Applications are evaluated holistically and students are selected on the basis of grades, experience, exam scores (if submitted), recommendations, work experience and short essays. Applicants must hold a four-year degree, in any area of study, from an accredited college or university. It is recommended that applicants also have three years' professional experience in any field. See Admission Requirements for more information.
In addition to the online application, the following are required:
- Application fee ($45)
- 3 Short essay responses
- Professional resume
- Official transcripts documenting each course taken beyond the high school level (whether or not within a degree program) and all degrees awarded
- Two letters of recommendation (one letter from a professor or individual who can attest to your academic capabilities and one letter from a work supervisor or similar)
Fall 2026 deadlines*:
Priority deadline (for all fellowships and for priority scholarship consideration): February 1, 2026
International applicant final deadline: May 1, 2026
Domestic applicant final deadline: August 1, 2026
Spring 2026 deadlines:
International applicants: October 1, 2025
Domestic applicants: December 1, 2026
*Admission consideration will be made on a rolling basis.
Please note, Kroc School merit award applications are sent to admitted students only. We encourage you to apply for admission early if you wish to also apply for merit financial aid awards.
If you are a candidate for a fellowship and/or wish to be considered first for a merit award, please submit your complete application by the Priority Application deadline.
The Kroc School application evaluation process is thorough. Decisions are made after careful review by our faculty and admissions staff, taking into account a variety of factors. Accordingly, all determinations made during the application evaluation process are considered final. There is no appeal. Should an individual be unsuccessful in securing admission to a particular program, the submission of a new application to the same program is not permitted within a one-year time frame. For example, if an applicant is denied admission for the Fall 2023 term, they are ineligible to reapply to that specific program until the Fall of 2024.
Any professional background. Anyone wanting to learn effective ways to manage conflict and to gain specific skills to successfully resolve conflict will fit well with the program.
Yes, the part-time option has been designed for students working full-time.
Full-time students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 units (3 courses) each academic semester. Part-time students may enroll in 3-6 units (1-2 courses) each academic semester. If a student averages 6 units per semester, it would take 2 and a half years.
In general, for every 3-unit class, students should expect a minimum of 8-10 hours of preparation outside of class.
MS-CMR graduates apply their degrees toward their current work in any field, or as conflict management and resolution practitioners like arbitrators, facilitators, mediators and ombudsmen. Check out our Alumni page to meet MS-CMR alumni and see how they've successfully built careers with their conflict management and resolution education.
Our article, What Can I Do With a Master’s in Conflict Resolution?, dives into specific opportunities available to those who pursue this Master’s degree.
You can also view Career Outcomes for Kroc School students to learn more about the types of positions and sectors in which our alumni are currently employed.
The Kroc School offers robust career development activities such as 1:1 career coaching, mentorship, mock interview program, career workshops, and internship support. USD has a robust Career Development Center for graduate students, which offers skill-building workshops, career expos and more.
Visit MS-CMR Tuition and Financial Aid for more information.
Yes, we do offer Spring enrollment. Applications open for entry in the Spring semester in mid-August.
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Wisconsin
Want to learn more about the field of conflict management and resolution? Including what it is, who should study it, and potential career opportunities? Download our guide to get these questions (and more) answered: How Peace and Conflict Studies Make You a Top-Tier Job Candidate.