International Peace and Conflict Resolution

Structure Your Experience to Match Your Career Goals

The IPCR program uniquely provides students with both a solid foundation of theory to think and reflect on key issues and challenges and crucial opportunities to put those theories into practical application through problem-solving, project-based learning, internships, and field experiences.

Full-time or Part-time Options

You will enroll in a three-term (full-time) or six-term (part-time) master’s degree program, which includes an applied, professional internship and practical international field experiences. The program is cohort-based—you will begin together in the fall and, if you are attending full-time, complete your degree the following December.

Foundation Courses

In our foundation courses, you are engaged in deep discussions on theories of war, conflict, and peace, in small, intimate courses with your cohort. Over the course of your program, you will take required courses in:

• Theories of peace and conflict resolution.
• Practices of conflict transformation including mediation, negotiation, and facilitation.
• Conflict assessment.
• A Case in Conflict course which includes a subsidized, cohort field study trip
• Capstone Project course where you'll complete a practical, applied project that prepares you for a career in the field.

Concentrations

IPCR advisers help you think strategically to define and accomplish your professional goals. As an IPCR student, you chose from two concentrations:

• Social Justice: Advocacy and Activism
• NGO Management and Social Entrepreneurship

Each concentration consists of two courses. These courses are designed to help you acquire additional professional skills in a specific area of the field, to develop as a peace builder, and to make you more competitive in the job market.

Elective Selection

In addition to your cohort-based courses, you will choose electives throughout your program. Electives enable you to pursue your individual career goals, which you will combine with your internship, field study courses, and a capstone project to form a comprehensive package of experiences, skills, and knowledge that will prepare you for a successful career in the field of peacebuilding.

Required Global Field Experience

You are required to engage in two different global field experiences to complete your degree. The first experience is the annual cohort trip. The second experience can be completed by taking a Global Field Study (GFS) course OR by conducting your required internship overseas. Most of the costs of global experience requirements are included in your tuition. However, you should be prepared to subsidize some of your own expenses.

Required Internship

With the help of our expert advisors, practitioners, scholars, and alumni, you choose your own internship. It is conducted either in the U.S. or overseas, in the summer or during the final fall term alongside the Capstone Project. The internship is a key field opportunity to develop your professional skills, networks, and job prospects. An overseas internship also counts toward the global field experience requirement.

Capstone Project: Bringing It All Together

All students conduct a Capstone Project during the final semester of the program. The Capstone Project gives you the opportunity to integrate your theory and coursework with your internships and field experiences in a professional project.

Degree Requirements

The IPCR master's degree requires 36 credits.

First Term

Three required courses plus two electives

• IP501 Introduction to Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (fall)
• IP504 Foundations of Conflict Analysis (fall)

Second Term

Three required courses plus two electives

• IP533 Conflict Transformation (Spring)
• IP585 A Case In Conflict (Spring)
• IP503 Colloquium (0 credits)

Third Term

Two required courses plus two electives

• IP583 Internship
• IP598 Capstone Seminar 

Electives

• IP511 Introduction to International Law
• IP510 Social Movements
• IP515 Mediation
• IP520 International Security
• IP521 International Organizations in Dispute Resolution
• IP522 Conflict Resolution in Deeply Divided Societies
• IP524 Conflict Management (online)
• IP525 Post-Conflict Reconstruction
• IP528 Peace Education
• IP530 Social Life of War
• IP535 Economics, the Environment and Development
• IP537 Restorative Justice (online)
• IP542 International Health and Human Rights
• IP543 Peace Perspectives of World Religions
• IP565 Transitional Justice and Reconciliation
• IP570 International Human Rights
• IP574 NGOs in International Politics: Concepts & Challenges
• IP578 NGO Management, Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation
• IP585 Advocacy and Activism
• Other courses by permission of the Program

Admission Requirements

This is a three-term full-time or six-term part-time program.

Arcadia University considers 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:

1. A graduate application, including personal statements, to be completed online at www.arcadia.edu/gradapp.
2. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a recommended GPA of 3.0 or better and preferably a major in Peace Studies, Political Science, History, Economics, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Religion or another liberal arts discipline. Students with undergraduate majors in Biology and Environmental Education also are encouraged to apply.
3. 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.
4. Three letters of recommendation from persons who are able to judge the applicant’s qualifications to undertake graduate study. At least two recommendation letters must be from academics.
5. An interview with the IPCR Program by invitation only.
6. 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.
7. Dual degree candidates must be accepted into each of the programs in order to pursue dual degrees.

GREs are not required for admission. In exceptional cases, after reviewing an applicant’s academic record and non-academic experience, the Director may waive one or more prerequisites.

