Course of Study

For over a decade, the PhD Program in International Conflict Management has been preparing students to become scholar-practitioners equipped with the knowledge and skills to address complex global conflicts. For information on our specific courses, see the degree information in the KSU Graduate Catalog. 

Course Schedule Requirement Checklist

The INCM program admits students in Fall (main admissions window) and Spring semester. Core courses are offered once per year so students have the opportunity to learn in a supportive cohort system while also having the flexibility to select their own elective courses.

*Students are solely responsible for registering for classes via Owl Express. For registration numbers (i.e. CRN 80500) for each class, visit registrar.kennesaw.edu.

    • Comparative Approaches to Knowledge
    • Theories of International Conflict: International Relations Approaches
    • Theories of International Conflict: Economic Approaches
    • Professional Knowledge for the PhD
    • Theories of International Conflict: Sociocultural Approaches
    • Theories of International Conflict: Peace and Conflict Studies Approaches
    • Fundamentals of Research Design
    • Quantitative Methods
    • Qualitative Methods
    • Elective of Choice
    • Advanced Methods Course
    • Electives of Choice

Other Requirements:

In addition to these core courses, students must also complete:

  • 6 credit hours of peacebuilding and development coursework
  • Comprehensive exams (offered every January; students typically take after third semester)
  • Dissertation Colloquium
  • Dissertation Defense

Sample Syllabi

Time Limit

All requirements for a Ph.D. degree must be completed within seven years, beginning with the first registration in graduate-level classes following admission to the degree program. Extension of time may be granted in special circumstances. Only courses in which credit has been earned within seven years of the date of admission will be counted for degree credit.

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