A Masters in Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies explores social conflict and violent behaviors. While peace studies focus on addressing these issues using nonviolent methods, war studies address the use of violent means to achieve an outcome. Conflict and peace studies master's degree programs may also be known as: international conflict security, conflict management and negotiations, social change, human rights, terrorism, global security, conflict analysis, conflict resolution, mediation, social justice and human rights.
An interdisciplinary field, conflict and peace studies combines many of the social sciences, including:
Aspiring peace and conflict graduate students should ideally be interested in the following:
Most applicants to conflict and peace studies grad programs are required to submit an application including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and GRE scores; TOEFL scores if applicable. In addition, some schools have a language proficiency requirement. Undergraduate and graduate work in the social sciences, volunteer and study abroad experience in the field, and/or internships and past job experience can strengthen an application.
As noted above, there are a wide variety of graduate programs falling under this discipline. Each offers a different angle through which to approach these issues. However, a standard cross-section of
commonly-seen core courses might include:
Since the field of conflict and peace studies often applies to worldwide issues, it’s common for masters programs to offer study abroad opportunities. Some of these opportunities focus on areas known for conflict. Many masters in conflict resolution and peace studies, as well as Ph.D.’s in conflict and peace studies require a thesis, capstone project, dissertation, or another form of research. Proficiency in at least one foreign language is often a requirement. Some graduate schools also require an internship. The course of study differs from institution to institution, check with the school of your choice regarding its particular requirements.
For the most part, graduates of conflict and peace studies programs pursue academic, political, and journalism careers. Some examples include:
In addition, a degree in conflict and peace studies in conjunction with a complimentary degree may provide a lawyer, politician, or businessperson with a unique area of specialization.
The salaries and career opportunities students who have earned a graduate degree in conflict and peace studies are extremely varied. Aggregate data is not available for the median salaries of individuals holding this degree. Opportunities and salary will vary according to education, experience, location, and industry, and position.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012, mediators earned an annual median salary of $61,280. Jobs for mediators are predicted to grow by 10% between 2012 and 2022. The BLS reported the 2012 median annual salary for political scientists was $102,000, jobs for political scientists are projected to grow by 21% between 2012 and 2022. The graph below provides salary information for mediators and political scientists working in select industries.
Sponsored Listings
Subscribe for information on earning a graduate degree
By entering my email address and clicking "Sign Up" I agree to be contacted by EducationDynamics for additional education products and services, this submission is not required to use our site. Privacy Policy.
Advertise | About | FAQs | Update Programs | Terms of Use | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Disclosure: What Determines Top/Best? | Do Not Sell My Personal Information (CA and NV residents)
© Gradschools 2020. All Rights Reserved.
The sources for school statistics and data is the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System unless otherwise noted.
Disclosure: EducationDynamics receives compensation for many of the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored School(s)” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results” or “Featured Graduate School(s)”. So what does this mean for you? Compensation may impact where the Sponsored Schools appear on our websites, including whether they appear as a match through our education matching services tool, the order in which they appear in a listing, and/or their ranking. Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school.
This is an offer for educational opportunities, not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. Specific School Disclosures. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. The information on this page is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid.