Application Deadline

Now accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Deposit Deadline

If an offer of admission is accepted, a $500 deposit must accompany the acceptance reply.  This deposit is applied to the first semester’s tuition and is non-refundable. Specific deposit deadline dates will be noted on acceptance letter.

Deferred Admission

A student admitted to the program who wants to defer admission for one year must submit a request to do so in writing to the IPCR Program Director. Deferrals will be granted by the program on an individual basis. Once the deferral is granted, a student must submit the required deposit to reserve his or her seat in the class. This deposit will be credited toward tuition. A student who is granted a deferral must understand that he or she will be subject to the prevailing tuition at the time of matriculation to the program. 

Expenses

See Tuition and Fees for Graduate Students

Additional Expenses

• Books and supplies (estimated): $1,000
• Room and Board: Off Campus
• Travel: Varies; Ireland Trip (subsidized) $495

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 and Scholarships

Scholarships: Upon review for admission, students automatically will be reviewed by the academic department for a limited number of partial merit scholarships. A limited amount of Graduate Assistantships are also awarded on a merit basis for up to 10 hours per week.

Travel Purse: A $2,500 travel purse is set-aside for every full-time IPCR student to use towards special international experiences or global internships as approved by the IPCR Director.

Financial aid is available to assist qualified students in covering tuition and related expenses, as well as living costs. Additionally, students can apply to receive up to $20,500 annually through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan at a fixed interest. In addition to the Stafford Loan, students can choose to borrow either a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan or a private alternative student loan to cover remaining expenses. Graduate assistantships also may be available to those who qualify. More information.

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. 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.

Student Experiences

The world is our classroom and global field experiences are the cornerstone of the IPCR program, providing students with unparalleled practical, hands-on opportunities to hone professional skills, engage in experiential learning, and develop a network and community of colleagues. By graduation, IPCR students are not only well trained and educated but already out in the world actively building peace as advocates, activists, social entrepreneurs, and NGO program managers.

Field Experiences and Internships

You will engage in significant "real world" experience through internships, project-based learning and global field work through our Global Field Study courses. 

Project-based Learning

Our scholars are also practitioners, connecting their research with real-world application. Our courses reflect that through the incorporation of project-based learning. In many courses, you will work independently and in small groups on developing practical solutions to real-world problems.

International Experiences

You will participate in two required international experiences. In IPCR, we believe it’s essential to be global citizens living and engaging in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges to be effective peacebuilders and social change makers.

Annual IPCR Professional Exchange

At the end of the semester, Capstone Projects are presented at the annual IPCR Professional Exchange, which brings together faculty, alumni, peace and conflict resolution practitioners, potential employers, and capstone students. The IPCR Professional Exchange incorporates the Capstone presentations, a keynote speaker, and a panel of practitioners to discuss and share ideas on pressing global challenges. It’s an ideal opportunity for graduating students to demonstrate their expertise and their professionalism. Graduating students have successfully secured exciting new jobs through the Professional Exchange.

Conflict Resolution Careers

A Master’s Degree in International Peace in Conflict Resolution makes you competitive for jobs in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, peace and conflict resolution-related employment is growing, and those with IPCR degrees are also well-suited for careers in education, business, government, development, or health fields.

Alumni Employers

More than half of our alumni are employed in nongovernmental organizations, while others work in government, education-related fields, or the private sector. IPCR faculty, staff, and alumni work together to help you successfully navigate professional placement and career development.

Meet Our Students, Alumni and Faculty

Our students come from all over the world, and they engage in a wide range of activities during and after the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program.

Rachel Wilson ’17

Rachel came to Arcadia after she was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Africa. IPCR’s international focus, travel component, and personalized cohort size attracted her to the program. Having already completing her first two semesters and internship, Rachel believes that her courses and American Friends Service Committee internship helped her improve her writing skills and expanded her professional network. After graduation, Rachel will apply for an international Fulbright scholarship, then hopes to complete the Refugee Trauma certificate program at Harvard.

More Student Stories

William Kuhn ‘14

William is a Community Preparedness Officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency. “Know that you will view the world differently afterwards. You will have more empathy, respect, tolerance, and appreciation for the unique opportunities conflict can provide. You will be challenged and you will open your mind. Peace and Conflict Resolution is intense but rewarding in knowing how to make a difference rather than simply desiring progress. IPCR is a supportive environment but it demands action from the student. If you want to see change in the world and seek a platform by which to propel yourself into the arena of peace work, IPCR is for you.”

Alumni Reflections

Meet Our Faculty

Our faculty are expert scholars and practitioners who provide hands-on learning in a supportive, academic community.

Faculty