Double Degree Option MA Politics and Public Administration - University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA

Beginning in the winter semester of 2012-2013, we will offer students of the International Administration and Conflict Management (IACM) programme at the University of Konstanz the opportunity to complete a double degree programme in cooperation with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Students can spend the second year of their studies in the IACM programme at UNCG in the corresponding Master programme in “Conflict and Peace Studies (CPS)”. In principle, all students enrolled in the Master of Politics and Public Administration program at Konstanz can apply to participate in the Double Degree Program in North Carolina. But, students should realize that the format of the double degree cooperation requires that a degree within the IACM focus be completed. As a result, a very strict approach is taken when selecting the agreed-upon curriculum taught at both universities. This is based on a predetermined and limited time spent at both universities (one year at each). At the end of their Master programme, students will have completed both a degree at the University of Konstanz in Politics and Public Administration, as well as a degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) in Conflict Studies and Dispute Resolution.

The Idea Behind the Cooperation:

The driving idea behind establishing the Double Degree Cooperation with the UNCG MA programme “Conflict Studies and Dispute Resolution” was the recognition of a superior compatibility between the two programs. Both programs focus mainly on the review of conflicts, specifically conflict management and dispute resolution. The two programmes differentiate themselves by the approaches they use, for example, the IACM programme focuses primarily on the conflict management activities of international organizations like the United Nations in the sphere of international and internalized conflict. This means that one should approach the subject matter on the macro level, with a background and basis of political science, public administration and organizational and management knowledge. In most cases, the curriculum and research reaches the meso level as well, for example, the analysis of administration, police, jurisdiction and infrastructure.

The approach of the CPS programme is focused on teaching individual skills in the field of mediation and conflict review, of which the origin lies accordingly on the micro level and is aligned practically. But, the CPS programme reaches into the meso level as some skills in the field of Dispute Resolution within businesses and organizations are taught and proportional processes are analyzed. We also find that only in exceptional cases, there is a reference to international framework on the macro level.

Keeping in mind both sides, a unique and complimentary synergy can arise through the cooperation and assist in diversifying the education of the students at both universities. The framework of the IACM-programme is meant to instill students with the knowledge of classification and a systematic analysis of conflicts, while the CPS programme focuses on students developing a practical approach to mediation and conflict management using actual case studies. Through participation within the double degree cooperation, students will consequently be provided with a unique opportunity to analyze conflict management and dispute resolution processes on all levels and experience the practical perspective.

Therefore, the programme is especially focused on students that would like to carry out a career in a conflict or mediation-oriented organization after the completion of their studies. Such career paths could be focused on international organizations, governmental organizations, policy institutes or think tanks, NGOs, or even a future academic career.

Curriculum

Detailed information about the study structure can be found here.

Application Procedures:

As previously mentioned, any student accepted and enrolled into the MA program Politics and Public Administration in Konstanz can apply for the dual degree cooperation. The deadline is the first of February in order to participate in the program beginning fall of the same year. The program at UNCG begins in September.

The evaluation process will be carried out internally by the Department of Politics and Public Administration in cooperation with the International Office at the University of Konstanz. The application documents to be turned in include the following:

• The TOEFL-Test
• Recommendation letters from two university professors
• Motivation letter in English (2 pages, max)
• CV
• Transcript (this can be from your previous university if you apply in the first semester at U. Konstanz)
• Copy of your bachelor degree

Please email the IACM-Coordinator, Martin Welz, or the Coordinator of the Master Program for the Department of Politics and Public Administration, Werner Palz, if you are interested.

Some Impressions of Greensboro:

North Carolina and the City of Greensboro can conceivably be described as a ‘progressive island’ in the south of the United States. The history of the region and the city itself stands out from others in the area. As of today, this can be seen by many historical and current public establishments and streets, as well as a very interesting civil rights museum and the general mindset of the inhabitants. We were able to take in the appearance of a very attractive campus on our trip to coordinate the partnership, as well as being able to experience the many high-end services available to students, such as the gym, art and music institutions or the supportive and friendly International Office and the Student Advising Department. 15 other universities are located in the same area, including High Point, Duke, or other UNC campuses. Therefore, students will have the opportunity to check out other campuses and experience US college life.

Further Information:

University of North Carolina at Greensboro
MA „Conflict and Peace Studies“
Greensboro