MA in Conflict Resolution

What Will I Learn?

The Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand, prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts across diverse settings. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students explore the political, social, psychological, legal, and cultural dimensions of conflict while gaining hands-on experience in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, diplomacy, and peacebuilding.

Students learn to analyze the root causes of conflicts, assess conflict dynamics, design intervention strategies, facilitate dialogue among opposing parties, and develop sustainable solutions to complex disputes. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, research methods, ethical practice, cross-cultural communication, and the application of emerging technologies in conflict resolution. Graduates leave prepared to address conflicts ranging from workplace disputes and community tensions to international crises and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

Who Can Apply?

The program welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds who are interested in promoting dialogue, peacebuilding, and conflict transformation.

Eligible candidates include graduates of political science, international affairs, law, psychology, sociology, communications, education, business, public administration, social work, and related disciplines. Professionals working in government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, educational institutions, humanitarian organizations, and the private sector are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution and demonstrate the academic and professional potential to succeed in graduate-level study.

The admission criteria are:

1. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university, with an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75.
2. At the discretion of the School Graduate Admission Council, applicants who are short of meeting the 2.75 GPA might be considered for “probationary” admission provided they have “significant relevant work experience”. Students admitted on probation will earn regular status upon the completion of 12 graduate credits, without repeats, with at least 3.0 average and no more than one “C+” grade.
3. Applicants must be proficient in English (ENG202 level) otherwise they will take remedial English course(s).
4. This program is open to students from different disciplines who are interested in this field. Applications will be assessed on a case-by- case basis. Applicants may be asked to take remedial courses depending on their experience and academic profile.
5. All applicants need to include in the application an essay exploring a specific topic in conflict resolution. This essay will be graded by program faculty based on content, clarity of thought and writing, and internal consistency.

Your Career

The MA in Conflict Resolution prepares graduates for leadership and professional roles in fields where managing conflict, facilitating dialogue, and building consensus are essential.

Career opportunities include positions in:

• International organizations and United Nations agencies
• Diplomacy and foreign affairs
• Peacebuilding and mediation organizations
• Humanitarian and development agencies
• Government ministries and public institutions
• Human rights and advocacy organizations
• Community development initiatives
• Educational institutions and training centers
• Corporate conflict management and human resources
• Research centers, think tanks, and policy institutes

Graduates develop highly transferable skills in negotiation, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and conflict management that are increasingly sought after across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution is a 30-credit graduate program that combines theoretical foundations, practical training, and applied research. Students complete 24 credits of coursework and 6 credits of either a thesis or field-based research project. The curriculum is designed to provide a balance between conceptual understanding, professional skill development, and real-world application.

Core Courses (9 Credits)

Elective Courses (15 Credits)

Students select five elective courses (15 credits) from the following offerings:

Capstone Requirement (6 Credits)

Students complete one of the following options:

Field-Based Research Option

The Field-Based Research track offers students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings. Students complete a minimum of 300 hours of supervised work with organizations such as NGOs, government agencies, schools, municipalities, businesses, humanitarian organizations, or conflict resolution centers. The experience culminates in a substantial applied project and professional report.

Thesis Option

Students pursuing the thesis track conduct independent research under faculty supervision. The thesis allows students to examine a conflict-related issue in depth and contribute original analysis to the field of conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Areas of Specialization

The curriculum allows students to develop expertise in several areas, including:

• International conflict and peacebuilding
• Negotiation and mediation
• Diplomacy and international organizations
• Human rights and international law
• Identity-based and intercultural conflicts
• Community and local-level conflict resolution
• Workplace conflict management
• Migration, displacement, and humanitarian challenges
• Technology, artificial intelligence, and emerging conflicts

Through a combination of coursework, simulations, experiential learning, and applied research, students acquire both the analytical and practical skills required to become effective conflict resolution practitioners in local and global settings.

Transfer of Credits

Students are eligible to transfer up to 9 credit hours from a previously attained graduate degree.  The number of credit will be determined by admission committee.

Course Descriptions

CAR600 International Conflict and Conflict Resolution- 3 credits

A seminar aimed at describing conflict in the international arena and enumerating its various causes; applying general concepts of conflict to concentrate situations; describing and criticizing various perspectives on conflict resolution; and identifying the main influences on the escalation and de-escalation of conflict, such as the roles of public opinion, opinion shapers and the mass media.

CAR 601 War and Peace: Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations

This seminar provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the main political theories regarding war and peace in international relations, with a special focus on these theories’ views on the causes of war, approaches to peace, and the resolution of international conflicts. It examines the Realist, Liberal Internationalist, and Marxian theories of war and peace, outlining the philosophical foundations of each theory, its main postulates, and the empirical evidence that supports or contradicts its predictions. It also provides an overview of other International Relations theories, mainly Critical Theory and Constructivist Theory. 

