What students learn
Graduate study in Conflict Resolution provides peace and conflict perspectives, critical thinking skills, and, at the advanced level, research competencies to pursue independent inquiry under faculty guidance.
How it works
Conflict Resolution offers three graduate credentials that are "stackable": the Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution (GC), the Graduate Certificate in Applied Conflict Resolution (AGC), and the masters's degree, a full MA or MS. The certificate programs will admit 12-20 students per year. The full master's degree is highly selective and will admit 4-6 students per year. The only difference between an MA and an MS is the second language competency required for the MA. All other course and credit requirements are the same.
The new Certificate in Holocaust and Genocide/Atrocity Prevention (H-GAP) is a stand-alone 20-credit credential with a separate admissions process, available in fall 2021. The certificate requires three courses: CR 549 (Introduction to Holocaust & Genocide Studies), GRN 515 (Constructions of Power & Knowledge), and CR 550, which is a synthesis course for students to pull together their learning and strategies for application. Students also choose two courses (8 credits) from a list of electives from a number of disciplines: Conflict Resolution, the School of Gender, Race, and Nation, Black Studies, Judaic Studies, History, and Political Science.
Course offerings for all graduate credentials start in fall term and proceed through spring term in order to support a learning cohort during the regular academic year. Conflict Resolution students can expect to take their first 20 required credits together in a classroom setting. Then, AGC and MA/MS students select a concentration of electives, where they take courses with advanced undergraduates in their classes, per the PSU norm. AGC and master's students can reconnect during their practicum class and related activities. Then, master's degree students complete their final 12 credits in specialized classes and individualized instruction in support of their final project or thesis.
Courses are listed below, linked to fuller descriptions in PSU's online catalog. The best way to learn more about the graduate program and student success in it is to read the Graduate Student Handbook at the link at the bottom of this page.