M.S. in Conflict Management / MBA Dual Degree

A unique partnership between the Coles College of Business and the School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Development offers students the opportunity to earn a dual degree that integrates the skills of the Conflict Management (MSCM) and Business Administration (MBA) programs. The MSCM/MBA dual degree prepares students for competitive leadership and managerial careers in corporate and non-profit sectors domestically or internationally.
Graduates of this program will:

  • Learn negotiation, facilitation, mediation, and coaching skills.
  • Develop research and leadership skills.
  • Apply problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
  • Specialize in financial, legal, marketing, and management principles.
  • Analyze complex social, economic, and political challenges.
  • Design project management strategies.
  • Evaluate ethics and diversity.

Program Requirements

The program consists of a minimum of 53 hours of graduate study of which 27 hours are in areas of Business Administration and 26 hours are in Conflict Management. Additional credit hours may be required depending on each student's academic background. Students may also be required to take foundational courses in business as specified by the respective program director. It generally takes approximately three years to earn both degrees for a full-time student. Students will be required to take the core courses from both MBA and MSCM programs as well as one international business MBA elective in the Coles College of Business.

For more information on specific classes, see our MSCM / MBA degree information in the KSU Graduate Catalog.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the dual degree program, the applicant must specify the option at the time of application to the Graduate School. Students interested in applying for the Masters in Business Administration (MBA)-MS in Conflict Management dual degree program should consult with both the MS in Conflict Management Director and MBA Director with regard to admission requirements and required courses. Applicants will be reviewed individually by both Program Directors.

To be considered for admission to the dual degree program, applicants must complete the electronic Application for Graduate Admission and submit all supporting documents by the final deadline July 1.

GMAT Requirement

    • The Admission Requirements are the same as the Admission Requirements for regular MS in Conflict Management students except students should take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
gmat preparation information

GMAT Alternative Evaluation

    • Applicants may request an alternative evaluation for the GMAT* test score requirement based on the following criteria:
      1. The applicant has already earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent in the case of students applying with an international education background.
      2. The applicant has at least five years of full-time professional experience demonstrating progressive responsibilities in leadership, management, personnel supervision, financial management, information technology or data analysis.
      3. The applicant has at least three years of full-time professional experience with a 3.25 undergraduate GPA.**

*The KSU MBA program will accept GRE scores, but a GMAT score is highly recommended. If at any point before you enroll in the KSU MBA program you submit an official GMAT or GRE score to KSU, any test alternative granted will no longer be valid.  The submitted GMAT or GRE score will then be used for your admissions decision.

**The KSU MBA program will use your undergraduate institutional GPA from where you earned a bachelor’s degree or the GPA from your last 60 undergraduate credit hours (whichever is higher) for the GMAT alternative and admissions decision.

If you would like to be considered for the test alternative, please check the corresponding box on your application for admission. Once your paid application, all official transcripts, and your resume have been received, a decision will be made regarding your request for the GMAT alternative. We will communicate with you if a GMAT score is necessary for us to consider your candidacy.

NOTE: To be considered for admission to a KSU graduate program, applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College.

If you have any questions, please email KSUMBA@kennesaw.edu.