Conflict Analysis and Resolution (MS)
Program Summary
100% Online
Credits: 33 total
Degree: MS
College/School: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
Start Date: 8/25/2025
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Program Description
The MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution integrates conflict analysis and resolution theory, research methods, practical techniques, and ethical perspectives of the field. Students learn specific practices for addressing sources of hostility and methods of altering negative patterns of interaction, applying this knowledge in laboratory simulations, workshops, internships, and field practice. Graduates work in a variety of settings where conflict resolution is useful and interest groups are in conflict with current and emergent public policy.
Career Descriptions
- Security/Intelligence: Presidential Management Fellowship Program, Department of State, USAID, Department of Defense, FBI
- Non-profit: International Rescue Committee, Northern Virginia Mediation Service, Search for Common Ground, The Institute for Multi Track Diplomacy
- Human Rights and Humanitarian Disaster Relief: Red Cross, Oxfam International, Amnesty International, International Crisis Group
- Public Participation/Service: Social Services, Community Development
- Multi-Lateral Agencies: World Bank, United Nations, International Monetary Fund
- Education: DC Public Schools, Engaging Governments in Genocide Prevention, Integral Peacemaker Institute
- Research: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Brookings Institution, USIP, RAND Corporation
- Other areas such as International Mediation, Consulting, and Policy
Mason Graduates – Sample Career List
- President
SourcePoint Consulting, Inc. - Foreign Affairs Officer
US Department of State - Emergency Operations Assistant
US Agency for International Development - Community Liaison/Assistant Director
Colorado State University - Policy Specialist
Center for Community Change - Associate Director – Global Negotiation Project
Harvard University - Director
Alliance for Conflict Transformation, Inc. - Peaceable Schools Coordinator
DC Public Schools - Project Manager
Center for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation - Special Agent
US Department of State - Collaborative Resolution Program Manager
US Department of Defense - Communications Manager
Advocacy Institute - Founder and Director
Creative Solutions Unlimited - EPA Regional Public Liaison/Conflict Resolution Specialist
US Environmental Protection Agency - Interfaith Program Coordinator
Progressive Jewish Alliance - Associate Prof. of Conflict Studies
Eastern Mennonite University - Police Deputy Chief
Fairfax County Police Department - International Security Specialist
US Department of State - Peace and Development Advisor
United Nations - Mediator/Facilitator
California State University - Executive Director
Evergreen State College
As a Mason student, you may also contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.
Courses
Program requirements may change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.
Details
Who should apply?
Students examine conflicts at all levels – interpersonal, intragroup, intergroup, and international – and analyze the root causes, defining characteristics, and wide-ranging consequences of authentic conflict cases and the parties involved. Additionally, students learn specific practices for addressing sources of hostility and methods of altering negative patterns of interaction. Anyone who desires to mitigate, resolve, and prevent negative relations between parties will benefit from this program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Additionally, your current employer may provide tuition reimbursement opportunities for graduate studies.
Why choose George Mason?
- Mason’s Conflict Analysis and Resolution program is the largest in the world.
- There are over 1,000 alumni of the program who are connected through a lively network around the world.
- Students in the bachelor’s program can earn an accelerated master’s online.
- The Carter School is engaged in numerous initiatives including the Genocide Prevention Program, the Sudan Project, the Experiential Learning Project, the Caucasus Project, and many more.
- This program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, with up to six years from the time of first enrollment to complete the degree.
- You can take courses as a non-degree student to determine if the MS program is right for you.
- The program is fully online.
- Online classes accommodate those who work full time or live remotely.
- A flexible curriculum allows our students to pursue their interests.
- Our faculty members are among the leading experts in the field of conflict analysis and resolution.
Ready to Apply?
All applicants should review Carter School steps to Apply Now. Please follow the Carter School guidelines for International Applicants.’
Prerequisites
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a Regionally Accredited US institution or International equivalent evaluated by Mason or a NACES Recognized Agency
- Achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 in bachelor’s program
- Previous coursework in social sciences and prior work experience are desirable
Application Materials
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Transcripts of all post-secondary education
- Resume
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Goals statement based on prompt: “Tell us something about how your past experience has prepared you to engage with conflict and how this program will equip you for your future.”
- GRE or other standardized test scores are not required but may be submitted
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the Carter School’s Office of Graduate Admissions at [email protected]or (703) 993- 3655.
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Contact
Program Contact
Carter School Graduate Admissions Team
Email: [email protected]
