About the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Master’s Degree Program
Overview:
Students in the graduate program in International Peace and Conflict Resolution pursue a Master’s degree that includes three terms (fall, spring and spring of second year) of intensive academic training at our Glenside campus as well as two terms (summer/fall) of internship and study away/concentration. Concentrations and/or internships may be pursued overseas, at outside institutions or at Arcadia’s Glenside campus. Arcadia’s IPCR program is one of the few graduate programs in the field of conflict resolution with a built-in overseas component—one that is founded on Arcadia’s long tradition of University-based international programs.
Students can use their study away/concentration courses to complement the academic training they receive at Arcadia by completing specialized courses in areas of a student’s choosing, including international law, sustainable development, mediation, public health, human rights, business and peace education. Or students may pursue concentration courses at Arcadia’s Glenside campus.
Students also complete an internship directly related to their academic and professional interests. Internships allow students to develop critical professional skills and contacts and enable students to successfully transition to the professional world upon graduation.
In the spring term of their second year, students return to Arcadia’s Glenside campus to complete a culminating activity or capstone project and pursue career placement and professional opportunities.
Program Details:
The IPCR program is structured to develop competencies in:
- Theories and dynamics of conflict, conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction & development, international law & organizations.
- Tools and techniques of conflict management, conflict resolution and conflict transformation.
- Conflict analysis, which involves developing an understanding of how states and other third parties impact conflict.
- The methods used to diffuse conflict on a variety of levels— interpersonal, groups and institutions. Interdisciplinary perspectives on the field of peace and conflict resolution.
- Critical thinking skills and research methods, which span the spectrum of qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Cultural sensitivity and inter-cultural understandings through international and field experiences.
- Oral presentation and communication skills.
In their first year of study, students complete the core curriculum, which includes two (2) required courses: theories of peace and conflict resolution and a foundations course in research methods; and elective courses from a range of topics such as Non-Governmental Organizations, International Law, World Religions, Social Life of War, Mediation, and Economics and the Environment. Students also have the option of participating in a largely subsidized week-long intensive field study in the first year..
In the second term of the first year, students begin researching and applying for optional study away and internship opportunities that will further their academic and career interests. Advisors, the IPCR Program Coordinator and IPCR Director help guide students in this process to maximize options. By the end of the first year, all credit bearing internship and study away experiences must be submitted for approval to the Director.
Students may pursue a Global Field Study course at the end of their first year. These courses vary from year to year, depend on student interest and faculty availability and usually have additional travel fees associated with them. Past Global Field Study courses have traveled to Ukraine, Rwanda, Costa Rica, Kosovo and Cyprus. One Global Field Study course may count towards the international experience.
The second year begins in the summer term giving students three terms (summer, fall and spring) to acquire 9 study away/concentration credits, 9 internship credits (240 Hours) and 3 capstone credits (spring term) plus additional electives if desired. The final spring term is focused around the capstone project and course, as well as professional development activities intended to aid students in career placement.
Admission to the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Master’s Degree Program
This is a two-year full-time degree program. Parttime options may be available depending upon enrollment. Please contact the IPCR program for more information.
Program-Specific Admissions Requirements: Arcadia University considers applications for this program from college graduates of all majors, especially those who have demonstrated scholastic excellence and a commitment to international peace and conflict resolution. Related experience and achievements, either domestic or international, also are desirable. The program requests the following from applicants:
- A graduate application, including personal statements, to be completed online at www.arcadia.edu/gradapp.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a recommended GPA of 3.0 or better;
- All IPCR incoming students must have taken an undergraduate level ‘Introduction to International Relations’ course prior to their start in the fall term.
- One official transcript from each college, university or professional school attended. Transfer credits included on a transcript must include grades earned; if not, an official transcript from the original school must be submitted. Transcripts must be sent from the issuing school in a sealed envelope and contain the appropriate signatures and seals to be considered official.
- Three letters of recommendation from persons who are able to judge the applicant’s qualifications to undertake graduate study. At least two recommendation letters must be from academics.
International applicants should visit www.arcadia.edu/international for detailed information on admission requirements and application procedures. Official results from the TOEFL or IELTS are required for all students for whom English is a second language except for non-native speakers of English who hold degrees or diplomas from post-secondary institutions in English-speaking countries (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand). A course-by-course evaluation of all transcripts by an independent evaluation service based in the United States also is required.
Dual degree candidates must be accepted into each of the programs in order to pursue dual degrees.
GREs are not required for admission. In exceptional cases, after reviewing an applicant’s academic record and nonacademic experience, the Director may waive one or more prerequisites.
Application Deadline: The General Admissions Application Deadline is April 1. All documents required must be received by the deadline to be considered.
Deposit Deadline: If an offer of admission is accepted, a $500 deposit must accompany the acceptance reply. This deposit is applied to the first semester’s tuition and is non-refundable. A second non-refundable deposit of $1000 will be required 1 month after first deposit. Specific deposit deadline dates will be noted on acceptance letter.
Deferred Admission: A student admitted to the program who wants to defer admission for one year must submit a request to do so in writing to the IPCR Program Director. Deferrals will be granted by the program on an individual basis. Once the deferral is granted, a student must submit the required deposit to reserve his or her seat in the class. This deposit will be credited toward tuition. A student who is granted a deferral must understand that he or she will be subject to the prevailing tuition at the time of matriculation to the program.
Expenses
| Two-year full-time program (2015-16) |
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Tuition: |
$30,000 per year |
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Annual Fees: |
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Parking, registration, student liability insurance (per year) |
$130 |
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Additional Expenses: |
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Books and supplies (estimated) |
$1,000 |
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Room and Board: |
Off Campus |
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Travel: |
Varies |
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Ireland Trip: |
Varies |
Upon enrollment into their programs, all students must provide proof of medical insurance and also provide information about their health and medical history. If needed, medical insurance can be purchased through the University. Information and applications are available in the Office of Student Health Services.
Scholarships: Upon review for admission, students automatically will be reviewed by the academic department for a limited number of partial merit scholarships. A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are also awarded on a merit basis for up to 8 hours per week.
Travel Purse: A $7000 travel purse is set-aside for every full-time IPCR student to use towards study abroad experiences as approved by the IPCR Director.
Financial Aid: Financial aid is available to assist qualified students in covering tuition and related expenses, as well as living costs. Additionally, students can apply to receive up to $20,500 annually through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan at a fixed interest. In addition to the Stafford Loan, students can choose to borrow either a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan or a private alternative student loan to cover remaining expenses. Graduate assistantships also may be available to those who qualify. For more information on available financial aid and how to apply, visit www.arcadia.edu/finaid
Academic Policies and Procedures
A student accepted into the International Peace and Conflict Resolution program is expected to abide by the regulations set forth by Arcadia University.
The University reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time for unsatisfactory academic performance or for conduct detrimental to the University or to the welfare of other students.
In order for students to remain in good academic standing, they must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 throughout the first year of the program. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to be eligible to participate in the second year of the program. A grade below “C” may not be applied toward a degree. If a grade below “C” is received, the student must petition to retake the course.
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