CAR602 Theories of Conflict Resolution -3 credits

This course introduces the various ideas and theories of Conflict Analysis and Resolution. It explores the different schools of thought and traditions that have shaped the development of theoretical knowledge in the field of conflict analysis and resolution as well as conflict transformation. The course focuses mainly on conflict resolution theories in addition to a number of theories from different fields such as political science, social psychology, communications theory, media studies, sociology, economics, and anthropology.

CAR630 Research Methods in Conflict Resolution - 3 credits

This course introduces the various research methods that can be applied to the field of Conflict Analysis and Resolution. It enhances students’ research skills and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.  It aims at developing among students the ability of thinking critically, building strong arguments, and conduct primary research.  It also provides students with the required communication and interviewing skills needed in field research.  Finally, it makes students aware of the ethical dimension in research and how to best protect research subjects.

CAR605 Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution - 3 credits

This course offers a detailed discussion of the role of diplomacy in resolving conflict. It addresses the history of diplomacy and the role it played in ending conflict among the major European powers. The course further analyzes the effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy, including by international bodies such as the UN, EU, and the OAU, in ending domestic wars and ushering durable peace in conflict ridden societies. The course will also examinations of concrete cases on the successes and failures of international diplomacy It concludes by encouraging debates on the future of diplomacy in a globalized age where the globalized media play a major role.

CAR607 Arbitration, Mediation, and Law – 3 credits

This course explores the different roles played by a mediator and an arbitrator, with an emphasis on the nuance between these two roles and their relation to judicial cases. It offers the necessary skills for both mediation and arbitration with an explanation of theories related to these two methods.  Finally, the course reviews practical cases of mediation and arbitration, carefully studying factors influencing failure and success.

CAR610 Conflict Resolution at the Workplace - 3 credits

This course covers cases and examples of conflicts that might emerge at the workplace either between employers and employees, or among employees. It offers theories and methods of conflict resolution that could be applied to resolve such conflicts, or conflicts between different organizations. It also explains ethical standards and laws adopted to regulate relations among individuals in different professional setting.

CAR615 Psychological Approaches to Conflict and Conflict Resolution - 3 credits

This course aims to address conflicts from a psychological perspective. It explains the different psychological changes that individuals go through before, during, and after conflicts. It also addresses individual and collective psychological trauma, with an emphasis on ways to break the cycles of violence. A detailed explanation of the complexity of trauma that emerges as a result of wars and natural disasters is offered. This course also emphasizes the importance of the role played by group psychology and dynamics in conflicts.

CAR616 Displacement and Conflict – 3 credits

This course explores how displacement can create social, economic, environmental and political problems which can lead to conflict among culturally and socioeconomically different groups.  Each of these categories of problems and their impact on refugee population and host communities will be explored separately and in connection to others. In addition, this course differentiates between the short-term and the long-term impacts of migration, and offers, based on good-practices, ways to address the consequences of such migration. It also offers students the necessary tools and methods to analyze and resolve migration related conflicts. It explains the role of state and non-state actors in dealing with this type of human suffering and conflict at the local, regional, and global level. Furthermore, international laws and regulations pertaining to migration are also examined through illustrative case studies.

CAR617 International Law and Human Rights - 3 credits

This course reviews the most essential principles of international law. It focuses on the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the different methods available for the application of this approach. Using illustrative case studies, it also discusses the state of Human Rights in conflicts and mechanisms to limit human rights abuses. In addition, an overview of International Criminal Law, special tribunals and humanitarian law will be offered.

CAR619 Topics in Conflict Resolution: Children, youth, and School Violence Reduction – 3 credits

This course explores the different types of conflicts that might emerge among children and youth. It explores the different psychological changes that children go through, with a special emphasis on bullying. It also addresses ways to teach children how to resolve their disputes peacefully without recurring to violence. Finally, it provides educators with a solid grounding on how to address conflicts when with children or youth groups.

CAR 620: Topics in Conflict Resolution: Conflict and Conflict Resolution in the Middle East

The Middle East region has had a long history of conflict. The collapse of the Ottoman Empire led to the emergence of diverse Arab and non-Arab states that had to grapple with multiple local and regional conflicts, as well with conflicts arising from the neo-colonial designs and policies of Western powers, especially Great Britain, France and the United States.  This course focuses on intra-Arab rivalries, the conflicts between Iran and the Gulf states (e.g., with the UAE over the disputed three islands), and the lingering Arab-Israeli conflict. It addresses the various diplomatic initiatives, including by the UN and the USA, to resolve the Arab Israeli Conflict and the reasons behind failing to address the root cause of the Conflict: namely the continued occupation of Palestinian land.

