Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution
Mission
The Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution at LAU is dedicated to advancing the study and practice of conflict analysis, negotiation, mediation, and peacebuilding. Through interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, and applied research, the program prepares students to address complex conflicts across local, national, and international settings while promoting dialogue, justice, cooperation, and sustainable peace in diverse societies.
Program Educational Objectives
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Integrate theory-based knowledge and interdisciplinary skills in the analysis of conflict and conflict resolution, utilizing among other methods, practical exercises, and simulations
- Lead in addressing conflicts at the local, state, and international levels, including cyberconflicts, and conflicts arising from cultural barriers, cultural differences, and misunderstandings
- Provide professional analysis and advise based on acquired research methods, critical thinking, and communication skills, while also benefiting from the practical knowledge gained through training workshops, practical exercises, and simulations.
Student Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Identify conventional and new forms of conflicts and their root causes in different contexts (PO1, PO2, and PO3)
- Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of the most recent Conflict Analysis and Resolution research (PO1 and PO3)
- Develop practical models for mediating and resolving conflicts among parties with differing backgrounds, views and interests (PO1, PO2)
- Apply professional and inter-professional teamwork skills and ethical standards in the application of Conflict Analysis and Resolution in concrete real-world situations (PO1)
- Design and implement research projects that have practical implications, addressing concrete real-world situations, (PO1 and PO3)
- Demonstrate awareness with regards to cultural sensitivity, cultural differences, and contending world views for conflicts (PO1 and PO2)
- Prepare and train individuals and groups on nonviolent resolution of conflicts, while promoting justice, and peace-building (PO1, PO2, PO3)
- Intervene to prevent, mitigate, and resolve disputes between parties (PO1, PO2)
Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution is a 30-credit graduate program that combines theoretical foundations, practical training, and applied research. Students complete 24 credits of coursework and 6 credits of either a thesis or field-based research project. The curriculum is designed to provide a balance between conceptual understanding, professional skill development, and real-world application.
- Core Courses (9 credits)
- Elective Courses (15 credits)
- Thesis or Project (6 credits)
Core Courses (9 Credits)
- CAR600 International Conflict and Conflict Resolution (3 cr.)
- CAR601 War and Peace (3 cr.)
- CAR630 Research Methods in Conflict Resolution (3 cr.)
Elective Courses (15 Credits)
Students select five elective courses (15 credits) from the following offerings:
- CAR602 Theories of Conflict Resolution (3 cr.)
- CAR605 Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution (3 cr.)
- CAR607 Arbitration, Mediation, and Law (3 cr.)
- CAR610 Conflict Resolution at the Workplace (3 cr.)
- CAR615 Psychological Approaches to Conflict Resolution (3 cr.)
- CAR616 Displacement, Conflict and Conflict Resolution (3 cr.)
- CAR617 International Law and Human Rights (3 cr.)
- CAR680 Topics in Conflict Resolution (3 cr.)
Capstone Requirement (6 Credits)
Students complete one of the following options: