Conflict and Communication, M.S.

LEW KLEIN COLLEGE OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

About the Program

The Master of Science in Conflict and Communication program enables emerging scholars to understand processes of conflict and reconciliation from a communication theory and research perspective; to conduct research on conflict and communication processes; and to support practitioners in the development of optimal processes and systems in community, workplace, and international environments. As students work toward completion of the degree, they:

• learn a strong social science theory-driven approach to studying and researching the influence of communication on conflict development, escalation, and resolution;
• examine how communication processes create, reflect, and address conflict across cultural and situational contexts;
• gain the competency to analyze and apply conflict solutions to various social settings, including interpersonal, organizational, community, and media-based interactions;
• learn how to analyze the interplay between social identity construction and conflict;
• develop theory-based approaches to help practitioners work in conflict spaces effectively; and
• work with professors who are renowned scholars and practitioners in the conflict field.

In short, our students and faculty do not simply observe change, but create it.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 5 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Job Prospects: Graduates of the M.S. in Conflict and Communication program stand out in their ability to research and analyze the role communication plays in managing conflict throughout the system. Graduates are prepared to serve in academic, international policy, and think tank organizations; non-profit research institutions; and non-profit organizations focused on social advocacy and social cohesion. This program is also uniquely suited to prepare students for doctoral studies in the social sciences.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students are encouraged to begin with introductory and required courses. If accepted to the program, those courses may be applied toward the degree program, provided grade requirements have been met. Consistent with Graduate School policy, students are permitted to take up to 9 credits before deciding whether to apply formally to the program.

Financing Opportunities: Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis by the admissions committee.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: February 15

Applications are accepted on a rolling admission basis.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members, professional supervisors, or others familiar with the applicant’s academic or professional competence. Those who graduated within the past five years should provide at least one letter from an academic reference. Non-academic recommendations are also accepted.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree is required, but it need not have been earned in the field of communication and conflict.

Statement of Goals: In approximately 1,000 words, explain:

• Your interest in the study of conflict and your view of its place in society;
• Your career goals in conflict research and analysis; and
• Your interests, experiences, and the academic or professional achievements you bring to the program.

This statement is used to assess your institutional fit, i.e., how you will benefit from our program and what you will contribute to our learning community. Toward this end, please review the descriptions of our program, curriculum, and faculty, and incorporate this content into your statement. The strongest statement integrates your answers to the above prompts into a coherent essay.

Standardized Test Scores:
Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 105
• IELTS Academic: 7.0
• PTE Academic: 72

Resume: Current professional resume or curriculum vitae is required.

Writing Sample: Applicants are required to submit a writing sample that best demonstrates their writing ability, although a writing sample that is based on or reflects social science research is preferred. You may submit academic work published in a professional outlet or college publication or a formal academic paper from your undergraduate studies that includes a cover sheet identifying the course and term for which the academic paper was written and at which institution the paper was produced.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 32 or 35 if CNCM 5201¹ is not waived

Required Courses:

Culminating Event:
Master's Thesis:
Students complete a thesis related to conflict and communication.

Contacts

Department Contacts: