MA in Peace and Development Studies

Peace and Development Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the causes of armed conflict – including war, terrorism, genocide and violations of human rights – and develops ways to prevent and resolve violent conflict and build peaceful and just systems and societies. Strategic peace-building, the signature concept of the International Peace and Development Institute at Newport University CED, focuses on the structural roots of violence and on inclusive, sustainable efforts – across all levels of society – to transform conflict.

Students who choose to MA in Peace and Development Studies can join after completing the program worldwide, working to build sustainable peace and justice through policy analysis and political change, government and organizational leadership, and conflict analysis and transformation.

MA in Peace and Development Studies students take:

Semester 1
Core Classes (10 Credits)

Graduate Seminar in Development (1)
Global Politics (3)
Graduate Research Methods (3)
One elective module (3)

Semester 2
Peace and Conflict Resolution classes (11 Credits)

Graduate Seminar in Peace-building (3)
Research Methods (progressing dissertation) (3)
Two elective modules (3 + 2)

Semester 3
Dissertation Courses (9 Credits)

Practical Research 1 (Review of Related Literature & Methodology)

Practical Research 2 (Data Collection & Analysis)

Practical Research 3 (Dissertation complete and Oral Defense)

OR

Semester 3
The Integration Lab for Peace and Conflict Resolution with Research Paper (9 Credits)

In the Institute of Peace’s Integration Labs, students work with faculty-mentors to synthesize academic knowledge, skill development, and hands-on practice throughout all two semesters of the MA in Peace and Conflict Resolution. Through the Integration Labs, students acquire six months professional experience as they partner with organizations on real-world challenges and opportunities.

For students specializing in Peace and Conflict Resolution, Integration Labs includes nearly 6-month embedded internship with an organization engaged in a broad range of professional work in strategic peace-building.