The Master of Science in Conflict Management and Resolution (MS-CMR) is a 30-unit graduate program designed to be completed in 15 months for full-time students. The program offers flexible learning options, including hybrid, full-time, and part-time pathways. Students gain expertise in managing and resolving conflicts through skills such as conflict analysis, intervention design, negotiation, mediation, facilitation, and dialogue, preparing them to transform conflict into opportunities for positive change.
The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, with students engaging in hands-on practice through simulations based on real-world conflicts. The program allows for completion within six consecutive years, accommodating a variety of schedules and learning needs.
Curriculum
- Requirements
- Courses
- Learning Outcomes
- Full-Time Hybrid Pathway
Degree Requirements
Full-time or part-time status as a graduate student
Approval of courses by faculty advisor
Mandatory KROC 501 self-paced orientation and in-person orientation
30 units of graduate work with a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or higher
KROC 500 Foundations: Peace, Justice & Social Change course (3 units)
KROC 502: Pursuing Purpose: Building Professional Pathways (0 units)
Core courses (6 units)
Skills and methods courses (at least 6 units)
Field-based practicum course (3 units)
Students with at least 3 years of relevant work experience may petition to waive this requirement.
Electives (at least 12 units)
Electives are chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. No more than 6 units of coursework may be taken outside of the Kroc School. Of these 6 units, no more than 3 units of coursework at the 300 or 400 level can be counted towards the 30 units. A maximum of 3 different 1-unit pass/fail electives can be taken, unless a faculty advisor approves otherwise.
KROC 596 Professional Portfolio P/F (0 units)
Foundations: Peace, Justice, and Social Change (3 units) | ||
KROC 500 | Foundations: Peace, Justice & Social Change | 3 |
Pursuing Purpose (0 units) | ||
KROC 502 | Pursuing Purpose: Building Professional Pathways | 0 |
Core Courses (6 units) | ||
KROC 530 | Conflict Analysis & Resolution | 3 |
KROC 531 | Intervention Design | 3 |
Skills and Methods (at least 6 units) | ||
KROC 513 | Program Design, Monitoring & Evaluation | 3 |
KROC 532 | Introduction to Negotiation | 1 |
KROC 533 | Introduction to Mediation | 1 |
KROC 536* | Advanced Mediation | 2 |
KROC 537* | Negotiation Simulation | 2 |
KROC 535 | Facilitation & Dialogue Skills | 3 |
*Prerequisite Notice: Students must complete KROC 533 prior to enrolling in KROC 536 and must complete KROC 532 prior to enrolling in KROC 537. | ||
Field-based Practicum | ||
KROC 593 | Field-based Practicum (Students with at least 3 years of relevant work experience may petition to waive this requirement.) | 3 |
Electives (12 units) | ||
Electives are chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. No more than 6 units of coursework may be taken outside of the Kroc School. Of these 6 units, no more than 3 units of coursework at the 300 or 400 level can be counted towards the 30 units. A maximum of 3 different 1-unit pass/fail electives can be taken, unless a faculty advisor approves otherwise. | ||
Professional Portfolio (0 units) | ||
KROC 596 | Professional Portfolio | 0 |
Students who began their program before Fall 2025 may choose to complete the Professional Portfolio – KROC 597 (1 unit) or follow the Fall 2025 catalog requirements and take KROC 596 (0 units). The course description and requirements for KROC 597 and KROC 596 are the same.
MS in Conflict Management & Resolution with a Concentration in Security Studies
The Master of Science in Conflict Management and Resolution (MS-CMR) program offers an optional concentration in Security Studies. This concentration provides students with advanced expertise in security-related topics, complementing their core skills in conflict management and resolution.
To earn the Security Studies concentration, students must meet the program's overall requirements and complete specific coursework outlined below.
Security Studies Concentration Overview
in partnership with Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, Spain, this concentration prepares students to address the evolving challenges of international security. From hybrid warfare to digital security, students gain the knowledge and tools needed to navigate a dynamic and complex security landscape.
The curriculum bridges foundational theories in international relations, peace studies, and security studies with practical skills and applications. Students explore various conflict types, including interstate, hybrid, and proxy conflicts, while developing an understanding of military strategies employed by both state and non-state actors.
Key topics include:
The concept of "grey zones," which encompass economic sabotage, influence operations, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.
Analysis of key cyber threats, such as cyber espionage, cybercrime, and information warfare.
Requirements for the Security Studies Concentration
To qualify for this concentration, students must fulfill all the MS-CMR requirements and complete 9 units of elective coursework for the concentration, with 3 units taken on the University San Diego and 6 units completed through a two-week intensive in Madrid, Spain, in collaboration with Comillas Pontifical University
Required Courses for Concentration
KROC 594-06 (San Diego) | International Peace & Security | 3 Units |
|---|---|---|
KROC 594-11 (Madrid) | Hybrid Wars and Grey-Zone Conflicts | 3 UNITS |
KROC 594-12 (Madrid) | Cyberspace and Cybersecurity | 3 UNITS |
Please note: Students are responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses to and within Madrid.
Note: Electives are chosen in consultation with faculty advisors. The pathways above are samples and are subject to change. Courses listed may not be offered every year.
The Office of Graduate Admission can assist, and information for international applicants is also available.