NOTICE OF PROGRAM MORATORIUM: Graduate Certificates and the MA/MS in Conflict Resolution are currently on moratorium. We are no longer accepting applications for these programs.
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