CAR 621: Topics in Conflict Resolution: Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Lebanon.

Conflict is not new to Lebanon. Since achieving independence, Lebanon has experienced multiple political, economic and social conflicts, including a mini-civil war in 1958 and a protracted violent conflict that lasted from 1975 and until 1989. As important as the conflicts themselves, are the various mechanisms utilized to resolve them. These conflict resolution efforts almost invariably involved foreign actors stepping in to act as mediators to bring the internal parties to an agreement. The course will focus on specific conflicts, addressing: 1)  their root internal and regional causes; their violent manifestations; and the local and regional initiatives that were deployed to bring them to an end. Equally important, and drawing on the rich literature on conflict resolution, the course explores traditional and innovative approaches to enhance the immunity  of the Lebanese polity and society against future violent internal conflict.    

CAR 624: Topics in Conflict Resolution: Conflict Resolution at the Local Level

Conflicts at the local level—whether they involve community members, government agencies, or local organizations—are crucial to address as they directly impact residents’ day-to-day lives. This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of both traditional and innovative conflict resolution tools that can be applied in settings such as municipalities, districts, and towns. The course focuses on resolving conflicts related to key community concerns, including education, sanitation, public safety, and community-police relations.

CAR 625: Topics in Conflict Resolution:  Conflict Resolution and Cross-Cultural Communication

This course investigates the factors that influence how conflicts develop—such as cultural norms, values, communication styles, and historical tensions—and examines how these elements differ across cultures and societies. By analyzing real-world case studies, students will gain insights into how cultural assumptions and behaviors can both fuel conflicts while offering avenues for its resolution. The course also considers the role of identity, power dynamics, and socio-political influences in shaping conflict scenarios. Through interactive discussions, group projects, and role-playing exercises (simulations), students will develop skills for recognizing and respecting cultural differences, enabling them to work effectively in diverse teams and settings. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to approach cultural conflicts constructively, fostering understanding and collaboration across cultural boundaries.

CAR626: Topics in Conflict Resolution: Identity and Conflict Resolution – 3 credits

This course offers an examination of the role of identity in conflict and conflict resolution. It examines the role of different forms of identity (e.g., religious, ethnic, gender-based identity) in  triggering conflicts whether between individuals, groups, or states. Equally important, the course examines theoretical and practical avenues to address identity-based conflicts and to seek their resolution such as through cross-cultural communications, embracing multicultural societies, and faith-based approaches to conflict resolution. 

CAR 627: Topics in Conflict Resolution: Conflict Resolution in a Technological Era:

As conflicts become more complex and globalized, traditional methods alone are often insufficient to manage and resolve disputes. This course provides a forward-looking perspective, showing how innovative uses of AI and massive data sets can enhance peacebuilding efforts and improve responses to conflict. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to leverage these technologies, the course aims to build a new generation of conflict resolution experts capable of addressing today’s global challenges with cutting-edge tools

CAR629 Topics in Conflict Resolution: Advanced Negotiation - 3 credits

This course explores various negotiation tactics used by individuals and organizations. It provides skills for effective negotiation at different levels (individual, communal, societal, and international) and in different fields such as diplomacy, corporations, labor, etc. It helps students to integrate theories and practice in order to acquire effective negotiation and bargaining skills. It explains also the similarities and differences in the various negotiation methods, while highlighting the different stages of negotiation. This course will include 1 credit worth of practice.

CAR 631 Topics in Conflict Resolution: Advanced Mediation - 3 credits

This course discusses the definition of mediation and offers advanced mediation skills for students. It highlights the different levels of involvement of a conflict specialist in different types of mediations, with an emphasis on the role of the mediator. It trains students to be impartial effective mediators.  It explores functions, methods, and techniques of mediation and offers a cultural perspective on mediation. This course also highlights nuances of practices in mediation by explaining the different mediation schools of thought and styles. This course will include 1 credit worth of practice.

CAR698 Field-Based Research – 6 credits

A practicum provides an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge acquired during their Master degree in a real-life case or with an organization working on a specific conflict. Students are expected to work with a public or private institution as reflective practitioners, where they can help in addressing a conflict at hand. Institutions can include: schools, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, governmental institutions, religious institutions, local governments or conflict resolution organizations. Students will spend at least 300 hours at the chosen institution, after which a significant project report should be developed and presented to the Project supervisory committee.

CAR699 Thesis – 6 credits

A thesis is independent research under the supervision of a specialized faculty, focusing on the analysis of a certain type of conflict and the mechanisms used to address it.

Full-time Faculty

Assistantship and Scholarships