Admission to the IPCR Master’s Degree Program
Program-Specific Admissions Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements, the following program-specific requirements must be met. Arcadia University welcomes applications for this program from college graduates of all majors, especially those who have demonstrated scholastic excellence and a commitment to international peace and conflict resolution. Related experience and achievements, either domestic or international, also are desirable. The program requests the following from applicants:
- An International Peace and Conflict Resolution application, including personal statements, to be completed online at www.arcadia.edu/gradapp.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a recommended GPA of 3.0 or better and a major in Peace Studies, Political Science, History, Modern Languages, Economics, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Religion or another liberal arts discipline. Students with undergraduate majors in Biology and Environmental Science also are encouraged to apply.
- One official transcript from each college, university or professional school attended. Transfer credits included on a transcript must include grades earned; if not, an official transcript from the original school must be submitted. Transcripts must be sent from the issuing school in a sealed envelope and contain the appropriate signatures and seals to be considered official.
- Three letters of recommendation from persons who are able to judge the applicant's qualifications to undertake graduate work abroad. At least one recommendation must be from a professor.
- A personal interview usually is required, but a phone interview may be substituted at the discretion of the program Director.
- International applicants should visit www.arcadia.edu/international for detailed information on admission requirements and application procedures. Official results from the TOEFL or IELTS are required for all students for whom English is a second language except for non-native speakers of English who hold degrees or diplomas from post-secondary institutions in English-speaking countries (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand). A course-by-course evaluation of all transcripts by an independent evaluation service based in the United States also is required.
GREs are not required for admission. In exceptional cases, after reviewing an applicant's academic record and non-academic experience, in exceptional cases the Director may waive one or more prerequisites.
Application Deadline
Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting February 1. Those reviewed after February 1 will be reviewed based on availability of space in the attending class. Classes typically fill in early spring, so applicants are encouraged to apply by the February 1 deadline.
Deferred Admission
Students admitted to the program who want to defer their admission for one year must submit their request to do so in writing to the Director. Deferrals will be granted by department on an individual basis. Once the deferral is granted, students must submit the required deposit to reserve their seat in the class. This deposit will be credited toward tuition. Students who are granted a deferral must understand that they will be subject to the prevailing tuition at the time of matriculation to the program.
Support Services
Professional counseling services are available through the Arcadia University Counseling Center.
Expenses
Option 1: Two-year full-time program
2009-10 Tuition: $24,480
Fees: Parking, registration, student liability insurance (per year) $130
Additional Expenses:
- Books and supplies (estimated) $900
- Room and Board: Off Campus
- Travel: Varies
Option 2: Three-year part-time program
2009-10 Tuition: $1,020/credit plus a $400/semester technology fee.
Fees: Parking, registration, student liability insurance (per year) $130
Additional Expenses:
- Books and supplies (estimated) $900
- Room and Board: Off Campus
- Travel: Varies
Dual Degree Program
Tuition for the Dual Degree M.A.IPCR/M.P.H. option will be the same as for Option 2 of the Three-year M.A.IPCR program plus the prevailing per-credit tuition of the M. P.H. courses.
Upon enrollment into their programs, all students must provide proof of medical insurance and also provide information about their health and medical history. If needed, medical insurance can be purchased through the University. Information and applications are available in the Office of Student Health Services.
Financial Aid
For information on scholarships, graduate assistantships and guaranteed student loans, visit www.arcadia.edu/finaid.
Scholarships: Partial-tuition scholarships are available for the majority of students enrolled in the International Peace and Conflict Resolution program. Scholarships are based upon financial need and academic achievement.
Academic Policies and Procedures
A student accepted into the International Peace and Conflict Resolution program is expected to abide by the regulations set forth by Arcadia University. The University reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time for unsatisfactory academic performance or for conduct detrimental to the University or to the welfare of other students.
In order for students to remain in good academic standing, they must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 throughout the first year of the program. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to be eligible to participate in the second year of the program. Any prerequisites that are not fulfilled before admission must be completed before the student goes abroad. A grade below "C" may not be applied toward a degree. If a grade below "C" is received, the student must petition to retake the course.
