Peacemaking and Conflict Studies: Mediation Concentration, M.A.

Program Director: Peter Smith, Ph.D.

Overview

The master's program in peacemaking and conflict studies has been designed for people who wish to become skilled and effective practitioners, educators and leaders in the constructive management and peaceful resolution of conflict. Program options are designed to meet the needs of those who wish to specialize in the field and those who want to become more skilled in dealing with conflict in the settings in which they live, work and move. Courses of study address the breadth of conflict and peace topics from the interpersonal to the international. The 40-unit academic program is closely linked to the practical, community-based activities of the university's Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies s (CPACS).

The program draws from current knowledge and wisdom of both past and present within the field. The approach is multidisciplinary, though rooted firmly in Christian values and thought that emphasize justice and right relationships as represented in the ancient and holistic ideal of shalom.

Admissions Requirements

Three current reference forms
Interview with program director
Letter of explanation for GPA below the minimum of 2.75
Academic writing sample

Work or volunteer experience in an organization related to the proposed concentration in the program is highly recommended.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Professional: PACS graduates will be skilled and effective practitioners, educators and leaders in the constructive management and peaceful resolution of conflict.
Working Knowledge: PACS graduates will have a working knowledge of historical and current practice, scholarship and wisdom in the field of peacemaking and conflict studies.
Philosophy–Faith Based Values: PACS graduates will understand, discern and apply philosophical and faith-based values in the field of peacemaking and conflict studies.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno and one required course online

Program Length/Semester Starts

The program has rolling admission with students starting in any semester. Students move through the program at their own pace.

Required Courses (Minimum 40 Units)

Foundations

PACS 700 - Basic Institute in Conflict Management And Mediation 2-3 Units
PACS 708 - Conflict Analysis 3 Units
PACS 710 - Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution 1 unit

History and Theology

Select a minimum of one of the following:

BIB 736 - Violence/Non-Violence 3 Units
PACS 702 - Theological Ethics of Conflict and Peacemaking 3 Units
PACS 730 - Historical Peacemakers 3 Units

Mediation

*May be waived if student has had previous experience in mediation.

PACS 756 - Introductory Practicum in Mediation 1 unit *
PACS 758 - Advanced Mediation 3 Units
PACS 760 - Mediation and the Law 3 Units

Master of Arts Core

PACS 771 - Methods in Peace Research Design 2 Units

Select one of the following:

PACS 798 - Project/Thesis Proposal 1 unit and
PACS 799 - Project/Thesis-Peacemaking and Conflict Studies 3 Units
or
PACS 790 - Integrative Seminar 3 Units

Concentration

Concentration area courses provide more focused and in- depth study in a selected area of interest within the field. Students take a minimum of 9 units in one of six areas listed below.

Mediation

Required Courses

PACS 739 - Institute in Establishing a Mediation Practice 1 unit
PACS 764 - Internship in Peacemaking 2-6 Units
PACS 762 - Family Mediation 3 Units and/or
PACS 751 - Conflict and Peacemaking Across Cultures 3 Units