sector as program managers, policy analysts, mediators, researchers, or consultants. Alumni work in nongovernmental organizations and public agencies; faculty and staff help with professional placement.
Be a Part of the Solution
Learn Global and Local Peace Building
Our three-semester*, cohort-based Master's program will train you to be a skilled practitioner who is able to develop innovative approaches to global and local peacebuilding and development. You will be well-prepared for careers in the nonprofit/nongovernmental organization sector, as well as in other public, private, and academic fields.
Through project-based learning, global fieldwork, and internships, you will develop practical, operational skills in peace and conflict resolution and international development. In your classes, you will work with interdisciplinary faculty scholars to understand the social, political, historical, and economic contexts in which peace and conflict are produced.
*Dual Degree Programs may take longer, depending on the length of the additional program.
Our Programs
International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR)
IPCR Dual Degree Programs
- International Relations and Diplomacy & IPCR. Study in Paris, France.
- Counseling & IPCR. Trauma and conflict focus.
- Public Health & IPCR. Earn M.P.H. and M.A. degrees.
Overview
The program at a Glance
- Three-semester full-time program; part-time option available.
- The program cohort begins in the fall.
- Degree conferred the following winter; Commencement occurs the following spring.
- Spend one week studying abroad with your cohort.
- Complete your internship requirement in the U.S. or abroad.
- Individualized Capstone project aligned with career aspirations.
Dual Degree Options
In addition to the Master of Arts degree, Arcadia offers dual degree options:
- IPCR/International Relations and Diplomacy. A three-year program leading to dual Master of Arts degrees. One and a half years in Glenside and one and a half years at the American Graduate School in Paris, France.
- IPCR/Counseling. A three-year program in Glenside leading to dual Master of Arts degrees. Trauma and conflict focus; accredited counseling program.
- IPCR/Public Health. A three-year program in Glenside leading to a Master of Public Health and Master of Arts degrees.
Student Experiences
The world is our classroom and global field experiences are the cornerstone of the IPCR program, providing students with unparalleled practical, hands-on opportunities to hone professional skills, engage in experiential learning, and develop a network and community of colleagues. By graduation, IPCR students are not only well trained and educated but already out in the world actively building peace as advocates, activists, social entrepreneurs, and NGO program managers.
Field Experiences and Internships
You will engage in a significant "real world" experience through internships, project-based learning, and global fieldwork through our Global Field Study courses. In IPCR, we believe it’s essential to be global citizens living and engaging in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges to be effective peacebuilders.
Project-based Learning
Our scholars are also practitioners, connecting their research with real-world applications. Our courses reflect that through the incorporation of project-based learning. In many courses, you will work independently and in small groups on developing practical solutions to real-world problems.
Bringing It All Together
All students conduct a Thesis and Capstone Project during the final semester of the program. The Capstone Project gives you the opportunity to integrate your theory and coursework with your internships and field experiences in a professional project. The project typically takes the form of policy analysis, a stakeholder assessment, or a program plan, although an individually-designed project that reflects your specific career objective(s) is possible as well. Capstone students meet in a weekly seminar class where faculty provides feedback and support.
Capstone Project Examples
- The Kurdish Question in Turkey: A Conflict Assessment
- Terrorism in Africa: A Stakeholder Analysis of Boko Haram’s Insurgence in Nigeria
- Germany’s Refugee Policy Leadership in the EU
- Promoting a Peaceful Resolution to the Yemen War
- Red-Kite Project Training of Trainers: A Program Proposal
- Regaining Agency: Domestic and International Psychological First Aid
- Private to Public: A Workshop on Understanding Gender Bias in Our Community
Academic Policies and Procedures
A student accepted into the International Peace and Conflict Resolution program is expected to abide by the regulations set forth by Arcadia University.
The University reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time for unsatisfactory academic performance or for conduct detrimental to the University or to the welfare of other students.
In order for students to remain in good academic standing, they must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 throughout the first year of the program. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to be eligible to participate in the second year of the program. A grade below “C” may not be applied toward a degree. If a grade below “C” is received, the student must petition to retake the course.
Features
Structure Your Experience to Match Your Career Goals
The IPCR program uniquely provides students with both a solid foundation at the intersection of international peace and conflict resolution and development. The program provides opportunities to put theory into practical application through project-based learning, internships, and field experiences.
Full-time or Part-time Options
You will enroll in a three-term (full-time) or six-term (part-time) master’s degree program, which includes an applied, professional internship and practical international field experiences. The program is cohort-based—you will begin together in the fall and, if you are attending full-time, complete your degree the following December.
Foundation Courses
In our foundation courses, you are engaged in deep discussions on theories of war, conflict, and peace, in small, intimate courses with your cohort. Over the course of your program, you will take required courses in:
- Theories of peace and conflict resolution.
- Practices of conflict transformation including mediation, negotiation, and facilitation.
- Conflict assessment.
- A Case in Conflict course which includes a subsidized, cohort field study trip
- Capstone Project course where you'll complete a practical, applied project that prepares you for a career in the field.
Elective Selection
In addition to your cohort-based courses, you will choose electives throughout your program. Electives enable you to pursue your individual career goals, which you will combine with your internship, field study courses, and a capstone project to form a comprehensive package of experiences, skills, and knowledge that will prepare you for a successful career in the field of peacebuilding.
Required Internship
With the help of our expert advisors, practitioners, scholars, and alumni, you choose your own internship. It is conducted either in the U.S. or overseas, in the summer or during the final fall term alongside the Capstone Project. The internship is a key field opportunity to develop your professional skills, networks, and job prospects. An overseas internship also counts toward the global field experience requirement.
Capstone Project: Bringing It All Together
All students conduct a Capstone Project during the final semester of the program. The Capstone Project gives you the opportunity to integrate your theory and coursework with your internships and field experiences in a professional project.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Scholarships: Upon review for admission, students automatically will be reviewed by the academic department for a limited number of partial merit scholarships. A limited amount of Graduate Assistantships are also awarded on a merit basis for up to 10 hours per week.
Travel Purse: A $2,500 travel purse is set-aside for every full-time IPCR student to use towards special international experiences or global internships as approved by the IPCR Director.
Financial aid is available to assist qualified students in covering tuition and related expenses, as well as living costs. Additionally, students can apply to receive up to $20,500 annually through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan at a fixed interest. In addition to the Stafford Loan, students can choose to borrow either a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan or a private alternative student loan to cover remaining expenses. Graduate assistantships also may be available to those who qualify. More information.
Careers
Conflict Resolution Careers
A Master’s Degree in International Peace in Conflict Resolution makes you competitive for jobs in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, peace and conflict resolution-related employment is growing, and those with IPCR degrees are also well-suited for careers in education, business, government, development, or health fields.
Alumni Employers
More than half of our alumni are employed in nongovernmental organizations, while others work in government, education-related fields, or the private sector. IPCR faculty, staff, and alumni work together to help you successfully navigate professional placement and career development.