The Master of Science in Conflict Management Program preparing leaders for today’s challenging environments
™
www.kennesaw.edu/pols/mscm 770.423.6299
kennesaw state university university
in
georgia
( ksu )
with
is the third - largest more
than
22,500
undergraduate and graduate students representing
142
countries . ksu is located just northwest of
atlanta
in
cobb
county
near
historic
kennesaw
mountain , allowing students to experience the best
384- acre , pedestrian - friendly campus .
of atlanta while enjoying the serenity of a beautifully
landscaped
Welcome to the Master of Science in Conflict Management program at Kennesaw State University
Contents Message from the Director
2
What is Conflict Management?
4
About the MSCM
5
Course of Study
6
History of the MSCM
7
Field Study, Projects and Internships
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Academic Leadership 9 Current Alumni Positions 10 Featured Alumni
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Admissions 12 Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program
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Financial Aid and Scholarships
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Frequently Asked Questions
15-16
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A MESSAGE FROM SUSAN RAINES The field of conflict management is full of possibilities. Our students gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of conflict, the ways in which it escalates if poorly managed, and methods for successfully transforming conflict into a constructive rather than destructive force. As Mary Parker Follet wrote, “All polishing comes from friction”. While many people have negative views of conflict, when managed effectively, conflict can present a powerful force for change and growth. Like me, you may find yourself drawn to the field of Conflict Management out of a desire to have fulfilling work---work which makes a difference in your own life and the lives of others. Making a living is important, but it often leaves individuals feeling like something important is missing in their lives. The MSCM program gives students an opportunity to investigate and explore possible career paths through hands-on skills clinics, an optional internship, and mentoring from experienced practitioners. As you consider whether the MSCM program is right for you, I encourage you to read the stories shared by our alumni so that you can better understand the breadth of ways in which this degree can be applied.
WHO AM I? I was born and raised in Sacramento, California, but my post-graduate studies and conflict resolution work have led me to live in Canada, Switzerland, Idaho, Washington, and Indiana, where I completed my doctoral work. I came to Georgia and Kennesaw State University in 2001 to teach in the MSCM Program. I have enjoyed working as a practitioner in a wide variety of application areas. I have mediated more than 10,000 civil and domestic relations cases inside and outside of Georgia, trained hundreds of mediators, designed and evaluated conflict management programs and facilitated public dispute resolution processes for all levels of government. I have provided conflict management services or trainings for the United Nations, The Supreme Court of Florida, the United States Postal Service, nearly all the county courts of metropolitan Georgia, the Indiana Department of Environmental Resources, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Georgia Department of Education, and many others. I am also honored to be the Editor-inChief of Conflict Resolution Quarterly, the most widely distributed journal in the field of Conflict Management. Whenever possible, I include students or alumni in these practice opportunities so they can practice the skills they are mastering in the MSCM Program and gain the experience and contacts necessary to succeed in their post-graduation career goals.
MY ROLE IN THE MSCM PROGRAM It is my great pleasure to assist students as they strive to accomplish their professional and personal goals. I endeavor to get to know each student deeply so that I can better support them as they work toward their MSCM degree and then seek post-graduation opportunities. After graduation, I keep in contact with our graduates and help with job placement, networking, and continuing professional education. WHO ARE OUR STUDENTS? Our students come from every conceivable field: education, law enforcement, healthcare, business, non-profits, human resource management, government, social services, engineering, and more. Some of our students are already working in the conflict management arena as mediators, ombudsmen, attorneys, negotiators, etc. What unites all of our students is a desire to see improved conflict management in their workplaces, communities, and societies. Our alumni are currently making a difference in organizations such as The Carter Center, The United Nations, The Peace Corps, county Sheriff ’s offices, various branches of the U.S. military, the Maryland Conflict Resolution Office, as well as numerous schools, hospitals, and court systems.
