The Heller School for Social Policy and Management

Understanding Conflict. Facilitating Peace.

At Heller’s Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence (COEX) Program, we’re committed to educating responsible peacebuilding practitioners. Conflict takes many forms — so the ability to manage it, resolve it and seek productive pathways forward is more critical than ever. You’ll gain the tools and perspectives you need to truly understand the complexities and opportunities inherent in conflict resolution, and to guide individuals, families, communities and nations toward common ground that promotes peace.

Apply Now for Fall 2022

The application for the 2022-2023 academic year is now open. Join a virtual admissions event to learn more about the program, and learn about our  financial aid options, including a 60% minimum scholarship for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers!

Virtual visit options

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Master core competencies and specialized skills
Over 16 months, you’ll learn how to analyze conflict; structure and evaluate interventions; engage people and partners; and develop regional or focus area specializations such as development, transitional justice and humanitarian action.
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Join a community dedicated to equity, inclusion and diversity
At Heller, we work to ensure community members respect and value others. We are committed to equity, inclusion and diversity in our research institutes, academic programs, policies and community relationships.
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Gain fieldwork experience for a career with impact
You’ll gain hands-on field experience after your first year, preparing you for roles in nonprofit organizations and government work in the U.S. and around the world, as well as intergovernmental bodies like the United Nations.
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Work with passionate peers from around the world

The COEX program draws socially conscious individuals from all walks and phases of life, from diplomacy to education, journalism to health. Our diverse, passionate community is dedicated to advancing knowledge and interventions for sustainable peace.
Learn more about the COEX program

Capstone Spotlight: Investigating White Supremacy Groups

Leland Davidson, MA COEX'20, focused his master’s studies on white supremacist groups, which became increasingly visible and vocal after the 2016 election. “It’s not easy to do this work, but as the truth gets discombobulated through social media, I wanted to go find out the actual truth of what people believed by talking to them directly and writing it down.”

Alumni Outcomes

Sarah Leonard, MS/MA COEX'19, CDC Public Health Advisor

“I went back to graduate school to work in disaster response and public health preparedness. I enjoy feeling like I’m making a difference. In a situation like [the COVID-19 pandemic], I’m seeing the value of my dual degrees in conflict resolution and coexistence, and global health policy and management.”

Lisette Anzoategui

Lisette Anzoategui, MA SID/COEX'15, Program Manager, Social Impact

As a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, “I saw constantly the interaction between violence prevention and conflict and peacebuilding and development. That was a huge part of why I chose Heller, where I could do the dual degree in sustainable international development and coexistence and conflict to make those linkages.”

Naveed Noormal

Naveed Noormal, MA COEX'16, First Secretary, Embassy of Afghanistan, London

“Around the world, there are many schools that teach you the theory part of knowledge, but at Heller, theoretical knowledge is taught by well-known professors and practitioners with extensive experience on the ground.”

More COEX Career Outcomes