Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention (MS, certificate)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention (GMAP) is the first and only graduate degree of its kind.

This professional degree prepares graduates to analyze risk factors, formulate strategies, and implement policies and practices to reduce the occurrence, severity, and potential for reoccurrence of genocides and other mass atrocities around the world. With a focus on the application of an atrocity prevention lens, the program educates students to recognize opportunities to engage in upstream (before conflict), midstream (during conflict) and downstream (post-conflict) prevention measures. Through an interdisciplinary approach integrating classroom learning, applied research, engagement with practitioners, and an intensive field placement, the program prepares graduates to be prevention actors at the micro- (individual), meso- (organizational), and macro- (societal) levels.

The program is University-wide and overseen by the Institute for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention which reports to the Provost.

Degrees Offered

• MS in Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention
• certificate in Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

A key feature of this MS in GMAP is a funded 4- to 6-month field placement, which will normally be completed during the second year of full-time study and will provide an opportunity for students to work alongside practitioners, to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities from their coursework, and then to reflect on the experience.

For the Mechanisms of Atrocity Prevention research project, students will work alongside the staff of the Institute for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention (I-GMAP) on practical research targeted to a governmental or civil society client.

Many other opportunities exist to learn from leading agents in atrocity prevention, including a visiting and resident practitioner program, an annual conference and a monthly webinar series.

After You Graduate

The MS in GMAP prepares graduates to be leaders and practitioners with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need to recognize and assess risk factors and to design and implement strategies to interrupt the processes that lead to genocide and other mass atrocity crimes. Graduates can bring these competencies to work across a variety of fields, including business, politics, humanitarianism, healthcare, anthropology and the arts.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university you have attended
• Personal statement
  • The personal statement should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words and should answer the question, "How does a degree in Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention relate to your professional aspirations?” As part of your statement, you may wish to describe relevant aspects of your personal, academic and/or professional background, what atrocity prevention means to you, your special interests within the field, and other considerations that may be of interest to the GMAP admissions committee. When evaluating the personal statement, the GMAP admissions committee assesses commitment to atrocity prevention as well as well as effectiveness in written communication.
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation
  • The letters should be from individuals who know you in a professional capacity. This may include professors, work supervisors, and professionals from organizations where you have served as a volunteer or in another capacity. When evaluating the letters of recommendation, the GMAP admissions committee looks for evidence of academic achievement, community involvement, and personal characteristics that suggests the capacity to promote a culture of atrocity prevention and resilience.
• GRE scores are not required

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.

Deadlines

For more information, visit the Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention website.