College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kennesaw State University
Why you should consider this program
You have served two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer and had experiences of a lifetime that no one can take away from you. Why not go the extra step and enhance those practical experiences with a Master’s or PhD degree? Kennesaw State University's graduate programs provide an excellent opportunity for you to continue your studies. As is indicated at the Peace Corps website, for many Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows, this is an opportunity to combine academic and professional endeavors with your desire to work in underserved communities. At the same time, it allows the Fellow to reintegrate into a community and do something meaningful after your experience abroad.
Master of Science in Conflict Management
The MS in Conflict Management (MSCM) is a 16-month cohort program that prepares students to addresses the issues that divide our world by encouraging communication, fostering positive relationships and developing comprehensive, long-term solutions. Conflict management is both a way of thinking and a skillset that can help prevent conflict and effectively engage it once it arises. The MSCM program focuses on preparing practitioners for a global world and the PhD program provides students opportunities to develop answers to original research questions.
Master of Science in International Policy Management
The Master of Science in International Policy Management (MSIPM) is a cohort-based online degree program that builds on Kennesaw State University’s strong tradition and long-standing commitment to international education. The program prepares future leaders in the private and public sectors to understand the interaction between political and economic dynamics in the global context.
Master of Arts in American Studies
The American Studies Program at Kennesaw State University is a flexible two-year MA with a mix of evening face-to-face and online classes. American Studies is an interdisciplinary field which concentrates on the study of the United States and the Americas. Students in our program at KSU choose courses and research projects that fit their own academic and professional goals from a mix of courses emphasizing the fields of history, literature, political science, critical studies of popular culture, economics, sociology, anthropology, and the fine arts among others.
Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional degree that prepares persons interested in public service for administrative and leadership positions in governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. The program’s student and teaching oriented faculty seek to contribute to the development of professional individuals with an ethos of democratic administration by providing them with a combination of solid academic learning and concrete practical experiences. The MPA Program is located in the School of Government and International Affairs. The Program works in cooperation with a number of other departments as well as the A. L. Burruss Institute of Public Service that provides community services and technical assistance to nonprofit and public organizations in Georgia.
PhD in International Conflict Management
The PhD in International Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University (KSU) currently has students from around the world, creating a dynamic, yet intimate, educational environment. International Conflict Management is a field that currently has few opportunities for advanced training. This PhD program offers several key elements unavailable in most other doctoral programs in this field to top-quality, advanced graduate students. Each doctoral student, after completing the core courses, is given the flexibility to focus their studies in their desired area.
Benefits for Coverdell Fellows
| Tuition/fees for Complete Program | Value of Coverdell Fellowship | Net cost * | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In state | $ 14,452 | $ 14,453 | $ 0 + You receive additional benefits. |
| Out of state | $ 41,578 | $ 41,579 | $ 0 + You receive additional benefits. |
Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from
The Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Program at KSU offers eligible and selected students a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) for up to four academic semesters in the MSCM program. The GRA position provides a tuition waiver for fall and spring semesters (from 18-24 credit hours) and an annual stipend ($11,000-16,500) depending on the number of hours worked. Students must remain in good standing in their academic programs and with the Graduate College to remain eligible for the Fellowship. http://graduate.kennesaw.edu/students/assistantships/graintro.php
Please note that the tuition/fees and net cost listed above apply only to the MSCM program, the MSIPM program is an online program with a different tuition and fee structure. The PhD in International Conflict Management typically provides 3 years of funding and the program typically lasts 4, so costs are higher. For more information see these links:
Fellowships awarded per year (average)
2 per year
Application fee waived?
