Global Conflict and Human Security (M.S.)

The non-thesis MS degree in Global Conflict & Human Security is a ten course, thirty-credit program that can be completed in one year of full-time participation. 

The United Nations delineates seven issues related to human welfare that fall under its human security framework: economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security, and political security. Violent conflict threatens all of these. 

This unique program reflects global discussions about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and a humanitarian-development-peace nexus as an approach for creating holistic programs that address chronic threats to human security, such as poverty and disease, and contribute to social harmony and peace. 

You will acquire skills in international development policy and practice to build resilient societies in countries affected by state fragility, humanitarian crises and conflict. Choose a track focused on Program Management to learn best practices in project design, monitoring and evaluation OR a track focused on Policy and Administration to hone your skills in public policy analysis and public administration.

Program Delivery & Location: GCHS courses are offered entirely online. 

Start in the fall or spring and graduate in as little as 12 months.

The non-thesis MS degree in Global Conflict & Human Security can be completed in one year of fulltime participation. Students must complete ten courses totaling thirty credits to graduate. All courses are offered online. Students must choose ONE of the following tracks in Project Management or Policy & Administration. 

GCHS Project Management Track (new)

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GCHS Policy & Administration Track (new)

Master of Science in Global Conflict & Human Security: Project Management Track  (Full Time) 

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Master of Science in Global Conflict & Human Security: Policy & Administration Track (Full Time)

This graduate program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with certain undergraduate degree programs via two different minors, Global Studies or Terrorism Studies. Please see the General Accelerated Master's policy, the Graduate School website and/or contact the department directly for more information.

Global Studies Minor – Accelerated Master’s (AM)

Students should apply to the AM program in their junior or senior year. 

GCHS application deadlines are typically July 15 (fall cohort) and December 15 (spring cohort).

If accepted, students may enroll in up to 12 credits of approved 800-level courses in their senior year. Students may not take more than one 800-level course per 8-week term. Accordingly, students may enroll in two approved 800-level courses per semester.  

Graduation with undergraduate degree: The accelerated path should not require extra time toward the undergraduate degree.  

Graduation with master's degree: The GCHS degree takes 12-24 months to complete. Time saved to M.S. completion depends on how many 800-level courses are taken in AM status and how the student chooses to progress as a master’s student. For instance, if a student takes 12 credits of graduate credit in their senior year, they could complete the remaining 18 credits and graduate the following year, saving one term. If a student takes 12 GCHS credits during their senior year and takes a GCHS course during the summer, they will have completed half the required courses and could follow the part-time track which requires only one course per term and typically takes 24 months. This path would enable the student to complete the master’s degree the following summer term and save five terms.

Courses Approved for Global Studies Minor – Accelerated Master’s (AM):

Terrorism Studies Minor – Accelerated Master’s (AM)

Students should apply to the AM program in their junior year or senior year. 

GCHS application deadlines are typically July 15 (fall cohort) and December 15 (spring cohort)

If accepted, students may enroll in up to 6 credits of approved 800-level courses in their senior year. Students may not take more than one 800-level course per 8-week term. Accordingly, students may enroll in two approved 800-level courses per semester.

Graduation with undergraduate degree: The accelerated path should not require extra time toward the undergraduate degree. 

Graduation with master's degree:   The GCHS degree takes 12-24 months to complete. Time saved to M.S. completion depends on how many 800-level courses are taken in AM status and how the student chooses to progress as a master’s student. For example, if a student takes 6 credits of graduate courses in their senior year, they could save money on tuition and complete the remaining credits for the master's degree by the next spring semester, therefore saving one term if they follow the fulltime track.

Courses Approved for Terrorism Studies Minor – Accelerated Master’s (AM)

Upon completion of the MS in Global Conflict and Human Security, students will be able to:

• Explain competing schools of thought on relevant issues in two key disciplines: a) peace and conflict studies b) international development studies (strategies to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals).
• Conduct conflict analyses and develop policy recommendations.
• Conduct human security needs assessments and analyze the interrelatedness of distinct human security domains (economic security, food security, health security environmental security, personal security, community security, and political security).
• Apply theory to practice by designing humanitarian, development, and/or peacebuilding programs. 
• Collect data and perform data analysis using qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Implement a development program (if applicable).
• Evaluate the impact and effectiveness of humanitarian, development and/or peacebuilding programs.
• Communicate professionally and effectively across different cultures and social groups.