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.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT Track (Full Time) 

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POLICY & ADMINISTRATION Track (Full Time)

The non-thesis MS degree can be completed in one year of full time 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. 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT Track

.POLICY & ADMINISTRATION Track

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Students should consult with their Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance on available elective courses relevant to their interests.

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With full faculty support, students carry out a four-term capstone project in their communities by completing actionable assignments throughout the series of four (4) applied project courses. 

The Global Conflict and Human Security program (GCHS) allows eligible undergraduate seniors to enroll in graduate level courses which can fulfill requirements for both their undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students can apply to the Accelerated Master's GCHS program during their Junior or Senior year. Please review details on eligibility requirements for admission.

Eligible students who are admitted to the Accelerated Master's program may complete up to 12 credits at the 800-level during their undergraduate senior year, earning dual credit toward both their Bachelor's and GCHS degree. Accelerated Master's students should always consult with their Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance.

Accelerated Master's students may register for a maximum of 12 credits of graduate-­level courses prior to completing their bachelor's degree.

The GCHS program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis with the following undergraduate programs. The listed GCHS courses have been approved for credit in these undergraduate programs:

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 key disciplines (for ex., peace and conflict studies, international development studies)
• Conduct conflict analyses and develop policy recommendations
• Conduct 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.

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Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall: August 1
• Spring: December 15
• Summer: N/A
• Special: N/A

Application fee: $65

Campus: Online

New England Regional: CT RI VT

Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of Recommendation: 2 Required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Resume

A current resume is required with your submitted application.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

1. Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
2. Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

GRE Optional

The GRE scores are optional, if you wish to provide scores please email the scores directly to the department once you have submitted your application online.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.