Do not hesitate to contact me to tell me how I can help as you decide whether the MSCM program is the right fit for you. Cheers, Susan S. Raines, Ph.D.
dr. susan raines leads cohort x students in an exercise of nonviolent resistance training on a recent trip to the middle east.
“ it
was amazing to finally be
there ... this place that we had only read about or seen on tv . our trip to jerusalem was where culture and education met real
life experience , and i can ' t think of a better way to have finished out our program .�
patrick shaver , alumnus mscm cohort x study abroad to israel and the west bank 3
WHAT IS CONFLICT MANAGEMENT? Conflict is ubiquitous. It appears in our homes, in our schools and in our businesses. No institution is immune to the disruptive effects of conflict. Unresolved, conflict can impair productivity, drain resources and devastate lives.
But does it have to be this way?
Conflict Management education addresses the issues that divide our world by encouraging communication, fostering positive relationships and developing comprehensive, long-term solutions. Further, it enhances the safety and vitality of our families, communities and workplaces.
“conflict management training helps eliminate conflict, but it also creates opportunities.� doug colburn , alumnus mscm cohort ii division chief for healthcare
Conflict management is also a set of tools and a way of thinking that can help not only prevent conflict, but effectively engage it once it arises. Conflict management education teaches the various ways people choose to react when confronted with conflict situations and the effect of those reactions on potential outcomes. Studying conflict is really about learning skills which provide the ability to respond in ways that help prevent and manage conflict by reducing ineffective responses. Conflict Management is a diverse, interdisciplinary field with corporate, non-profit, public administration, international and legal applications. The field of Conflict Management attracts students and professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds and is practiced in environments ranging from corporate boardrooms to international negotiations to family mediations.
facility regulation
For more information about the field of Conflict Management, visit the following
georgia department of community health
websites: Alliance for Conflict Transformation
www.conflicttransformation.org
American Bar Association, Dispute Resolution Section
www.abanet.org
Association for Conflict Resolution
www.acrnet.org
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Courts
www.fmcs.gov
Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution
www.godr.org
International Ombudsman Association
www.ombudsassociation.org
International Peace Research Association Mediate.com Peace and Collaborative Network Search for Common Ground Seeds of Peace
https://soc.kuleuven.be/pol/ipra www.mediate.com
www.internationalpeaceandconflict.org www.sfcg.org www.seedsofpeace.org
ABOUT THE MSCM “i realized there are m an y st uden t s who n eed t ru st w ort h y adults to begin show i ng th e m ho w to make wise choices, to understand how their values help determine their behaviors, and that we are all capable of learning how to better handle conflictdespite what may be modeled to us by our families.” scott sherwin , alumnus mscm cohort v sales director , talx corporation teacher of “ leadership through life skills ” series to local at - risk middle school students
Program Format The MSCM is a sixteen month, executive degree program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to manage conflict in today’s challenging environments. The program is designed for busy professionals, and offers a supportive academic environment. The MSCM program operates a cohort model, designed to host approximately twenty-five students during each sixteen-month program of study. Taking classes with the same group of students from program start to finish creates a unique and enriching learning environment. Cohort peers challenge one another and share insights from their respective diverse backgrounds to contribute to classroom learning. The Cohort takes one class at a time for a total of 9 credit hours each semester. For example, students complete the Conflict Theory course in 2.5 weekends, and then progress to the next course, Negotiation Theory. Classes are held every-other weekend, Friday from 3:008:00 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.
The MSCM Approach The MSCM provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective conflict management practitioners by using a three-pronged approach: balancing theory, research and practice. Students are firmly grounded in the theoretical constructs of the field in the first semester of the program. In the second and third semesters, students learn how to conduct research and apply the theories of the field to specific practice areas (interpersonal, intergroup, community, workplace/organizational, intercultural and international arenas). In the fourth semester students select an application area in which to specialize through research or an internship.
