Master's Degree Program

Master of Arts in International Peace and Dispute Resolution

An interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare professionals to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts through diplomacy, mediation, negotiation, peacebuilding, and collaborative problem-solving.

Degree Awarded

Master of Arts in International Peace & Dispute Resolution

Total Program Cost

US$ 5,940

Total Credits

36 Credit Hours

Traditional Learning

18 Months

Fast-Track Learning

9–12 Months

Course Credit

3 Credit Hours

Total Program Cost

US$ 5,940

Program Overview

Build Peace & Resolve Conflict Globally

Develop advanced knowledge of the political, legal, social, cultural, and economic dimensions of conflict while promoting sustainable peace, reconciliation, human security, and international cooperation.

The Master of Arts in International Peace and Dispute Resolution is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare professionals to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts through diplomacy, mediation, negotiation, peacebuilding, and collaborative problem-solving. The program provides advanced knowledge of the political, legal, social, cultural, and economic dimensions of conflict while emphasizing strategies that promote sustainable peace, reconciliation, human security, and international cooperation.

Students examine the causes of conflict at the local, national, regional, and global levels, including political instability, ethnic and religious tensions, resource competition, environmental challenges, humanitarian crises, and international security issues. The curriculum integrates theory with practical applications in conflict analysis, mediation, negotiation, restorative justice, international law, diplomacy, humanitarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction.

Graduates develop advanced analytical, leadership, research, and negotiation skills that prepare them for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, peacebuilding institutions, government agencies, humanitarian organizations, nonprofit organizations, multinational corporations, and doctoral-level study.

Degree Awarded

Master of Arts in International Peace & Dispute Resolution

Program Length

18 Months — Traditional Learning Track
9–12 Months — Fast-Track Learning Program

Course Credit

3 Credit Hours per Course

Program Cost

US$ 5,940
Exclusive of applicable University administrative fees

Curriculum

Required Courses

The Master of Arts in International Peace and Dispute Resolution requires 36 total credits.

Course No. Course Title Credits
IPD 6000 Foundations of International Peace and Dispute Resolution 3
IPD 6010 Conflict Analysis and Resolution Theory 3
IPD 6020 International Negotiation and Mediation 3
IPD 6030 Peacebuilding, Reconciliation, and Transitional Justice 3
IPD 6040 International Law, Human Rights, and Human Security 3
IPD 6050 Diplomacy and Global Conflict Management 3
IPD 6060 Humanitarian Response and Post-Conflict Recovery 3
IPD 6070 Research Methods in Peace and Conflict Studies 3
IPD 6080 Intercultural Communication and Collaborative Leadership 3
IPD 6090 Strategic Peacebuilding and International Organizations 3
IPD 6100 Master's Thesis 6
Total Credits 36
Curriculum Details

Course Descriptions

Select a course to view its description.

IPD 6000 – Foundations of International Peace and Dispute Resolution

Introduces the interdisciplinary foundations of peace studies, conflict resolution, and dispute management. Students examine historical developments, theoretical perspectives, and contemporary approaches to preventing and resolving conflict in diverse international settings.

IPD 6010 – Conflict Analysis and Resolution Theory

Explores the causes, dynamics, and escalation of interpersonal, organizational, communal, national, and international conflicts. Students learn analytical frameworks and evidence-based approaches for conflict assessment and resolution.

IPD 6020 – International Negotiation and Mediation

Develops practical skills in negotiation, mediation, facilitation, arbitration, consensus building, and diplomatic communication. Students examine negotiation strategies used in international diplomacy, business, and humanitarian settings.

IPD 6030 – Peacebuilding, Reconciliation, and Transitional Justice

Examines peacebuilding strategies, reconciliation processes, restorative justice, truth commissions, institutional reform, transitional justice mechanisms, and long-term conflict recovery initiatives.

IPD 6040 – International Law, Human Rights, and Human Security

Analyzes international humanitarian law, international human rights law, human security, refugee protection, humanitarian intervention, and legal mechanisms supporting peace and justice.

IPD 6050 – Diplomacy and Global Conflict Management

Focuses on diplomatic practice, preventive diplomacy, crisis management, multilateral negotiations, international cooperation, and the roles of governments and international organizations in managing global conflicts.

IPD 6060 – Humanitarian Response and Post-Conflict Recovery

Examines humanitarian assistance, emergency response, disaster recovery, reconstruction, institutional capacity building, sustainable development, and community resilience in post-conflict societies.

IPD 6070 – Research Methods in Peace and Conflict Studies

Provides advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods, conflict assessment techniques, policy analysis, program evaluation, ethics, and scholarly writing applicable to peace and dispute resolution.

IPD 6080 – Intercultural Communication and Collaborative Leadership

Develops competencies in intercultural communication, collaborative leadership, stakeholder engagement, dialogue facilitation, cross-cultural negotiation, and partnership development in diverse international environments.

IPD 6090 – Strategic Peacebuilding and International Organizations

Explores the roles of international organizations, regional institutions, governments, and civil society in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, security cooperation, and sustainable peace initiatives. Students evaluate strategic approaches to strengthening international peace and stability.

IPD 6100 – Master's Thesis

Students complete an original research thesis addressing a significant issue in international peace, conflict resolution, mediation, or dispute resolution. Under faculty supervision, students conduct independent research, analyze contemporary challenges, and present evidence-based recommendations that contribute to scholarship and professional practice.

Career Pathways

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for leadership, policy, mediation, diplomacy, humanitarian, and peacebuilding roles across governmental, nonprofit, international, and private-sector organizations.

Peacebuilding Specialist
Conflict Resolution Specialist
International Mediator
Diplomatic Affairs Officer
Foreign Service Officer
Humanitarian Affairs Officer
Peace and Security Analyst
International Development Specialist
Negotiation and Mediation Consultant
Human Rights Program Officer
International Policy Analyst
Conflict Prevention Advisor
Community Peacebuilding Coordinator
International Program Manager
Transitional Justice Specialist
Public Policy Consultant
International Relations Specialist
Research Fellow in Peace and Conflict Studies
Where Graduates Work

Employment Sectors

Graduates may pursue opportunities across diplomatic missions, international organizations, humanitarian agencies, peacebuilding institutions, and government agencies worldwide.

Ministries of Foreign Affairs
International Organizations
United Nations Agencies
Regional Intergovernmental Organizations
International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)
Humanitarian Relief Organizations
Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Organizations
Government Agencies
International Development Agencies
Human Rights Organizations
Public Policy Institutes
Think Tanks
International Consulting Firms
Defense and Security Organizations
Educational Institutions
Research Centers
Corporate Risk Management and Global Affairs Departments
Community Mediation and Dispute Resolution Centers

Ready to Build Peace & Resolve Conflict?

Explore the Master of Arts in International Peace and Dispute Resolution and take the next step toward advancing peace, reconciliation, and human security worldwide.

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Cavalla International University of America is an academic institution registered in the State of Louisiana to conduct legal business and it is approved by the Board of Trustees and the Executive Leadership of the university to grant professional and academic degrees. The University adheres to the educational standards and requirements of the U.S. Department of Education and complies with the rules and regulations of the Louisiana State board of regents (department of education) regarding educational integrity and recruiting requirements for hiring qualified professors with the right academic qualification to teach.