NoInternship
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) participating in KSU's Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program with faculty on a range of community engaged research and service projects that allow students to further develop skills in research, leadership, language and cultural understanding. Recent Coverdell Fellows projects have involved refugee resettlement programs, recruiting and mentoring students in the Peace Corps Prep program, the UNITAR affiliated CIFAL Atlanta, a Romanian business university, a Zambian orphanage, a Guatemalan business program, and local Junior Achievement. Various state agencies, law enforcement, healthcare providers, public schools, nonprofit organizations and local businesses have all benefited from the RPCV Fellows Program. Many Coverdell Fellows have worked with the Maya Heritage Community Project (MHCP). The project involves coordinating with faculty, students, and local organizations (http://mayaproject.kennesaw.edu).
A hallmark of the MS in Conflict Management and the MS in International Policy Management programs are the capstone field study students perform during the final semester. This experience, which affords students the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained over the course of the program to a specific conflict environment, prepares them to face the challenges of our complex global environment. Students are able to choose an area of the field in which to research, perform an internship, or develop a training curriculum based on their unique interests in the field and their professional goals.
http://chss.kennesaw.edu/mscm/course-of-study.php
The PhD in International Conflict Management is designed to meet the global demand for scholar-practitioners to address the complex array of international conflict and security challenges through the development and implementation of empirically based research, policy recommendations, and solutions. PhD in International Conflict Management graduates are prepared to compete for tenure-track university faculty appointments and a wide range of operational positions in government, non-governmental agencies, and the global business community.
Jobs for program alumni
http://chss.kennesaw.edu/mscm/testimonials.php
Conflict Management graduates come from a wide range of backgrounds and work in fields such as courts and government, education, human resources, health care, law enforcement, technology, international peacebuilding, and humanitarian non-profits. MSCM graduates are employed at such varied organizations as the Carter Center, CIFAL, CARE, Safepath, US Embassies, Canadian Consulate, and County Court offices. INCM PhD graduates are employed in academic positions at universities, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. Recent INCM alumni hold positions at the Georgia State University, University of Applied Sciences Kufstein (Austria), University of Cape Coast (Ghana), Georgia Legal Services, University of North Georgia, and Savannah State University.
The MSIPM program cultivates the knowledge and skills employers say they are looking for. MSIPM graduates have found rewarding employment in federal and state agencies, international nongovernmental organization, and private corporations. MSIPM grads are employed at such varied organizations as the U.S. State Department, McKinsey & Company Consultancy, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, the International Rescue Committee, and the State of Georgia Ports Authority.
Other details
Program length
Varies by degree offering
Application requirements
Application requirements differ by degree program, so please see the program specific information listed below.
MSIPM application: http://chss.kennesaw.edu/msipm/admissions.php
MSCM application: http://chss.kennesaw.edu/mscm/admissions.php
INCM application: http://chss.kennesaw.edu/phdincm/admissions.php
Admissions process
There is a two-part application process:
1. First, you apply to one of the programs listed above. Application here: http://graduate.kennesaw.edu/admissions/apply/online-application.php
2. Next, follow directions to complete and submit the Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows application form be considered for KSU's Fellows Program. Application here: http://conflict.hss.kennesaw.edu/programs/peacecorps/
Peace Corps Fellows' applications will be reviewed in March, April, and May for the upcoming Fall semester. Acceptance into the graduate program does not guarantee automatic acceptance into KSU's Fellows/USA program. If you would like to be considered for the KSU Coverdell Fellows Program in the fall of the calendar year, you will need to submit an application by March 15 to [email protected] for priority consideration. The Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Committee will review all applications on a rolling basis from March through May until all positions are filled even after the March 15 priority deadline. Candidates will be notified of award no later than May 31. Admission into a graduate program is a prerequisite for Fellows consideration.
Program begins
Mid-August
Non-traditional options
- Online degree program
- Low residency or distance learning
The MSCM program is a set cohort format that follows an executive style class weekend schedule. All classes appear on campus. Please see the link to the schedule. http://chss.kennesaw.edu/mscm/student-schedules.php
The MSIPM program is an online program.
http://chss.kennesaw.edu/msipm/course-of-study.php
Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started
2010