Kennesaw State University

Conflict Management education addresses the issues that divide our world by encouraging communication, fostering positive relationships and developing comprehensive, long-term solutions. It enhances the safety and vitality of our families, communities and workplaces. Conflict management is also a set of tools and a way of thinking that can help not only prevent conflict, but effectively engage it once it arises. Conflict management education teaches the various ways people choose to react when confronted with conflict situations and the effect of those reactions on potential outcomes. Studying conflict is really about learning skills which can provide the ability to respond in ways that help prevent and manage conflict by reducing ineffective responses. The MSCM operates a Cohort learning model for the study of conflict, admitting 27 students to each incoming group each fall. Taking classes with the same group of students from program start to finish creates a unique and enriching learning environment.Cohort peers challenge one another and share insights from their respective diverse professional backgrounds to contribute to classroom learning. Conflict occurs in many different situations: between and among members of a family; between labor and management; in political parties, religious groups, formal organizations and nations; and even within a single mind. The actors in a conflict can be individuals, social groups, formal organizations, or political and social institutions. Consequently, the development of skills for peaceful and non legal conflict resolution or management should be an essential element of a person’s formal education. A certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) will offer fully-admitted KSU students the opportunity to develop skills that are helpful no matter what major they pursue or which line of work they choose. Students are required to receive at least a “C” in these five courses totaling 15 credit hours in order to receive the certificate. Applications for admission to the Program are available in the office of the Department of Political Science and International Affairs.