Master of Theological Studies - Dual Degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution
You must apply and be admitted separately to each program.
For the Master of Theological Studies at Wesley, submit the following online:
- Application
- Statement of purpose
- Academic transcripts
- References
- Application fee
For the Master of Arts at the American University, submit the following online:
- Application
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
- Application fee
Or mail all materials to:
Office of Admissions
American University
4000 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 885-6000
Fax (202) 885-1025
Masters of Theological Studies in conjunction with Masters of Arts in Peace and Conflict Resolution at American University.
Credit Hours
39 credits for the M.A. degree at the School of International Service at American
42 credits, minimum, for the M.T.S. degree at Wesley (including 14 elective hours)
81 total hours for the dual-degree
Length of Program
6 to 8 semesters average
Full-time: 2 ½ -3 years, including summer
Part-time: up to 5-6 years
MA in International Peace & Conflict Resolution
Degree Requirements
- 39 credit hours of approved graduate coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00, including a minimum of 12 credit hours in the major field including one theory course and one 3 credit graduate-level economics or international economic policy course appropriate to the field, 12 credit hours in a concentration selected from offerings in SIS or other teaching units of the university, 6 credit hours in research methods, 3 elective credit hours, and a 3 credit hour capstone experience.
- Capstone experience: demonstration of critical thinking, research and writing skills through completion of a master's thesis, substantial research paper requirement, or practicum. All courses taken to fulfill this requirement must be passed with a grade of B or better.
- Thesis: 6 credit hours of thesis credit and submission of the thesis.
- Substantial research paper requirement: 3 credit hours.
- Practicum: 3 credit hours.
- Evidence of professional experience in the field: Relevant internship or work experience must be certified.
- Proficiency in a modern foreign language: Research competence in English and another language relevant to the student's career objectives must be certified.
Course Requirements
CORE (6 CREDIT HOURS)
- 3 credit hours of IPCR Seminar I
- 3 credit hours of IPCR Seminar II
ECONOMICS (3 CREDIT HOURS)
Complete one of the following:
- ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory (3) (3)
- SIS-673 Comparative Political Economy (3) (3)
- Approved course in economics (3)
SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (6 CREDIT HOURS)
or
- SIS-619 Special Studies in International Politics (3) (3) : Advanced Statistics, Research Design, and Research Methods for International Affairs
- SIS-612 Qualitative Research Methods in Peace and Conflict Resolution (3) (3)
or
- SIS-639 Selected Topics in International Conflict Resolution Skills (1-3) (1-3) (total of 3 credit hours)
or
- Other approved methodology course appropriate to the student's research interests (3)
IPCR CONCENTRATION (12 CREDIT HOURS)
GATEWAYS
Complete 6 credit hours from the following:
- SIS-606 Culture and Peace and Conflict Resolution: Alternatives to Violence (3) (3)
- SIS-611 International Negotiation (3) (3)
- SIS-613 Reconciliation and Justice (3) (3)
- 3 credit hours in Peacebuilding Theory and Organization
ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK
Complete 6 credit hours in one of the following IPCR concentrations:
- Culture, Identity, and Peace
- International Negotiation
- Peacebuilding
- Reconciliation and Justice
SUPPLEMENTAL CONCENTRATION (6 CREDIT HOURS)
- 6 credit hours approved by the student's advisor making up an academically-sound concentration defined by a central concept and focused on a student's particular area of interest
CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (3 CREDIT HOURS)
- SIS-797 Master's Thesis Supervision (1-6) (1-6) (may include 3 elective credit hours)
or
- Substantial research paper or practicum requirement
ELECTIVE (3 CREDIT HOURS)
- 3 credit hours selected from skills workshops, internship for credit, master's thesis requirement, or other elective courses
Master of Theological Studies
Degree Requirements
Required Courses (28 credits)
- BI 101-102 Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (6)
- BI 171-172 Introduction to the New Testament (6)
- CH 101-102 The Church in History (6)
- ST 305-306 Systematic Theology (6)
- Religion & Society (4 credits) Religion and Society courses must include at least two of the following areas: Ethics, Sociology of Religion, Pastoral Care and Counseling, Anthropology of Religion, World Religions.
Electives (14 credits)
You may use these to:
- Sample a range of curricular offerings.
- Concentrate your electives within a certain specialization.
Before you choose electives, we suggest you:
- Peruse our elective options in the catalog.
- Request a faculty member in a chosen discipline to help guide your selection, especially if you are considering further graduate study.
Ready to plan your studies?
While you await your admission decision from American University or Wesley Theological Seminary, explore the MA International Peace and Conflict Resolution & Master of Theological Studies (72 credits) Advising Guide to plan your degree. The most up to date advising guide will be provided to you by your faculty advisor after admittance.
