Program Overview

Peace and Conflict Studies - M.A.

Overview

The Master of Arts degree in Peace and Conflict Studies is designed for students interested in gaining the knowledge and practical skills necessary to become a professional peace practitioner, one who is equipped to promote peaceful change and social justice whether in the local community, across the country or at the international level.

Admissions

• Bachelor's degree in peace studies or related discipline from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement highlighting relevant professional experience and academic background
• Writing sample
• Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic evaluators
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Coursework

Major Requirements

• PACS 60000: Foundations of Conflict Analysis and Management (3)
• PACS 60001: Advanced Negotiation (3)
• PACS 60009: Leadership for Peaceful Change (3)
• POL 60010: Qualitative Research Methods (3)
• Major Elective (3-6)
• Culminating Requirement (3-6)

Applied Conflict Transformation Concentration Requirements

• PACS 60002: Advanced Mediation (3)
• PACS 60003: Community-Based Conflict Transformation (3)
• PACS 60004: Organizational Conflict and Cooperation (3)
• Concentration Electives (6)

Peace, Conflict and Development Concentration Requirements

• PACS 60005: Peace, Conflict and Development: Local-Global Dynamics (3)
• PACS 60006: Post-Conflict Peacebuilding (3)
• PACS 60007: Praxis in Conflict-Sensitive Development (3)
• Concentration Electives (6)

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Major GPA: 3.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.000
• No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
• Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Analyze and apply key theories, concepts and policies relevant to the field of peace and conflict studies, in general and in their specific concentrations.
2. Synthesize the interplay of conflict sources at different levels of analyses (from interpersonal to structural) with the dynamics relevant to all conflict situations.
3. Analyze and apply appropriate intervention practices for successful conflict resolution or transformation at relevant levels of conflict.
4. Describe and evaluate the key role that leadership plays in conflict intervention and crisis management.
5. Integrate and apply learning from across the program to real-world situations.
6. Apply knowledge about the field to develop personally tailored career plans.

Dual Degree with Master of Business Administration

Students have the opportunity to complete a dual degree program with the M.A. degree in Peace and Conflict Studies and the Master of Business Administration degree. A separate application must be submitted for each program.

Why Kent State University

• Honoring Their Memory... Carrying on Their Legacy. Check out the May 4 Legacy Scholarships available for Peace and Conflict Studies students.
• Why Study with SPCS? Learn what Peace and Conflict Studies can do for you.
• Our History is a Key Part of Who We Are. School of Peace and Conflict Studies (SPCS) has a special and unique history and mission. Check it out here!