M.S. in Accounting
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting program at the University of Massachusetts L...
M.A. in Peace & Conflict Studies
Lowell, Massachusetts
INTAKE: Fall, Spring
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Peace & Conflict Studies program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) is a multidisciplinary graduate program that explores the root causes of conflict and seeks to build a foundation for peace and social justice. Through an integrated curriculum, research opportunities, and practical experiences, students develop a deep understanding of conflict dynamics, peacebuilding strategies, and the complexities of promoting peace in diverse settings.
Curriculum:
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Interdisciplinary Approach: The M.A. in Peace & Conflict Studies program takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from fields such as political science, sociology, psychology, international relations, and law. This integrated approach allows students to explore peace and conflict from multiple perspectives, enriching their understanding of complex issues.
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Conflict Analysis: The program offers comprehensive courses in conflict analysis, helping students examine the underlying causes of conflicts and the various actors involved. Students learn to identify patterns and drivers of violence and develop strategies for conflict prevention and resolution.
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Peacebuilding Strategies: The curriculum delves into different peacebuilding strategies, including negotiation, mediation, reconciliation, and transitional justice. Students gain insights into effective mechanisms for promoting sustainable peace and social cohesion.
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Global and Local Contexts: The program explores peace and conflict dynamics in both global and local contexts, providing students with a broad perspective on peace and justice issues that transcend national boundaries.
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Human Rights and Social Justice: The M.A. in Peace & Conflict Studies program emphasizes human rights and social justice as integral components of peacebuilding. Students explore the intersectionality of peace, justice, and human rights in diverse societies.
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Research and Capstone Project: Students engage in research activities and a capstone project, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations and develop solutions to real-world peace and conflict challenges.
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Internships and Fieldwork: UMass Lowell offers internship and fieldwork opportunities, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with organizations working in peace and conflict resolution.
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International Experiences: The program may offer international experiences, such as study abroad programs and field visits to conflict-affected regions, providing students with exposure to global peace efforts.
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Faculty Expertise: The faculty members in the Peace & Conflict Studies program are experts in their respective fields, with diverse research backgrounds and practical experience in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
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Ethical Considerations: Students examine ethical considerations related to peacebuilding, addressing issues of power, representation, and cultural sensitivity in conflict resolution efforts.
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Community Engagement: The program encourages community engagement, fostering partnerships with local organizations and providing students with opportunities to engage in peace initiatives at the community level.
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Career Development: UMass Lowell offers career development resources, including workshops, networking events, and job placement assistance, supporting students in pursuing meaningful careers in peace and conflict-related fields.
The M.A. in Peace & Conflict Studies program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell equips students with a comprehensive understanding of peacebuilding and conflict resolution in various contexts. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, research opportunities, and practical experiences, graduates are prepared to address complex global and local challenges related to peace and social justice. The program's emphasis on ethical considerations, human rights, and community engagement ensures that graduates are well-prepared to work as peace practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and advocates, contributing to positive social change and sustainable peace in an interconnected world.
Location
Lowell, Massachusetts
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 30551
Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs
Application Fees: US$ 50
1. Academic Requirements:
- International students applying for postgraduate programs at UMass Lowell are required to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent. This typically translates to a percentage of 70% and above in their previous academic studies.
2. English Language Proficiency:
- For non-native English speakers, UMass Lowell requires proof of English language proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum required scores are as follows:
- IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.
- TOEFL iBT: An overall score of 79.
- DET: An overall score of 105.
UMass Lowell recognizes the importance of attracting and supporting talented international students, and as such, offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help offset the cost of education. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and other criteria to deserving international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the university.
1. Chancellor's Scholarship: The Chancellor's Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based scholarship offered to exceptional international students with outstanding academic records and leadership potential. Recipients of this scholarship receive substantial financial support to cover a significant portion of their tuition expenses.
2. Dean's Scholarship: The Dean's Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students based on their academic achievements and contributions to their communities. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional potential in their chosen field of study.
3. International Student Merit Scholarship: The International Student Merit Scholarship is designed to support academically talented international students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate programs at UMass Lowell. The scholarship amount varies and is based on the student's academic performance and overall profile.
4. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated academic excellence and have a strong commitment to contributing positively to the UMass Lowell community. This scholarship recognizes students who embody the values of global citizenship and leadership.
5. UMass Lowell Merit Scholarships: Apart from specific scholarships for international students, UMass Lowell also offers a range of merit scholarships that international students may be eligible for. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria.
6. Donor-Funded Scholarships: UMass Lowell has various donor-funded scholarships that provide financial assistance to international students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships may be awarded based on the country of origin, academic achievements, or other specific criteria defined by the donors.
Application and Eligibility: International students are automatically considered for scholarships upon applying for admission to UMass Lowell. Scholarships are awarded based on the students' academic records, achievements, and potential contributions to the university community. It is essential for international students to review the specific scholarship criteria and deadlines to ensure they meet the eligibility requirements.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Peace & Conflict Studies program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) prepares graduates for a wide range of rewarding and impactful career opportunities in the field of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social justice. Through a comprehensive curriculum and practical experiences, students develop critical skills, knowledge, and ethical considerations necessary to address complex global and local challenges related to peace and conflict.
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Conflict Resolution Specialist: Graduates can work as conflict resolution specialists, facilitating dialogue and negotiation processes between conflicting parties to achieve peaceful resolutions.
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Peacebuilding Consultant: With expertise in peacebuilding strategies, graduates can work as consultants for international organizations, governments, and non-profits, designing and implementing peacebuilding initiatives.
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Human Rights Advocate: Graduates can pursue careers as human rights advocates, working with organizations to promote and protect human rights in conflict-affected regions.
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Mediator: Graduates may become mediators, assisting individuals and communities in resolving disputes and fostering reconciliation.
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Policy Analyst: Graduates with a deep understanding of peace and conflict dynamics can work as policy analysts, providing insights and recommendations to governments and organizations on conflict prevention and resolution strategies.
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Diplomat: Graduates can pursue careers in diplomacy, working as diplomats and representatives for governments or international organizations, promoting peace and collaboration on a global stage.
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Community Organizer: Graduates can work as community organizers, engaging with local communities to address social issues, promote social cohesion, and build resilience against conflicts.
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NGO Program Manager: Graduates may work as program managers for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on peace, conflict resolution, and social justice initiatives.
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Researcher: Graduates with a passion for research can work as researchers, contributing to academia or research institutions, investigating peace and conflict-related topics.
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International Development Specialist: Graduates can work in international development organizations, focusing on peacebuilding and conflict-sensitive development projects.
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Social Justice Advocate: Graduates can become social justice advocates, working on issues such as gender equality, environmental justice, and marginalized communities' rights.
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Educator and Trainer: Graduates can pursue careers as educators and trainers, teaching courses on peace and conflict studies or conducting workshops on conflict resolution and diversity.
The M.A. in Peace & Conflict Studies program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell opens up a diverse range of career opportunities for graduates passionate about peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The program's interdisciplinary approach, research opportunities, and practical experiences equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex global challenges related to peace and justice. Graduates are prepared to work as conflict resolution specialists, peacebuilding consultants, human rights advocates, and diplomats, among other impactful roles. Whether working with international organizations, non-profits, governments, or local communities, graduates of this program are essential contributors to promoting peace, resolving conflicts, and creating a more just and equitable world.