Experiential Learning MSCM faculty members are quite diverse in their research and practice areas, including environmental, public policy, international, court-related, workplace, non-profit arenas and more. Our faculty facilitate lively discussion and interaction in the classroom, and link theory to practice by using “real-life” examples of their work. Further, they involve students in projects of research and practice whenever possible. Additionally, over 100 hours of applied skills-training clinics are built into the MSCM curriculum. Topics for these clinics include General Civil Mediation Training, a Coaching Clinic, Train-the-Trainer Clinic, Domestic Relations Mediation, Program Evaluation and Grantwriting. These clinics provide students the opportunity to further translate theory into practice. 5
MSCM Course of Study 36 semester credit hours . the 16- month program spans four academic semesters : fall , spring , summer , and fall . close mentoring relationships between faculty members , current and former students , and the use of a cohort model create a strong community , enabling the program to achieve high graduation rates . the mscm is comprised of
Semester 1:
Semester 2:
Semester 3:
CM 7210- Conflict Theory Introduces students to the foundation and theories of conflict management. Includes an interdisciplinary introduction to conflict, its sources and major theories.
CM 7400- Conflict Management Research Methods Introduces students to quantitative and qualitative research methods used in the study of conflict. Particular emphasis placed on methods to assess conflict and evaluate interventions for specific environments.
CM 7320- Public Policy Disputes, Cross-Cultural and International Conflict Resolution Students learn to manage public disputes that occur under the glare of public scrutiny, which require greater flexibility to facilitate large-group processes and deal with media outlets. Students acquire substantive knowledge of and develop practical skills central to the resolution of intercultural and international conflict. Students examine the process of international conflict resolution through diplomatic negotiation and mediation.
CM 7220- Negotiation Theory Provides students an understanding of the fundamentals of negotiation theory through a format that includes lecture, role-play, focused exercises and case study. Covered concepts include game theory, distributive and integrative bargaining, principled negotiation, psychological barriers to settlement, and negotiation ethics. CM 7230- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Continuum Provides students an understanding of the American Legal System and innovations in ADR. Familiarizes students with dispute resolution processes such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, early neutral evaluation and ombudspersons. Students learn the costs associated with and benefits of each process in the continuum. CM 7205- Basic Mediation Training Clinic This skills clinic provides students the basic Civil Mediation Training approved by the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution for mediators handling courtrelated or court-ordered cases.
CM 7310- Interpersonal, Intergroup and Community Conflict; Workplace/Organizational Conflict The dynamics of interpersonal and intergroup conflict with emphasis on the role of identity in conflict are examined. Students further examine the role of community dispute resolution in ADR and apply mediation skills to problems of intervention in workplace/organizational conflicts. CM 7305- Advanced Conflict Management Skills Clinic Provides advanced clinical skills training to students in the areas of conflict coaching, organizational ombudsperson roles, co-mediation, facilitation and “train-the-trainer.�
CM 7500- Dispute Systems Design Prepares students to design, evaluate, and constantly improve conflict management systems. Knowledge of research methods, data collection and analysis processes, and organizational behavior are crucial to these efforts. Students practice critical thinking and analytical writing skills through program design. CM 7600- Study of Specified Conflict Management Environment Students select a specific environment for application of the knowledge and skills acquired through the academic and clinical components of the program. Study and literature review of this specified environment provide the context for the student’s field work project in the final semester of the program.
History of the MSCM
Semester 4: CM 7705- Advanced Applied Skills Training This 42-hour advanced skills training course is designed to enhance students’ theoretical, research, and practice skills. Students may select from various subjects. Selections change each year. This intensive course focuses on honing the student’s skills in individual areas of interest. CM 7710 or CM 7715Field Experience (Domestic or International Study Abroad). Students may select a domestic or international experience for this course. CM 7720- Field Study and Field Work Reports Includes a field study in a specific conflict environment chosen by the student with the guidance of MSCM faculty. Students analyze conflict in the chosen environment, and, where appropriate, make policy recommendations or design and plan implementation of the intervention processes to address the conflict. Students prepare an extensive written report of this analysis, accompanied by an annotated bibliography. Students planning to pursue further graduate studies at the Ph.D. level are encouraged to perform an in-depth research project as opposed to an internship.
