Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution at Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding, analyzing, and effectively managing conflicts in diverse settings. This program prepares students to become skilled mediators, negotiators, and leaders capable of fostering peace and reconciliation in complex environments. Through a rigorous curriculum that blends theories of conflict, negotiation strategies, mediation techniques, and practical applications, students gain the tools necessary to resolve disputes ethically and efficiently. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication skills, enabling graduates to address conflicts within organizations, communities, and international contexts. Students have opportunities to engage in experiential learning through simulations, internships, and research projects, often benefiting from Georgetown’s rich connections with policy institutes, international organizations, and diplomatic entities. The faculty comprises renowned scholars and practitioners dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in conflict resolution. Whether pursuing a certificate, master's, or related studies, students are encouraged to develop a nuanced understanding of the roots and dynamics of conflict, as well as the ethical considerations involved in intervention. Graduates of the Conflict Resolution program go on to work in diverse fields such as diplomacy, international development, law, nonprofit management, and government agencies, positively impacting global peacebuilding efforts. The program’s location in Washington, D.C., provides strategic access to policymakers and international institutions, enhancing the practical relevance and career prospects for students. With a foundation grounded in both academic excellence and real-world application, the Conflict Resolution program at Georgetown University is committed to nurturing effective change-makers dedicated to creating more peaceful and just societies worldwide.

The Conflict Resolution curriculum at Georgetown is rigorous and comprehensive; core courses introduce the theoretical and practical skills, while a wide range of elective courses are available to CR students to help them develop a concentration and to develop skills specific to their individual interests. In order to complete the program, students will complete 40 credits, 25 of which are electives drawn from across the multitude of courses offered across the university. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of speakers, events, and workshops both on campus and in Washington, D.C. 

CORE COURSES (15 CREDITS)

• GOVT-580: Introduction to Conflict Resolution Theory
• GOVT-581: Conflict Resolution Skills
• GOVT- 579: Research Design & Conflict Resolution
• MGMT-671: Applied Negotiations
• PSYC-498: Intergroup Relations
• GOVT- 596: Conflict Resolution Capstone

In their first year of study, full-time students are expected to take  GOVT-579, GOVT-580, and GOVT-581 in the fall semester and PSYC-498 and MGMT-671 in the spring semester.  The capstone course, GOVT-596, is taken the spring semester of the second year of coursework. 

ELECTIVES (DIRECTED AND GENERAL, 25 CREDITS)

Directed Electives are graduate-level courses that address conflict resolution; the origins/nature of conflict; mediation; post-conflict development; or peacebuilding. Students may take Directed Electives in programs across campus, provided the program approves. General Electives are graduate-level courses that relate to the student’s individual interests and career goals. Ideally, General Electives help a student develop a concentration. One elective course must focus on a specific region of the world.  Students are also required to take a one-credit skills course. 

CONCENTRATIONS

With the assistance of a faculty adviser, students are encouraged to develop an area of concentration that best suits their interests and goals. Concentrations can be geographical, thematic, or a combination of the two.

Students may also develop a concentration through one of four certificate programs offered through the School of Foreign Service:

• African Studies
• Arab Studies
• Asian Studies
• East European and Eurasian Studies
• Refugees and Humanitarian Studies

The coursework for these certificates also count toward a student’s progress in the CR Program; however, students are responsible for tracking their own progress toward certificate completion.

INDEPENDENT STUDY/DIRECTED TUTORIALS

Two types of Directed Tutorials are available to CR students: Internship for Credit and Independent Study. Either tutorial can substitute one three-credit General Electives. Students interested in pursuing a thesis or directed tutorial should consult with the CR Program Coordinator and/or their faculty adviser.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

All students must pass the Government Department’s language proficiency exam prior to graduating. Language scholarships are available to assist students in preparing for the exam. 

• TOEFL or IELTS scores (required for international students who have not received a degree from an English speaking university)
• GRE scores
• Official Transcripts from every university attended
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose (approximately 500 words)
• Academic writing sample (10-20 pages)
• Resume/CV
• Application fee ($90)
• Due to the competitive nature of the admissions process, the CR Program will not review incomplete applications. GRE scores are required for all applicants and  may not be substituted with any other standardized test scores. There is no minimum score requirement, nor does the program track an average score for admitted students. 

Scholarships

All applicants are eligible for scholarship consideration. The CR Program awards a small number of partial tuition scholarships to first year students.  There is also a possibility for international students to be nominated for a full tuition scholarship. This nomination occurs after a student is admitted into the program.

The Georgetown University offers a distinguished program in Conflict Resolution that aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and resolve conflicts in various contexts, including international, national, and community settings. This program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from political science, law, psychology, and international relations to provide a comprehensive understanding of conflict dynamics and resolution strategies. Students gain practical skills through experiential learning, case studies, negotiations exercises, and internships, preparing them for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and private sector conflict management. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics such as dispute resolution theories, peacebuilding, mediation, negotiation techniques, international conflict analysis, and post-conflict reconstruction. Georgetown University's location in Washington, D.C., offers students unique opportunities to engage with policymakers, international diplomats, and practitioners, enriching their academic experience with real-world perspectives. The program often collaborates with prominent organizations and hosts conferences and workshops focusing on current global conflict issues. Graduates of the Conflict Resolution program are well-prepared to contribute to peace processes, facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties, and implement effective conflict management strategies across diverse environments. The program is designed for students who aspire to become mediators, diplomats, policy advisors, or researchers dedicated to fostering peaceful resolution of disputes and promoting social justice worldwide.