54
the on-site supervisor each term; this evaluation is combined with the classroom
performance and course requirements and converted into a final overall grade by the
professor teaching the course.
Please consult the Practicum Coordinator and Practicum Professor for detailed information.
During each term and at every Residential Institute, one or more Practicum Advising
sessions are scheduled. Students who have not yet registered for practicum courses are
encouraged to attend one or more sessions. Students may also seek individual in-person
or telephonic appointments with the Practicum Coordinator for assistance with practicum
placements.
Please visit
for the Practicum Handbook and
forms.
Master’s Thesis Option
The student may write a research thesis. The thesis is 6 credits and counts as two
electives. Instead of the electives offered in the fall and winter terms of the second year,
thesis students register for Master’s Thesis. Entrance into the thesis track is not
automatic; students must meet eligibility requirements. Please contact the department for
further details.
Examinations and Evaluations
In addition to successfully completing all course work, and obtaining the required
practicum hours discussed above, students must pass a comprehensive examination to be
awarded the M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. To be eligible to sit for the exam, a
student must have completed of all coursework and practicum hours, have maintained a
"B" average in all classes with no "incomplete" grades, and be considered in
good standing
with no disciplinary actions pending or disciplinary tasks to complete. Students must also
have met their financial obligations to the university to be in good standing and be able to
register for the exam. The comprehensive exam is an assessment of one’s ability to
integrate the knowledge and skills gained through course work and the practicum
experience. The exam tests a student’s written ability to critically analyze and apply
conflict assessment, theory, and research methodology to hypothetical conflict situations.
The exam also tests knowledge of material specific to the academic curriculum.
Comprehensive exams are given three times per academic year, once per term. The exam
is available on-line and takes place over two weekdays. Students may take the
examination on NSU’s campus or anywhere else of their choosing. Students will be able to
access the exam at a specific time on the morning of the first day, and their answers will
be due 48 hours later. Students may use whatever materials they choose, but are
expected to work alone. They are expected to write the exam answers in their own words
and to use appropriate citations when applicable. Exam answers will be submitted to
Turnitin.com to check for proper citation. The exam consists of a single question; the
answer will integrate theory, research, and practice aspects of conflict analysis and
resolution.
Teams of faculty members grade the exam answers. Students are assigned an
examination number. Thus, faculty members do not know whose answers they are
reviewing. Students’ answers are evaluated on the substantive content, logical and
coherent style, and relevant use of class and other academic material. Students who
receive a failing grade by the team of faculty graders may take the examination again, up
to a maximum of three times. However, students will be required to prepare and wait until
the next examination is offered. Following failure of the exam, faculty may require that a
