Get out of the classroom and into the real world through this semester-long fellows program.
Fellows practice problem-solving and cohort-building activities at Mason's The EDGE.
The Peacebuilding Fellows program is an academic program for selected students interested in gaining hands-on experience and understanding communities that are struggling to live peacefully together. Fellows have the opportunity to step outside the normal academic schedule, engage with Carter School faculty, and expand learning through impactful co-curricular experiences.
"The Peacebuilding Fellows program forced me out of the classroom learning bubble and toward real world experience."
Program Benefits
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Field experience that lets you immediately apply what you're learning and offers insight into a career path
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Discussion-based classes with a small group of students
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Networking opportunities through events with Carter School graduate students and faculty
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The chance to meet practitioners, researchers, and professionals working as peacebuilders
- Assistance with professional development
Meet with a Carter School academic advisor to find out how to apply your participation in the Peacebuilding Fellows semester toward a minor in Conflict Analysis and Resolution.
Peacebuilding Fellows cohorts are selected each fall to complete coursework during the spring semester.
Students enroll in academic courses focusing on conflict theories and techniques, conflict resolution practice, and community engagement.
Spring 2017 fellows participated in Aspen Institute’s symposium on the State of Race in America which featured panelists who are leaders in media, academia, and government.
Courses
Field Experience / Peacebuilding Fellows Seminar
This cohort experience will push students academically, provide opportunity to connect theory with practice, and hone job-ready skills. Fellows will enroll in CONF 375 and CONF 370, courses that provide opportunity to develop professional skills and fulfill the field experience requirement.
CONF 435 — Building Peace in Divided Societies
A major challenge to peacebuilding efforts domestically and globally are the boundaries that communities believe separates themselves from others. The boundaries have ethnic, racial, religious or cultural roots, often with long histories of division and violence. This class will look at case studies and strategies from around the globe of peacebuilding in complex communities.
Selective Options
CONF 302 Culture, Identity and Conflict
CONF 330 Community, Group, and Organizational Conflict Analysis & Resolution
CONF 370 Internship
CONF 325 Dialogue & Difference
CONF 326 Negotiation
CONF 398 Restorative Justice
CONF 398 Grassroots, Coalitions, and Campaigns
"My favorite thing about the fellowship was being part of a small, tight-knit cohort."
Apply
Students of all majors can apply to be Peacebuilding Fellows, although we strongly recommend that you complete at least one CONF course as a prerequisite.
To apply, you must:
- Complete at least 45 college credits by the start of your program.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00.
- Submit a résumé and short answers to the three questions that follow (300 words/each maximum). This can be submitted via email to ugradcar@gmu.edu with the subject line peacebuilding fellows application.
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Why are you interested in the Peacebuilding Fellows Program? What do you hope to gain from the experience?
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What unique qualities, experience, or strengths would you bring to the Fellowship?
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One of the elements of the Fellowship fulfills your field experience requirement. What type of work are you interested in pursuing? What are some current problems or issues you find especially compelling and important - problems you hope to tackle through work experiences?
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For more information, contact a Carter School academic advisor.
Applications due by October 15th for priority consideration.
Rolling admissions will continue through November 15th.