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SIS professor Anthony Wanis conducts peace conversations in Haiti with several men

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Why peace, why now?

Humanity’s needs are predicated on peace. Evidence shows that peaceful means of change are more effective and sustainable than violence. We also know that peacemaking is no longer the exclusive province of governments. Communities and citizens are now actively engaged in peacemaking. IPCR stands at the leading edge of innovative research and practice in conflict mitigation and peacebuilding. Our faculty and students often work together on projects that make a difference in the lives of vulnerable peoples. Join us in this mission!

American University, located in the heart of Washington DC, is the ideal location to develop the skills for an exciting career in global peacemaking.

The IPCR program requires 39 credit hours of graduate coursework and a capstone that can be completed in two years (full-time) or up to six years (part-time). The curriculum distinguishes itself by offering diverse courses that cover everything from the role of art in post-war healing to dealing with memories of the past to countering violent extremism in fragile states.

The rigorous curriculum combines instruction from renowned practitioners, opportunities for internships and fieldwork, and the development of useful skills for a career in peacebuilding. Beyond building strong theoretical foundations, IPCR students learn practical approaches to peacebuilding, negotiation and mediation, reconciliation, and cross-cultural communication.

Explore degree flexibility options

View more degree and admission requirements

Our faculty engage with the most pressing issues facing the world today. These include responding to challenges such as violent extremism, civil war and displacement, environmental degradation, and threats to human security.

Evidence shows that peaceful means of change are more effective and sustainable than violence. IPCR professors not only impart knowledge of the cultural, psychological, political, and economic factors that contribute to war and peace, but also encourage students to seek out new frontiers in the movement towards peace.

Meet the IPCR faculty

IPCR offers an MA that is unique in the range of conceptual and practical topics addressed and sited in the epicenter of global affairs.

Consistently ranked as one of the best cities for job seekers, Washington, DC, offers students the first-hand experience and access to a wide-ranging network of individuals and organizations. This unparalleled access allows students to put their skillsets to use long after their time at SIS has concluded.

We Know Success

% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both

Building a foundation and future for children

Kiangana Dialungana (Makaya Revell), SIS/MA '17

President & Founder, Marie Mambu Makaya Foundation

As an orphan and refugee of war, I’m helping children with similar stories.

Using the training I received from IPCR led me to initiate human rights activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which focused on the plight of the more than 800,000 orphans created by this war. IPCR not only strengthened the values I brought to this work, but I was taught practical strategies that helped enable me in this endeavor.

IPCR has an average of 20

students per class

IPCR has 9 Boren Fellows, 2 Fulbright English Teaching Fellows, 1 DACOR Bacon Fellow, 1 Critical Language Scholarship Winner

Frequently Asked Questions

When you should apply to the program depends on what semester you want to start taking classes in and whether you are a domestic or international student.

Application deadlines for an MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution are as follows:

  • Fall semester: January 15
  • Spring semester: October 1

View required application materials

Missed a deadline but still interested in applying? Email the SIS Graduate Admissions office.

IPCR graduates go on to exciting peacebuilding careers in nonprofits, government, and business.

The top employers of recent IPCR graduates include U.S. Department of State, U.S. Institute of Peace, World Bank Group, Chemonics International, and Human Rights Watch. Within six months of graduation, 77% of graduates earn $40,000 or more.

Looking for more information or help? SIS has a dedicated career development center to assist current students and alumni. 

The School of International Service offers merit-based aid in the form of scholarships and fellowships at the time of admission. SIS also has partnerships with a number of organizations like the Peace Corps and Pickering Fellowship that provide qualified individuals with funding.

Financial aid information for prospective students

The International Peace and Conflict Resolution program offers several scholarships and grants to current students.

Scholarships for current IPCR students

Need-based aid is available through AU Central Office and generally takes the form of a federal low-interest loan package.

Federal loan and work study information for graduate students

Still have questions? Send us an email with program-specific questions at phrcr-grad@american.edu

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