Kennesaw State University began an undergraduate certificate program in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in 1997, offering students the opportunity to develop a multi-disciplinary skill set in ADR procedures (Negotiation, Facilitation, Mediation, Shuttle Diplomacy and Arbitration). Recognizing the need for more conflict management and alternative dispute resolution training among practicing attorneys, court professionals, human resources/legal affairs staff of large businesses and corporations, and other professionals, in 1999, KSU proposed a Master’s program to the Board of Regents in this relatively new area of graduate study. By fall 2000 the MSCM program was introduced, under the leadership of Helen S. Ridley and Ansley Boyd Barton, as a unique program in Georgia, and one of only two similar programs in the southeast United States at the time. The MSCM graduated its first Cohort of students in 2001. In the decade since, the MSCM has experienced remarkable growth and has developed a reputation for producing quality graduates in the field. While the program continues to evolve and improve, the core quality of providing each Cohort focused attention from highly credentialed faculty remains the same. The MSCM program has a reputation both nationally and internationally. Our graduates hold positions as practitioners, teachers and researchers within organizations that contribute to the successful resolution of conflict from local courts to the United Nations, and many places in between. Our faculty speak frequently at international conferences and publish in a wide variety of journals, in addition to lending their practical expertise to the development and evaluation of alternative dispute resolution programs at home and abroad.
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Field Experience, Field Study and Internships MSCM students are afforded the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in conflict work in either a domestic or international setting through the Field Experience course in the final semester. Domestic options for this trip provide the opportunity to travel to a conference, training, or cross-cultural experience. Domestic options in the past have included attending the Association for Conflict Resolution Conference, the American Bar Association Section on Dispute Resolution Conference, visiting conflict management offices in Washington, D.C., and Ombuds training.
International options in the past have included visiting the UN School for Peace in Costa Rica, attending classes at the European Peace Institute in Stadtschlaining, Austria, a cross-cultural trip to Egypt, an ADR focused trip to Barbados, a study of the Middle East conflict in Israel and the West Bank, and studying “The Troubles� in Ireland/N. Ireland. Details regarding trip options for each Cohort are made available during the second semester of the program. The domestic options are generally 4-5 days, and the international trips are generally 7-10 days.
A hallmark of the MSCM program is the field study students perform during the final semester. This experience, which affords students the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained over the course of the program to a specific conflict environment, prepares them to face the challenges of our complex global environment. Students are able to choose an area of the field in which to research or perform an internship, based on their unique interests in the field and their professional goals. Recent Internship Locations: -American Arbitration Association -The Carter Center -United Nations CIFAL/Institute of Training and Research Office -The Center for Democracy & Community Development -The United Nations Ombuds Office -The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission -Atlanta Ombusman Program -Health Care Ethics Consortium of Georgia (HCECG) -The Nakwatsvewat Institute, Arizona -Mediators Beyond Borders Recent Research/Projects: -Faith-Based Encounter Programs as a New Model for Track Three Peace Building -Prevention of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome in Returning Soldiers: Training Implications -Ivory Coast Post Conflict Reconstruction -Concessionary Bargaining -The Rights of Sexual Minorities in South Africa -Community Trauma Healing in Transcultural Settings -Investigation of Use of Restorative Justice Concepts in Juvenile Justice and Identification of Best Practices -Development of a Victim-Offender Mediation Program for a Northwest Georgia Pictured here in Stadtschlaining, Austria, MSCM Cohort VII students attended classes at the European Peace Institute as part of their study abroad.
