Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, 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 (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.

Admission Requirements

One current reference form
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

Students will be skilled and effective practitioners, educators and leaders in the constructive management and peaceful resolution of conflict.
Students will have a working knowledge of historical and current practice, scholarship and wisdom in the field of peacemaking and conflict studies.
Students 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 spring, fall, or summer, though fall starts are recommended. Students move through the program at their own pace.

Required Courses (Minimum 40 Units)

Theories and Methods

PACS 700 - Peacemaking Institute Credits 2 – 3
PACS 708 - Conflict Analysis Credits 3
PACS 710 - Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution Credits 1
PACS 746 - Restorative Justice Credits 3
PACS 751 - Conflict and Peacemaking Across Cultures Credits 3

History and Theology

Select a minimum of one of the following:

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

Mediation

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

PACS 756 - Introductory Practicum in Mediation Credits 1
PACS 758 - Advanced Mediation Credits 3

Master of Arts Core

PACS 771 - Methods in Peace Research Design Credits 2

Select one of the following couplets:

PACS 798 - Project/Thesis Proposal Credits 1 and
PACS 799 - Project/Thesis-Peacemaking and Conflict Studies Credits 3 or
PACS 790 - Integration Seminar Credits 2 and
PACS 796 - Comprehensive Examination Credits 1

Electives

Choose from the listed PACS courses to complete the program. With the prior approval of the program director, students may also choose related courses from other areas of the graduate curriculum or courses from the Biblical Seminary. Directed and independent studies are also available to pursue special interests. Students intending to do a research thesis in contrast to a project thesis should give special attention to preparatory coursework in research methodologies.

Select one of the following concentrations:

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 area of six areas listed below.

Church Conflict and Peacemaking Concentration

PACS 752 - Church Conflict Management and Leadership Credits 3

Select a minimum of two of the following:

COUN 724 - Interpersonal Communication Credits 2 - 3
PACS 716 - Group Dynamics and Processes Credits 3
PACS 730 - Historical Peacemakers Credits 3
PACS 751 - Conflict and Peacemaking Across Cultures Credits 3

Mediation Concentration

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

Restorative Justice Concentration

PACS 737 - Institute in Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) Development Credits 2
PACS 746 - Restorative Justice Credits 3
PACS 751 - Conflict and Peacemaking Across Cultures Credits 3
PACS 764 - Internship in Peacemaking Credits 2 - 6

Personalized Concentration

Select courses in consultation with the program director to meet a special interest or need.