Georgetown University - Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
M.A. in Conflict Resolution
Washington, USA
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: Georgetown’s M.A. in Conflict Resolution requires 40 credits over two years. Leading scholars teach theory, negotiation, mediation, research methods, and psychology so students gain a multidisciplinary view of conflict resolution. Cohorts average 30 students, ensuring close faculty advising. Students can take electives, certificates, internships, funded summer field fellowships, language study with language scholarships, and research assistantships.
Career Outcomes: The programme funds Professional Development Funds, supports the Boren Fellowship, and offers Research assistantships/On-campus jobs. Graduates work in mediation, diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, government policy, peacebuilding, restorative justice, human rights advocacy, programme management, research, and consulting, and conference presentation opportunities abroad.
The Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution encompasses theoretical practices from Conflict Resolution and International Relations and practices including negotiation, mediation, and creative peacebuilding to address conflict, whether it be personal, group, or international. The field, originating from theorists such as Galtung, Lederach, and Gandhi, seeks to transform the way conflict is studied and find creative mechanisms for positive change. The program emphasizes Georgetown University's dedication to diverse and inclusive study, practical training, and application.
In order to fulfill Georgetown University's mission of inclusiveness and high academic standing, the program requires the completion of 40 credits over the course of two years. Leading scholars and practitioners in the field of Conflict Resolution teach core courses on theory, practical skills, negotiation practices, research methods, and psychology so students gain a holistic understanding of conflict resolution in multiple disciplines.
The average cohort houses 30 students, providing specialized attention for students, and intimate relationships with faculty advisors and professors in the program. The Conflict Resolution Program seeks to equally prepare students for practical experience, offering opportunities for language study, on-campus research assistantships with our professors and job opportunities at multiple institutions throughout the university, funded summer field fellowships, and support for students seeking professional development at conferences and symposiums. The program allows students to individually specialize through elective coursework, complete certificate programs at the university, and build practical experience in internships and in the field. The faculty and staff, student body, and network of alumni and visiting lecturers ensure that students not only gain an exceptional education but acquire a network and community of exceptional practitioners and academics worldwide.
Language Scholarships
All students must fulfill a language requirement by completing a language proficiency exam proctored by Georgetown University's various language departments or by taking two semesters of Georgetown language courses during their two years in the program. CR students are eligible for language scholarships during the 2-year program for proficiency level language courses at Georgetown University when taking a full 9-credit course load. These courses cannot be used towards the degree, but are available for further language study and as a way to complete the program's language requirement.
Professional Development Funds
All CR Students are eligible to apply for support for student engagement in specialized skills building activities that are critical to career advancement related to conflict resolution.
Allowable uses include:
- transportation related to a field internship;
- academic conference or workshop registration fees;
- membership dues to professional organizations.
Boren Fellowship
The CR Program and faculty support students who seek to apply for the Boren Fellowship - a National Security Education Program established to fund US graduate students to study less common languages abroad that are considered important to US interests. Past CR students have been awarded Boren Fellowships in the following Countries: Jordan, India, South Africa, Turkey, Uganda, and Ukraine.
Academics
The Conflict Resolution curriculum at Georgetown is rigorous and comprehensive; core courses introduce the theoretical and practical skills, while a wide range of elective courses are available to CR students to help them develop a concentration and to develop skills specific to their individual interests. In order to complete the program, students will complete 40 credits, 25 of which are electives drawn from across the multitude of courses offered across the university. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of speakers, events, and workshops both on campus and in Washington, D.C.
Core Courses (15 credits)
- GOVT-580: Introduction to Conflict Resolution Theory
- GOVT-581: Conflict Resolution Skills
- GOVT- 579: Research Design & Conflict Resolution
- MGMT-671: Applied Negotiations
- PSYC-498: Intergroup Relations
- GOVT- 596: Conflict Resolution Capstone
In their first year of study, full-time students are expected to take GOVT-579, GOVT-580, and GOVT-581 in the fall semester and PSYC-498 and MGMT-671 in the spring semester. The capstone course, GOVT-596, is taken the spring semester of the second year of coursework.
Electives (Directed and general, 25 credits)
Directed Electives are graduate-level courses that address conflict resolution; the origins/nature of conflict; mediation; post-conflict development; or peacebuilding. Students may take Directed Electives in programs across campus, provided the program approves. General Electives are graduate-level courses that relate to the student’s individual interests and career goals. Ideally, General Electives help a student develop a concentration. One elective course must focus on a specific region of the world. Students are also required to take a one-credit skills course.
Concentrations
With the assistance of a faculty adviser, students are encouraged to develop an area of concentration that best suits their interests and goals. Concentrations can be geographical, thematic, or a combination of the two.
Students may also develop a concentration through one of four certificate programs offered through the School of Foreign Service:
- African Studies
- Arab Studies
- Asian Studies
- East European and Eurasian Studies
- Refugees and Humanitarian Studies
The coursework for these certificates also count toward a student’s progress in the CR Program; however, students are responsible for tracking their own progress toward certificate completion.
Independent Study/Directed Tutorials
Two types of Directed Tutorials are available to CR students: Internship for Credit and Independent Study. Either tutorial can substitute one three-credit General Electives. Students interested in pursuing a thesis or directed tutorial should consult with the CR Program Coordinator and/or their faculty adviser.
Foreign Language Requirement
All students must pass the Government Department’s language proficiency exam prior to graduating. Language scholarships are available to assist students in preparing for the exam.
SCHOLARSHIPS
All applicants are eligible for scholarship consideration. The CR Program awards a small number of partial tuition scholarships to first-year students. Please note that scholarship availability may change from year to year, and funding is limited.
Many CR students find external scholarship funding through their own research. The following resources have helped students secure funding:
- Georgetown University Office of Fellowships, Awards, and Resources.
- International Educational Financial Aid.
FINANCIAL AID
All American citizens should complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Georgetown Supplemental Form for consideration for federal aid. All prospective students are encouraged to contact the Georgetown Office of Student Financial Services for more information about financial aid options.
Professional Development
The Conflict Resolution Program sponsors both internal and external professional development to ensure students gain both academic and practical applied experience upon graduation. This prepares our graduating students to enter the job market at a competitive standing. The following options are either offered by the CR program or are suggested to further gain experience while in the program.
Research assistantships/On-campus jobs
The Conflict Resolution Program sponsors a Research Assistantship (RA) program that provides opportunities for first-year CR students to work with faculty who share similar research interests. All first-year CR students are eligible to apply for the numerous positions available. International students are also encouraged to apply.
In August, the CR Program Coordinator will email the list of available RA positions to all incoming students. If you are interested, simply forward your resume and a cover letter that outlines your top three choices. The CR Program administration will match students with positions accordingly. RAs are paid hourly and can expect to work around 10 hours per week, depending on the specific position. In the past, the program has been able to place each interested first-year student, but we cannot always guarantee each student a placement.
Past placements:
- GU Office of the President Initiative Team
- GU Office of the Provost
- GU Institute for Reproductive Health
- GU Office of Foundation Relations
- School of Foreign Service Graduate Career and Development Center
- Berkley Center for Religion and World Affairs
- Professor Marc Howard, Government Department
- Professor Ayse Kadayifci, Conflict Resolution Program
- Professor Elizabeth Ferris, GU Institute for International Migration
- Professor Fathali Moghaddam, Conflict Resolution Program/Psychology Department
- Ms. Chloe Edmonds, Conflict Resolution Program
- Professor Andria Wisler, Program in Justice and Peace Studies
- Professor Molly Inman, Conflict Resolution Program