Academic Leadership Dr. Susan Raines, MSCM Director, is a Professor at KSU and Editor-in-Chief of Conflict Resolution Quarterly. In addition to her teaching and research she has mediated more than 10,000 civil and domestic disputes; she trains mediators in Georgia and around the world; she has designed and evaluated Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs for numerous U.S. state and federal agencies, trained United Nations employees on cross-cultural conflict resolution, regularly facilitates public meetings, and leads negotiated rulemaking processes. Her research includes investigations into the usefulness of various mediation techniques, best practices for mediation training, and the use of facilitated dialogues for public decision making. She is a registered civil and domestic relations trainer in the state of Georgia, and recognized as an Advanced Practitioner by the International Association for Conflict Resolution. Susan earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy from Indiana University and her M.A. in Political Science from the University of Idaho.
“course assignments seek to blend methodological rigor with practical relevance. we endeavor to prepare our graduates to be thoughtful, competent, and conscientious practitioners of conflict and conflict intervention.” dr . timothy hedeen associate professor of conflict management
Dr. Timothy Hedeen is an Associate Professor of Conflict Management at KSU. He provides mediation services through court and private programs, delivers trainings in the areas of conflict resolution and communication, facilitates group and public policy decision making and planning, and conducts research and evaluation on dispute resolution and justice policy. He serves on the editorial boards of Conflict Resolution Quarterly and Family Court Review, as associate liaison to the Section Council of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, and is a past chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association for Community Mediation. He is a senior consultant to the Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education, and research director of a national study of the collateral consequences of criminal convictions for the ABA's Criminal Justice Section. He earned his doctorate (awarded with distinction) from Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where he was a graduate affiliate of the Program on the Analysis and Resolution of Conflicts and a student in the interdisciplinary Social Science program.
Dr. Heather Pincock is an Assistant Professor of Conflict Management at KSU. Her research is broadly concerned with theories of democracy and citizenship, and her work examines how both citizens and the state seek to manage everyday conflicts in ways that conform to, reinforce, and challenge democratic values of autonomy, equality, and community. In 2008-2009 she was a doctoral fellow at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. Heather has also practiced as a mediator, facilitator and trainer. She has served as the coordinator of PARCC’s Conflict Management Center and as a volunteer mediator at New Justice Conflict Resolution Services in Syracuse NY. Heather is currently a facilitator with Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP) delivering non-violence workshops to inmates and outside volunteers inside New York State prisons. Heather earned her Ph.D. in Political Science at the Maxwell School, Syracuse University and was an associate of Maxwell’s Program for Advancement on Research in Conflict and Collaboration (PARCC).
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current alumni positions MSCM graduates have applied their learning to a variety of professional pursuits, with many enhancing or expanding their areas of responsibility within management, human resources, or education, while others have undertaken new career directions as mediators, facilitators, ombudsmen, leaders of faith communities, and patient care advocates. Alumni feedback suggests the MSCM curriculum is well-suited to a range of domestic and international positions across the corporate, non-profit, and public sectors. Some of the current positions our alumni hold include: -Mediator, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
-Environmental Dispute Resolution Professor
-Elections Project Officer, United Nations Development Programme, Zambia
-Private Practice Mediator
-Career Coach, Georgia State University
-Ombudsman, Georgia State University
-Engineer/Vice President, MacTec Engineering
-Resolution Expediter, The Home Depot Corporation
-Assistant Coordinator, St. John Emergency Homeless Shelter
-Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator, The United Nations -Case Manager, American Arbitration Association
-Conflict Manager, United World Solutions -National Forecaster, AT&T
-Behavior Detection Analyst, U.S. Department of Transportation
-Consular General
-Counselor, Forrest General Hospital
-Executive Director, Recovery Outfitters, Inc.
