Program Description

The Master of Science in Conflict Management (MSCM) program prepares students to identify and pursue opportunities for a new career based on conflict management expertise. The MSCM also provides students with enhanced credentials to pursue career advancement in an existing work environment.

The primary objective of the MSCM is to produce students who: 

1. understand the nature of conflict from the perspective of multiple disciplines;
2. understand the continuum of responses to conflict;
3. possess the necessary skills to facilitate the management of various types of conflict;
4. demonstrate the ability to analyze and research conflict in an organizational environment;
5. demonstrate the ability to design conflict intervention procedures and strategies appropriate to a particular situation or environment;
6. demonstrate the ability to evaluate the efficacy of a given intervention or system of interventions; and
7. successfully participate in conflict management on a particular level in one or more specific environments.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: 

1. Identify concepts and theories from conflict management, especially: procedural justice, social identity theory, conflict management styles, interest based negotiation, and intercultural communication. 
2. Possess and demonstrate knowledge and application of ethical principles to given situations, especially ethics rules for Georgia neutrals as outlined by the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. 
3. Demonstrate knowledge and application of advanced communication skills relevant to a range of conflict management practices. 
4. Apply interdisciplinary knowledge to the exploration and assessment of conflict and peace contexts.

 This program is a part of the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences . 

return to top ↑

Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office: 

1. Letter of Intent: An application letter that states the applicant’s interest and goals for the MSCM and the potential use of the degree.
2. Résumé: A current résumé is required.
3. Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s potential for graduate study and use of the MSCM degree from employers, supervisors, or professors familiar with the applicant’s ability.

Consideration is given to the applicant’s academic record, test scores, letters of recommendation, résumé, and typed personal statement and objectives. However, when there is a conflict in the predictions of success from the GPA, exceptions may be made if the applicant’s educational background, excellence in performance in business and professional activities, creativity and leadership, or experience in the field of alternative dispute resolution indicates success in the program. In reviewing the academic work of applicants, the junior/senior adjusted grade point average for all applicants will be considered. In cases where the applicant has done additional accredited undergraduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree or has done accredited graduate work, the most recent two-year adjusted GPA will be used in the admissions consideration.

An applicant will not be admitted until a completed application, application fee, letter of intent, current résumé, two letters of recommendation, valid Immunization Certificate, and official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate courses have been received and evaluated.

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

MSCM courses are closed for admission to any student not currently enrolled in the MSCM program; however, any student admitted to graduate study at KSU may request “permission of the instructor” to enroll. This is up to the discretion of the faculty of record in the course and the MSCM program director.

Transfer Credit

Students are not allowed to transfer credit into the MSCM program. If a student has already completed accredited general mediation or family mediation training, that skills training may be waived once they are accepted into the program. Additional credits may be required to compensate for the waived course(s).

Enrollment Criteria

This program does not have specific enrollment requirements. 

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .

return to top ↑

Program Course Requirements