UMass Boston

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• Writing Sample (optional)
• Resume/cv (required)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts (completed Bachelor’s degree required)
• Statement of Purpose - Answer all 3 questions:

1. Outline the development of your interest in conflict resolution, leading to your decision to apply to the program. (500-1,000 words).
2. Describe one or more specific experiences you have had with conflict. What was your role? What were your rewards and frustrations? (500-1,000 words).
3. How will you apply the skills, knowledge, and perspective acquired through the program in your current and/or future employment? (500-1,000 words

Please visit the International Graduate Applicants if applicable.

Deadlines: February 1 (priority) and June 15 (final) for fall

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website.

Required Courses (9 Credits)

• CONRES 621 - Negotiation (M) 3 Credit(s)
• CONRES 623 - Introductory Theory 3 Credit(s)
• CONRES 635 - Research Methods in Dispute Resolution 3 Credit(s)

Internship (3 to 6 Credits)

• CONRES 627 - Inter-Group Dialogue & Facilitation 6 Credit(s)
  OR
• CONRES 690 - Court Internship 6 Credit(s)
  OR
• CONRES 692 - Internship 3-6 Credit(s)

Electives (15 to 21 Credits)

Complete five to seven electives (depending on number of credits needed to meet the 36 required credits for the program) from any graduate courses in the Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance. Courses from other departments and institutions may be accepted with approval of the graduate program director.

Capstone (3 to 6 Credits)

Complete one of the options below.

Integrative Paper Option

• CONRES 693 - Capstone Seminar 3-6 Credit(s)

Master's Project Option

Complete six credits.

• CONRES 693 - Capstone Seminar 3-6 Credit(s) - take for three credits
• CONRES 689 - Master's Project in Conflict Resolution 3 Credit(s)

Master's Thesis Option

• CONRES 693 - Capstone Seminar 3-6 Credit(s) - take for three credits
• CONRES 699 - Master's Thesis in Conflict Resolution 3 Credit(s)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Upon completion, students will: 

• have gained a thorough grounding in the theory of conflict and its resolution. 
• have explored the social, psychological, political, structural, and cultural factors which give rise to conflict and shape its course.
• understand the effects of different types of conflict on people and the relationships among them.
• Have developed skills in the practice, design, and evaluation of a variety of conflict management and resolution applications relevant to a broad range of contexts and group sizes. These skills include nonviolent, collaborative resolution methods, such as mediation, facilitation, negotiation, dialogue, organizational change, and consensual decision making.

Complete 36 credits from ten to twelve courses including three required courses, one internship course, five to seven electives, and a capstone requirement.

Attend 10 colloquia (4 are offered each semester).

Capstone: Students must complete a master’s thesis, master’s project, or participate in an intensive integrative seminar.

Statute of limitations: Five years

Conflict Resolution Certificate

Graduate Program Director Karen Ross
karen.ross [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-7489

Conflict Resolution Programs Department
conresglobal [at] umb.edu