-Sr. Director of Investigations, Fraud & Abuse, Wellpoint Inc./BCBS of Georgia
-Director of Risk Management, St. Joseph’s Health System
-Educational Program Specialist, Centers for Disease Control
-Chief Legal Officer, Erlanger Health Systems
-Victim Services Coordinator, Clayton County District Attorney’s Office
-Federal Investigator -Marketing Manager/Public Relations Coordinator
The opportunities for leveraging the MSCM degree for use in whatever your chosen profession may be are virtually limitless. Additionally, many of our graduates say that the personal development they achieve over the course of the MSCM is just as beneficial as the professional development received. The MSCM program produces well-informed, insightful and reflective citizens to lead in today’s challenging environments.
“i was compelled to study conflict and peace studies in order that i might help mitigate the effects of conflict and inculcate a culture of peace amongst my people in africa.” chana kaunda , alumna mscm cohort vi elections project officer , zambia united nations development programme
Featured Alumni
beth white
marcel maglo
nancy brockway
mscm cohort v
mscm cohort x
mscm cohort xi
Beth entered the MSCM program thinking her goal was to develop skills that would help her manage customer complaints in her healthcare career. After enrolling, she discovered that the opportunities for conflict managers in healthcare far outreach customer service and training venues.
Marcel, a native of Togo, brought a wealth of experience and first-hand knowledge of international conflict to Cohort X. While a student in the MSCM program, Marcel was an active member of the KSU Model African Union Team (MAU), which simulates the proceedings of the African Union.
What she found after graduation was an opportunity to use her conflict management skills in the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Supply Chain Department. As a Supply Chain Project Manager, she developed a value analysis process to manage costs while maintaining a high standard of care. Competing interests, limited funds and intense emotions are just some of the challenges Beth faced in her new role. Using her conflict management skills, she found an opportunity to implement a collaborative approach for obtaining supplies while ensuring quality of care and managing the bottom line. After only two years, Beth was promoted to Purchasing Manager for Supply Chain. By mapping current states, identifying barriers, leveraging stake holders, facilitating process improvements, driving change and monitoring outcomes through data management and reporting, Beth has been able to not only improve customer satisfaction and overall efficiency, but has also grown a team that feels valued and supported by its leadership while consistently exceeding its annual goals and objectives. Beth continues to invest in the development of and investment in the Purchasing Team, and partners with customers to problem solve and build trust.
At the MAU spring 2010 national conference in Washington, D.C., Marcel represented Cote-D’Ivoire in the Technical Committee on Economic Matters, and conducted negotiations centered around Water Resources and Agricultural Development, Management of Mineral Resources, Debt Relief, Energy and Development, Multilateral Trade Negotiations and Food Security. Marcel won an award for “Outstanding Delegation” and “Individual Committee Leadership.” During his final semester in the MSCM program, Marcel completed an internship in New York at the United Nations Headquarters (Department of Field Support). Since graduating, Marcel has been hired to work at the United Nations in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. He is also a member of the International Ombudsman Association.
Nancy completed the MSCM program in 2011. She conducted an extensive field study research project that explored faith-based encounter programs with Israeli, Palestinian and American pre-teens as a new model for track three peace building. During her time as a student, Brockway received the KSU Foundation Fellows Scholarship, was a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, served as a guest reviewer for Conflict Resolution Quarterly, and was the MSCM Student of the Year (2010-2011). Brockway is currently the Chief Emergency Services Officer for the American Red Cross in Georgia. She has served on a number of disaster relief assignments around the country, including Director of the Red Cross relief operation for the World Trade Center Operation in New Jersey after 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina Relief Operations in GA in 2005. Additionally, she is the co-founder and vice president of Kids4Peace USA, a nonprofit education for peace organization that works with families from Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious communities in the United States and the Jerusalem area, including Ramallah and Bethlehem.
