International Peace and Conflict Resolution/International Relations and Diplomacy, M.A.I.P.C.R./M.A.I.R.D.

About Arcadia’s Partner in France

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The American Graduate School in Paris (AGS) has been Arcadia’s partner since 2006. AGS is a non-profit institution offering U.S. higher education programs in France. All courses are taught in English. The school takes advantage of the many opportunities that Paris offers in the study and practice of international relations, with the presence of numerous intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and diplomatic missions. This, combined with the school’s multicultural faculty and student body, provides students with a true international experience.

About the Program

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Arcadia University and its partner institution in France, the American Graduate School in Paris, jointly offer an accelerated Dual Masters program allowing students to earn two Master’s degrees in three years: a Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) at Arcadia University, and a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD) at the American Graduate School in Paris. Students also have the opportunity to earn a certificate of concentration in the following areas of study, along with their M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy: African Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, European Studies and Asian Studies, NGO Management.

The accelerated dual degree program permits students to earn two Masters Degrees in three years.

Students in this program spend three semesters in the United States at Arcadia University, and three semesters in Paris, France at the American Graduate School in Paris. They may choose to start the program at either of the two institutions. Each portion of the program provides a different cultural and academic experience, while both have in common a challenging and student-dedicated learning environment.

The AGS/IPCR Dual Degree program is structured to develop competencies in:

• Theories and dynamics of international relations, 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 fields of international relations, international diplomacy, international peace and conflict resolution.
• Analysis of the roots of foreign policy actions and their influences (geographic, linguistic, religious, institutional, sociological, etc.).
• History of political formulation and implementation of foreign policy.
• 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 and an extended cross-cultural experience, which enhances students’ ability to work in diverse international settings.
• Oral presentation and communication skills.

The knowledge and skills acquired during this dual degree program can be applied to a vast array of fields in government, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as international business and other professional areas involving interaction at the international level: human rights, diplomacy, international law, humanitarian relief, environmental policymaking, sustainable development,and conflict management, among others. The combination of the two degrees will enhance students’ career options in these various fields.

Admission Requirements

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Candidates to the dual program in International Peace and Conflict Resolution/International Relations and Diplomacy may apply to start at either of the two participating institutions: at Arcadia University, in the United States, or at the American Graduate School in Paris, in France. Applications must be made to the institution where they wish to start.

Please note that admission into the other institution to pursue the second degree will follow on the condition that the student is in good academic standing at the first institution. Additional elements to transition to the second institution may be asked of the candidate at the discretion of the Program Director.

Students pursuing one of the two degrees individually may decide during the course of their studies to opt for the dual degree option. They will then have to work with the Academic Coordinator of each program to ensure that their curriculum meets the degree requirements. However, applicants are encouraged to determine in advance if they wish to follow the dual degree track.

Admission to the IPCR program at Arcadia

Program-Specific Admission Requirements: Arcadia University welcomes 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:

1. A graduate application, including personal statements, to be completed online at www.arcadia.edu/gradapp.
2. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a recommended GPA of 3.0 or higher,
3. 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.
4. Three letters of recommendation from persons who are able to judge the applicant’s qualifications to undertake graduate work abroad. At least two recommendations must be from professors.

GREs are not required for admission to the IPCR program. In exceptional cases, after reviewing an applicant’s academic record and non-academic experience, the Director may waive one or more prerequisites.

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.

Application Deadline

The General Admissions Application Deadline for the IPCR program is Feb 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. 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 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. 

Admission to the IRD program at the American Graduate School in Paris

Program-Specific Admission Requirements: Applicants to this program are expected to meet the admission requirements set forth by Arcadia’s partner institution, the American Graduate School in Paris, in coordination with Arcadia University.

1. The American Graduate School in Paris Admissions Committee welcomes students from all nationalities and from a variety of educational backgrounds. The program requests the following: The M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy application form, to be completed online at: http://www.ags.edu/images/stories/PDFs/appl-forms/application_form_2016.pdf
2. A personal statement (500-1,000) words
3. Current CV or resume
4. Official transcripts of all previous university-level studies with a 3.0 GPA
5. GRE score. Note that this requirement is waived for applicants who have been out of school for more than five years.
6. Two letters of recommendation from professors who have instructed the candidate in a degree program. A professional recommendation letter will be accepted if out of the University for more than four years.
7. For non-native speakers of English who did not graduate from an English language degree program in an English-speaking country: a standardized test of English: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score
8. An application fee of €50, non-refundable; this can be paid online at http://www.ags.edu/payment-online/login.php
9. In some cases, applicants may also be asked to provide additional material and/or arrange an interview with a member of the Admissions Committee.

Note: All documents in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by certified translations. All documentation submitted will be confidential. Application materials cannot be returned once submitted to the American Graduate School in Paris.

Application Deadline

There are two intakes every year for the International Relations and Diplomacy program. The application deadline for the Fall semester is July 15th; the application deadline for the Spring semester is December 15th.

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Notification of admission status will be mailed to the applicant within four weeks of receipt of a completed application.

Expenses and Financial Aid

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Tuition for this dual degree option comprises the full tuition of the three term program at Arcadia University in Glenside or the full two year tuition at AGS in Paris. Tuition for the additional three terms is paid directly to the second institution.

Students starting with IPCR at Arcadia

2016-17 Tuition (rates, subject to change): $29,000 per year

Annual Fees: Parking, registration, technology fee, student liability insurance $250

Additional Expenses: Books and supplies (estimated) $1,000; Room and Board: Off Campus

Travel: Varies Yearly

Additional Year in the IRD Program (in Euros): According to a typical curriculum, students follow six courses at the American Graduate School in Paris in the last year of the dual program. Tuition for each course is €2,540. Total tuition is adjusted to specific curricula.

Tuition for Six Courses: €15,240

Other Fees: Registration fee - € 100 per semester

Additional Expenses: See estimated living expenses and other attendance costs at: http://www.ags.edu/financial-aid/financial-aid-overview/781-cost-of-attendance

Students starting with IRD at the American Graduate School in Paris

IRD two-year full time program tuition and fees (in Euros; rates are subject to change): 

2016-17 Tuition: €17,780 per year

Additional Tuition for the optional French language course: €1,100

Other Fees: Registration fee - €100 per semester

Additional Expenses: See estimated living expenses and other attendance costs at: http://www.ags.edu/financial-aid/financial-aid-overview/781-cost-of-attendance

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available to assist qualified students in covering tuition and related expenses, as well as living costs. For information on scholarships, graduate assistantships and student loans:

• At Arcadia: visit www.arcadia.edu/finaid
• At the American Graduate School in Paris, http://www.ags.edu/financial-aid/financial-aid-overview

Degree Requirements

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(30 IPCR credits plus 30 AGS-IRD credits with 12 shared credits)

In order to complete the dual degree program and graduate with the M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and the M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy, students are required to successfully complete 65-68 graduate credit hours. The following curricula may be adjusted in coordination with the Director or Coordinator of each program. Degree requirements include a Capstone Seminar at Arcadia University, as well as the completion and defense of a 25,000 to 35,000 word Master’s thesis at the American Graduate School in Paris.