Conflict Management and Resolution, M.A.

Graduate Coordinator:  Dr. Raymonde Kleinberg

The Department of Public and International Affairs offers a multi-disciplinary M.A.in Conflict Management and Resolution (CMR) for professionals, practitioners and students who wish to gain a greater understanding of a variety of conflict in both domestic and international settings. The program is based on a dual-format, blended-course model which includes intensive instructional blocks utilizing face-to-face instruction, video teleconferencing and mobile access followed by self-paced but guided distance education. There is one instructional block a semester spanning two–to–four weeks at the beginning of the fall, spring and summer semesters. The program is designed to provide core knowledge, skills, and abilities through a set of modules focused on the theoretical and applied approaches to conflict management. Students acquire the tools to respond to a broad spectrum of scenarios including interpersonal conflict, third-party facilitation and mediation, and larger group conflict. The objective of the graduate degree is to give graduates the knowledge and skill set to assess, interpret and, manage conflict in contemporary and diverse domestic or international organizational and inter-organizational settings. Students will gain an understanding of the theoretical and practical processes involved with effectively negotiating and advocating in domestic or international settings. Students will moreover gain the skills to identify the uses, strengths and weaknesses of bargaining at the theoretical and practical levels and analyze power sources in negotiations.In order to better address the various career goals of our students, the M. A. degree in Conflict Management and Resolution will have two tracks: National and International Security and, Domestic, Social and Organizational Conflict Transformation. Students can also choose a thesis or non-thesis option.