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Admissions Graduates holding a baccalaureate degree from colleges or universities accredited in a manner accepted by Kennesaw State University may apply for admission to the Graduate College. To be considered for admission to the MSCM program, applicants must complete the electronic Application for Graduate Admission (www.kennesaw.edu/graduate/admissions) There is a $60 non-refundable application fee. This fee can be paid by credit card after you have completed the application. The following supporting documents must also be submitted: 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 http://www.kennesaw.edu/graduate/admissions/intlreqtsnew.html. All students are required to satisfy immunization requirements for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) before registering for courses. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has instituted this policy in order to minimize potential outbreaks of measles, mumps, and rubella on college campuses. Exemption categories are available for circumstances regarding medical conditions or religious convictions. Proof of immunization must be submitted to: KSU Health Clinic 1000 Chastain Road House #52 Kennesaw, GA 30144-5591 Mailstop #5200
Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program The MSCM is proud to be a partner in the Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program. All returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who satisfactorily complete their service have lifetime eligibility for Fellows/USA. Fellows who enroll in the MSCM program are eligible to receive a Graduate Research Assistantship position (which includes tuition remission and a living stipend). For questions concerning eligibility and requirements, please contact: Peace Corps Fellows/USA Phone: 800.424.8580 ext. 1440 Email: fellows@peacecorps.gov
alumnus testimonial my mother has always said, “arm yourself with knowledge.� i am proud to say that the mscm at ksu had the right weapons I needed. growing up in a conflict zone, conflict management skills were not the traditional arms used. i came to realize that they are, in fact, the most humane, effective and economical tools that can achieve a sincere and long-lasting peace. Before joining the MSCM I worked with numerous local and international youth organizations as well as community building institutions, yet I lacked the theoretical and educational framework to help explain what I was experiencing. I was like someone who knew the intended function of an object, but did not know what it was called or how to operate it.
my dreams and pursuing the fight for the issues I feel so passionately about. That was exactly what I did; I continued to work with international organizations promoting peace in the Middle East.
The pioneer professors at the MSCM taught me how to apply all theories and techniques to both my professional and personal life. This maximized the benefits of the program and assisted me in achieving
osama abukatta , alumnus mscm cohort iii media analyst , washington , d . c . co - director of the middle east peace project
My MSCM degree provided me with the opportunity to teach a course at George Washington University on the Arab-Israeli conflict, in addition to my fullThe MSCM helped to make sense of my experience, time job as a media analyst. Considering that I am a sharpen my skills, diversify my knowledge in the field strong believer that we humans are the product of of conflict management, and - most importantly - it our education and/or our accumulative experiences, revolutionized my communication skills. It is not the I am proud to say that the MSCM program I attended rule that your subject of study has a direct link and is an integral part of my personal and professional can be applied to almost every facet of your daily life; achievements. however, this is the case with conflict management.
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Financial Aid and Scholarships The majority of MSCM students receive some sort of financial aid, whether through private scholarships, federal student loans, or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions. Federal financial aid is available to all U.S. citizens and international students holding a green card. We recommend that all eligible students complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) when applying to the program. The FAFSA application is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Most graduate students are eligible for federal subsidized or unsubsidized loans and for Graduate Plus loans. For more information, contact our Office of Student Financial Aid at 770-423-6074. Scholarship searches are a highly individual endeavor. KSU offers numerous need-based and merit-based scholarships. We encourage all students to apply for scholarships online at www.kennesaw.edu/scholarships. You may wish to visit the following websites to begin your search: Federal Student Aid Students.gov Fastweb Peterson’s Scholarships.com Council of Graduate Schools IREX Board Davis-Putter Scholarship Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Jean Simmons Scholarship John Gyles Education Award
https://studentaid.ed.gov https://students.gov/STUGOVWebApp/Public https://www.fastweb.com https://www.petersons.com https://www.scholarships.com https://www.cgsnet.org https://www.irex.org/programs/grants.asp https://www.davisputter.org https://www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/scholarships https://www.cobbfoundation.com https://www.johngyleseducationcenter.com
The MSCM program offers several GRA positions for the fall and spring semesters of the program. GRA positions require students to work 10-13 hours per week with a supervising faculty member on a research project. GRAs receive a reduced tuition rate and a monthly stipend. Please contact the MSCM Administrative Director for further details. We strongly encourage all incoming students to consider applying for KSU’s Clendenin Graduate Fellows Program. The Program seeks to attract outstanding individuals interested in earning a master’s or doctoral degree with financial awards of $3,000 - $15,000. Potential Fellows must show leadership, a past record of academic achievement, and the ability to bring distinctive characteristics to KSU. More information is available at www.kennesaw.edu/clendenin. For tuition details, please see the accompanying insertion, “MSCM Tuition.”
