Kennesaw State University’s Master of Science in Conflict Management (MSCM) is a 16-month executive-style degree program designed for students seeking knowledge and skill building in a supportive academic environment. Featuring an innovative blend of theory, research, and practice, students gain the knowledge and skills to manage conflicts in today’s challenging environments. The MSCM faculty bring a diverse array of experiences to the classroom including environmental, public policy, international, court-related, workplace, non-profit, and more.complex environments.

More information at http://mscm.hss.kennesaw.edu

Curriculum

The MSCM program is a full-time, 16-month graduate course of study, but caters to professionals' schedules. Classes are held every-other weekend, Friday from 3-8 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.

The Cohort takes one class at a time for a total of 9 credit hours each semester.Each semester students take a series of theory and research courses, complemented by at least one practice-based course.

Classes include: Conflict Theory; Negotiation Theory; Alternative Dispute Resolution Continuum; Basic Mediation Training Clinic; Research Methods; Interpersonal, Intergroup, Community & Workplace; Advanced Skill Clinic; Public Policy, Cross-Cultural, & International Conflicts; Dispute Systems Design; Field Experience (Domestic or International); Field Study (Internship); and Advanced Applied Skills Training.

Through their course assignments, clinic, and field experiences, students have the opportunity to focus on an area of interest such as:court-based conflict management, international conflict management; organizational and conflicts.  

With over 100 hours of practical skills-based training in mediation, conflict coaching, facilitation, ombuds, program evaluation and grantwriting, all students will have ample opportunity to hone their conflict management skills. Students finish their program with a 1-week study abroad course that allows them to see conflict resolution efforts in action in places like Israel/West Bank, Northern Ireland, Egypt, Cuba, Costa Rica, Barbados, etc.

Faculty

Core Faculty & Areas of Interest

Dr. Sherrill W. Hayes (Ph.D, Newcastle University, UK) - family conflict resolution; community based conflict resolution programs; refugee resettlement and humanitarianism; sports as a conflict intervention tool

Dr. Susan S. Raines (Ph.D., Indiana University) - mediation best practices; conflict management in organizations; public policy; environmental conflict resolution

Dr. Timothy Hedeen (Ph.D., Syracuse University) - community conflict resolution, communication, facilitation, group decision making, public policy, justice policy

Dr. Heather Pincock (Ph.D., Syracuse University) - democracy, citizenship. community conflict resolution,

Dr. Paul Story (Ph.D., Virginia Commonwealth University) - emotional intelligence, motivation, group dynamics, 

The MSCM Program also works closely with Kennesaw State University faculty in Political Science & International Affairs, the PhD in International Conflict Management, and across the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Admissions

To be considered for admission to the MSCM program, applicants must complete the electronic Application for Graduate Admission and submit the following supporting documents by March 1, 2014:

1. Transcripts: Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate courses must be submitted. This must include an official transcript for a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

2. Test Score: Applicants must submit an official score report from the General Test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Test requirements may be waived for applicants who already hold an advanced degree.

3. Letter of Intent: A letter stating your interest in and goals for the MSCM as well as the potential use for the degree is required. The letter should demonstrate why you are a good candidate for the MSCM program.

4. Resume: A current resume is required.

5. Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources are required. Ideally the letters should be from employers, supervisors, or professors familiar with your abilities. The letters should verify your ability to complete graduate level work and your potential for excellence in the field of conflict management.

6. International Students: In addition to the documents listed above, International Students must submit transcript evaluations for all non-US colleges and universities and official TOEFL or IELTS scores. Documents required by US immigration laws, such as the sponsor affidavit, are not required as part of the application process but must be submitted before the student may enroll or attend courses.

For more information, visit
www.kennesaw.edu/graduate/admissions/resources.shtml

Program Costs & Financial Aid

Tuition for the MSCM pays for more than you would expect to get from most graduate programs in the field. Your tuition includes: 

• Tuition and Fees to the University

• Textbooks and Instructional Materials

• MSCM Orientation

• Participation in a Professional Conference or Study Abroad Program (including travel, registration, lodging and some meals)

• Membership Dues for Registration in a Professional Association

• Subscription to a Professional Journal

• Meals on Class Days

Upon acceptance into the MSCM program, a $500 non-refundable Application Acceptance Fee is due by a specified date (for Fall 2013 admittance, the deadline is July 1, 2013). Failure to pay this fee will result in your spot in the program being forfeited and offered to another candidate.

The MSCM tuition/fees may be paid in four installments of $6,893 each semester. The majority of MSCM students receive some sort of financial aid, whether through private scholarships, federal student loans, or Graduate Research Assistant positions.

General information and FAQs

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is the third-largest university in Georgia with more than 24,600 undergraduate and graduate students representing 132 countries. KSU is located just northwest of Atlanta in Cobb County near historic Kennesaw Mountain, allowing students to experience the best of Atlanta while enjoying the serenity of a 328-acre, beautifully landscaped pedestrian-friendly campus.
 Students complete the following courses in the MSCM:

1. What is the average student like?
We take great pride in the fact that our Cohorts are quite diverse, which creates a uniquely enriching learning environment. Approximately 20 – 25% of each Cohort is made up of international students; Student ages and experiences range from recent undergraduates to seasoned professionals with 20 or more years of professional experience. Most of our students come to us with some previous career experience upon which they can build with the MSCM degree. While our students range in age between 24-70, our mean average age is typically 37-41.

2. What are your students’ educational/career backgrounds?
As conflict management is an interdisciplinary field, our students come from a variety of backgrounds: Criminal Justice, Psychology/Counseling, Business, Law, Health Care, Education, Fine Arts, Marketing, Public Relations, International Affairs, Public Policy, Finance, Human Resources, and more.

3. What are your graduates doing now? Where do they work?
In court systems, human resources management offices, as private consultants, with international NGOs, domestic non-profit organizations, corporate offices, health care organizations, in academia, etc. Our graduates are very diverse in their interests, and their places of employment are just as varied. Specifically, our graduates are working and interning with the Carter Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as a university Ombudsman, the Maryland Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO), the US Secret Service, the United Nations, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Emory Healthcare, The Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, DeKalb County Juvenile Courts, the American Arbitration Association, and many more. Look here for more.

4. Can I work full time and still make progress in the program?
Yes; this is an “executive-style” program. Classes are offered on alternating weekends and the majority of our students are also full-time employees.

5. What are the highlights of this program? Why is it special?
The MSCM is balanced in covering research, theory and practice. With over 100 hours of skills clinics, you will have ample opportunity to work one-on-one with professionals in the field who will help coach you in transferring theory to practice. Additionally, we offer an accelerated 16-month program, classes every other weekend, all books and classroom materials, catered meals on all class weekends, membership in a professional organization, participation in a domestic professional conference or an international study abroad option, and personalized attention from experienced faculty members with “real-world experience.”

6. What kind of financial support is available?
We offer a limited number of Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs). These GRA positions require students to work 10-13 hours per week with a supervising faculty member on a research project in exchange for a stipend and partial tuition remission. Financial aid is also available to qualified students through the Federal Student Aid program.

7. When is your application deadline?
We are now enrolling for Fall 2014, and the priority application deadline is March 1, 2014.

For more information, visit us at http://mscm.hss.kennesaw.edu or call 770-423-6299. You can also email us at shayes32@kennesaw.edu or awood47@kennesaw.edu