Peace and Conflict Studies, M.A.

The Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies at UNCG is dedicated to providing high-quality, professional training in multiple conflict intervention and prevention skills such as mediation, negotiation, facilitation, restorative practices, violence prevention, and collaborative problem-solving. Students engage in community-based learning through a variety of courses to build practice, intervention, and research skills. The program focuses on pragmatic approaches to solving personal and social problems in a variety of social settings. Students are exposed to an array of techniques and strategies to achieve nonviolent solutions to conflict that arises in diverse family, organizational, and community environments.

The program promotes a systemic and critical perspective to the challenges facing individuals, families, organizations, and communities in both a global and local analytical and practical perspective. With an interdisciplinary commitment to social justice and human rights, we train professionals to seek collaborative, constructive, and conciliatory methods for resolving human conflict. Our goal is to train reflective conflict professionals—practitioners with a critical understanding of theory, research, and a range of methods; local and global perspectives; and an appreciation of diversity, peace development, and social justice.

The Student Experience

• The Peace and Conflict Studies curriculum employs an interdisciplinary, critical, and social justice approach to conflict theory, peace studies, research, and practice. Our courses are designed not only for aspiring conflict professionals, but also for students in other programs looking to enhance their skills through conflict and peace electives. 
• Students will be exposed to theoretical approaches, techniques, and strategies for nonviolent solutions to conflicts that arise in diverse personal, professional, organizational, and community environments. 
• Students are encouraged to explore a range of professional applications of practice skills, as students are closely mentored and supported by the faculty in the newly created professional seminar series offered throughout the first year of study. 
• The program is built on a comprehensive integrated core curriculum, varied electives, and flexible time schedules allowing students of all ages and needs to participate in the learning process.
• The M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies requires completion of 33 credit hours and is built on a comprehensive core curriculum of six academic courses and seminars. Flexible course schedules in the evenings allow students of all ages, challenges, job requirements, technology, and delivery needs to participate in the learning process.
• The master’s program is available completely online.

After Graduation

Career opportunities include:

• Academic Foreign Languages Translator
• Advocacy Coordinator
• Attorney
• Business Development Manager
• Case Manager
• Community Building / Organizing
• Community Relations Specialist
• Community Service Agent
• Conflict Resolution Expert or Consultant
• Counterterrorism Analyst
• Development Associate
• Diplomat / Peacebuilder
• Educator: K–12 and Higher Education
• Government Technical Representative
• Higher Education Professional
• Homeless Management Information Systems Specialist
• Human Resources & Trauma Specialist
• Humanitarian Assistant Officer
• Humanitarian Immigration Lawyer
• International Development 
• Judicial Services Coordinator
• Juvenile Justice
• Law Enforcement
• Legal / Criminal Justice
• Marketing & Public Relations Assistant
• Mediator / Negotiator
• Medical / Health Care
• Nonprofit Director
• Paralegal
• Peace Practitioner
• Policy Officer or Legal Advocate
• Political Office 
• Program Manager/Director
• Recovery Services
• Residential Specialist
• Restorative Justice
• School Counselor
• Student Conduct & Alternative Resolution Specialist
• Trainer / Facilitator
• War & Defense Lecturer
• Sites of employment can include:
  • Government / Public
  • Community
  • Businesses and Corporations
  • Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Nonprofits

Apply to Program

Admission to the master’s program is on a rolling basis year round. If you wish to be considered for an assistantship you must meet the early deadline, February 15th. 

• Complete an online application to the Graduate School.
• For Fall admission, complete your application by July 1st (February 15th to be considered for an assistantship and/or tuition remission.).
• For Spring admission, complete your application by October 1st.
• Submit the following to the Graduate School
  • Official transcripts for all undergraduate work (whether a degree was obtained or not).
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation (Preferably by persons capable of speaking about your academic work or academic potential).
• GRE is not required.
• Write a personal statement [250-300 words] explaining your personal goals and why you wish to study Peace & Conflict Studies.
• As part of the admission process,  you may be called for a short personal interview, either in person, by telephone, or Skype.