Frequently Asked Questions 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 2470, our mean average age is typically 37-41.
transferring theory to practice. Additionally, we offer an accelerated 16-month program, classes every other weekend, books and classroom materials, catered meals on 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.”
When is your application deadline? The application deadline is March 1. You may still submit an application after that date, but applications What are your students’ educational/ completed by March 1 receive priority consideration for admission. career backgrounds? As conflict management is an interdisciplinary field, our students come from a variety of backgrounds: Criminal Justice, Psychology/Counseling, Business, Law, Healthcare, Education, Fine Arts, Marketing, Public Relations, International Affairs, Public Policy, Finance, Human Resources, and more.
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, healthcare 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, 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. 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. What are the highlights of this program? Why is it special? Learning effective skills to analyze and intervene in conflict situations is a highly useful skill set. 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
“i am using my skills to help young men learn life-long skills in conflict management that will aid in their recovery and in finding healing and peace in their lives.” kimberly castro seymour , alumna mscm cohort vii executive director
metropolitan serenity house ( mash )
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Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to complete the mscm degree? 16 months. What is the workload/time commitment? Because this is an accelerated 16-month program, we suggest that students clear their calendars (other than work & family commitments) for the duration of the program. The program is intense, but manageable with a typical 40-50 hour work week. What options or tracks/concentrations are there for me in your program? The MSCM program is a “generalist� program and is flexible for whatever your interests are- whether using your skills in interpersonal, family, workplace/ organizational, international or intercultural settings. All case studies and research can be focused around whatever area of the field is of most interest to you. Additionally, our dedicated faculty will work closely with you to help identify and attain your goals.
What percentage of applicants are accepted? We are experiencing an ever-increasing number of applicants. Approximately 40% of those who apply are accepted. Do you have any graduate student support groups, associations, or professional societies? Membership in the Association for Conflict Resolution is included in the price of tuition. We have an active MSCM alumni association that meets regularly. Our graduates belong to a number of professional organizations, which vary depending on individual areas of interest.
do you have career placement Assistance? In addition to our faculty, we have a Career Services Center, whose staff are extremely familiar with the field and will help you in planning a career. We provide numerous networking opportunities for both students and graduates of the program, and maintain a job listserv for those interested. are there internships involved? There is a field work requirement in your final semester- these internships may take any number of forms, depending on specific student interests. is an internship required? What if i want to conduct research? If pursuing doctoral level work after completing the MSCM is of interest to you, our faculty will work with you to guide your final semester research project instead of completing an internship. Will this program help me if I want to continue on for a doctoral degree? Many MSCM graduates have gone on to pursue a doctoral degree. Some fields (i.e. counseling and psychology) have specific graduate degree requirements. Discuss plans for a doctoral degree with the Administrative Director or Director prior to enrollment.
- mscm cohort xi representing over
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languages and over
academic and professional backgrounds ,
cohort xi students typify the diversity within the mscm cohort model .
www.kennesaw.edu/pols/mscm 770.423.6299
A 2.7 TON PIECE OF THE BERLIN WALL IS DISPLAYED NEAR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES BUILDING AT KSU. ON LOAN FROM FORMER STATE SENATOR CHUCK CLAY, THE MONUMENT IS A VISIBLE REMINDER OF THE COLD WAR AND THE EVENTUAL REUNIFICATION OF GERMANY FOLLOWING THE DESTRUCTION OF THE WALL IN 1989.
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www.kennesaw.edu/pols/mscm 770.423.6299