International Conflict Management, Ph.D.

Contact: Dr. Brandon Lundy, Associate Director
Office: Mathematics/Statistics Building, 365 Cobb Avenue, Suite 343, Maildrop #1602
Phone: (470) 578-2893
Email: blundy@kennesaw.edu
Web address: http://conflict.hss.kennesaw.edu/

International Conflict Management Ph.D. Program Description

This fulltime, interdisciplinary, in-residence program is designed to meet the global demand for scholar-practitioners to address the complex array of international conflict and security challenges through the development and implementation of empirically-based research, recommendations, and solutions. Following rigorous substantive and methodological preparation, applied experience in the field, and the successful completion of their dissertation research, program graduates will be ready to compete for tenure-track university faculty appointments and a wide range of operational positions in government, and non-governmental agencies.

General Requirements for Admission to the Ph.D. Program 

Applicants are required to submit portfolios of documents as evidence of their qualifications. Qualified applicants are recommended for admission based on the International Conflict Management (INCM) Program Admissions Committee evaluation of the submitted materials. The MA/MS degree in a related discipline is highly recommended as the basic requirement. Evidence of relevant full-time work experience or international experience is strongly recommended, but not required.

To be considered for admission to the INCM Ph.D. program, the following application materials must be submitted by applicants electronically through the KSU Graduate Admissions Office via the Online Application at http://www.kennesaw.edu/graduate/admissions/application.html (documents can be uploaded):

1.  Application Fee. There is a non-refundable application fee.
2. Resume or CV, showing the chronological progression of educational and work experiences including any additional information relevant to support the application.
3. Statement of Intent describing the applicant’s interest in the study of international conflict management and any relevant experiences and an outline of how the Ph.D. program could further those interests. Applicants are also encouraged to identify a research topic area and are encouraged to list potential faculty mentors.
4. Writing Sample demonstrating writing and analytical abilities related to higher education or professional experience. This writing sample is preferred in English, however will be accepted in another language accompanied by an English translation. There are no length requirements, however longer samples (e.g., a senior or master’s thesis) should be accompanied by an abstract or executive summary.
5. Letters of Recommendation from three references, at least two of which describe the applicant’s qualifications, motivation and prospects for success in the program. The references will be sent an email with a link to a reference form to be completed electronically.
6. Transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions. Although unofficial transcripts may be uploaded online, applicants still need to submit official transcripts. International transcripts must be evaluated by any of the credentialed agencies listed at http://graduate.kennesaw.edu/admissions/apply/international-students.php.  Evaluations must include a course-by-course listing and a calculation of the applicant’s GPA.
7. A GRE score is not required, but may be submitted; if submitted, the GRE score will be considered alongside the other application materials.  Applicants who submit GRE scores are not favored over those who do not.
8. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score is required for all non-native speakers of English applicants. (www.ets.org/toefl/ [minimum score of 88] or the IELTS www.ielts.org/ [minimum score of 6.5]).  Applicants from countries where English is an official language are not required to submit scores.   Other exceptions for non-native speakers to request a waiver of this requirement can be found at: http://graduate.kennesaw.edu/admissions/resources/forms.php.  Submit the completed waiver request form to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu.

Transfer Credit

INCM PhD students can transfer up to 17 credits into the program subject to curriculum committee approval. Students may be asked to provide syllabi and other documentation to demonstrate course content. There is no time restriction placed on transfer credits into the INCM program in terms of when the courses were taken.

Program Structure and Degree Requirements

Completion of the INCM Ph.D. requires a minimum of 75 credit hours of study, which includes all transfer credits, dissertation research, writing, and defense. The program provides students maximum flexibility to tailor their education to topical and regional interests and the demands of the global job market.

Degree Completion

Students will be allowed to graduate when all degree requirements have been fulfilled.

Time Limit

All requirements for a Ph.D. degree must be completed within seven years, beginning with the first registration in graduate-level classes following admission to the degree program. Extension of time may be granted in special circumstances. Only courses in which credit has been earned within seven years of the date of admission will be counted for degree credit.

Program of Study

INCM Ph.D. students must earn a grade of B or better for all core courses. Students may earn up to 18 graduate credits- as approved by the curriculum committee - towards the electives requirement from outside of the program.