Students in this program will study the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological dimensions of conflict resolution. Each student will design and complete a thesis or project reflective of their interests in the field.
Required Courses (34 credits)
- CR 512 Foundations of Conflict Resolution (4 credits)
- CR 513 Advanced Values and Ethics in Conflict Resolution (4 credits)
- CR 518 Psychology of Peace and Conflict (4 credits)
- CR 526 Advanced Intercultural Conflict Resolution (4 credits)
- CR 508 Workshop (4 credits)
- CR 511 Research Methods in Conflict Resolution (4 credits)
- CR 509 Practicum (6 credits)
- CR 522 Thesis and Project Preparation Seminar (4 credits)
Electives (12 credits of 500-level Conflict Resolution courses):
- CR 510 Selected Topics (4 credits)
- CR 515 Negotiation (4 credits)
- CR 516 Evil and Hate (4 credits)
- CR 517 Nonviolence (4 credits)
- CR 519 Forgiveness and Atonement (4 credits)
- CR 520 Individual and Group Reconciliation Processes (4 credits)
- CR 523 Dialogue Across Differences (4 credits)
- CR 524 Advanced Mediation (4 credits)
- CR 525 Conflict Resolution Systems Design (4 credits)
- CR 527 Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict (4 credits)
- CR 528 Human Values in War and Peace: Value Dilemmas, Contradictions and Resolutions (4 credits)
- CR 529 European Union as a Peacebuilding System (4 credits)
- CR 530 Research and Professional Development Colloquium (4 credits)
- CR 539 Family Mediation (4 credits)
- CR 541 Storytelling and Conflict Resolution (4 credits)
- CR 542 Peace Education (4 credits)
- CR 543 Nationalism and Democracy in a Post-9/11 World (4 credits)
- CR 544 Neighbors and Enemies: Cyprus, Greece and Turkey (4 credits)
- CR 545 Gender and Conflict Resolution (4 credits)
- CR 546 Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (4 credits)
- CR 547 Civil Society and Conflict Resolution (4 credits)
- CR 548 Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding (4 credits)
- CR 549 Intro to Holocaust and Genocide Studies (4 credits)
Project Option
In the project option, the MA/MS culminates in project that follows from a program planned in consultation with the student’s adviser. Projects typically involve a synthesis of learning and practice in service to a community need for a conflict resolution application. Upon completion of the project and write-up, the student will present it in an oral examination before a committee comprising the project adviser, a second reader from among program or PSU faculty and, optionally, a third reader.
Guidelines for the project proposal are available from the program office. Once approved by the adviser and committee, a signed copy of the proposal is filed with the program office. Projects in their final form are filed in the program office.
Students must complete 8 credits of CR 506 for the project option.
Thesis Option
In the thesis option, the MA/MS culminates in the preparation and defense of a thesis based upon original research that follows from a program planned in consultation with the student’s adviser.
Guidelines for the thesis proposal are available from the program. Once accepted and approved by the adviser and thesis committee, a signed copy of the proposal is filed with the program office. Upon completion of the thesis, each student must defend it in an oral examination before a thesis committee. Thesis committees typically consist of three faculty members from PSU, with no more than one member from outside of the CR faculty. After a successful defense and in accordance with PSU’s Procedures for the Master’s Degree, the thesis in its final form is filed with the Graduate School.
Students must complete 8 credits of CR 503 for the thesis option.
Note: Up to 8 credits from outside Conflict Resolution may be counted towards fulfilling degree requirements with approval of adviser.
54 total credits