Overview
The curriculum requires completion of 37 credit hours, which include a combination of required courses, electives satisfying three different categories, a funded field placement, project work linked to the Mechanisms of Atrocity Prevention program, and a final capstone project.
Program requirements fall into four broad areas:
CORE COURSESStudents complete five common core courses:
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ELECTIVESStudents must complete two electives from any of the following categories:
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RESEARCH METHODS IN PREVENTIONStudents must fulfill this quantative analysis course:
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APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENTStudents complete three courses to demonstrate their ability to apply program concepts and to provide a basis for individual and program level assessment.
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Course Sequencing
Students must begin the program by completing GMAP 500, Essentials of Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention, GMAP 502, Comparative Genocides, GMAP 503, Intro to Nongovernmental Organizations, and GMAP 505, Research Methods in Prevention in their first Fall semester. In their second semester, they should complete GMAP 501, Micro-Dynamics of Mass Atrocities, GMAP 504, Transitional Justice, and one elective. In their second Fall semester, they will complete GMAP 580, Field Placement. In their final semester, they will complete GMAP 550, Mechanisms of Atrocity Prevention, GMAP 590, Capstone, and one elective.
Almost all courses which comprise the proposed MS in GMAP already exist at Binghamton University and are offered on a regular basis. It should be noted that many of the courses which make up the curriculum currently have a “special topics”-type designation (with a course number and letter) because of the numbering traditions in certain departments including, for example, Political Science, History, and Asian & Asian American Studies. Given the number of courses which can be used to fulfill GMAP requirements, there should be ample availability of courses for GMAP students.
With the exception of the core courses (GMAP 500, 501, 502, 503, and 504) and the capstone (GMAP 590), students may fulfill up to 8 credits of program requirements through a process of Individualized Prior Learning Assessment based on prior coursework or prior work experience which demonstrates prior graduate-level learning and corresponding competencies. The key criteria for determining whether experiences warrants credit within the MS in GMAP program are assessing whether it is at an advanced level; of sufficient diration, intensity or depth; and how directly relevant it is to atrocity prevention. To apply for credits through an Individualized Prior Learning Assessment, students should submit a Word document detailing which credits they wish to waive and the justification for receiving that waiver based on the criteria outlined above. These requests should be emailed to the Co-Directors as early as possible so the student can plan accordingly.
Review the Sample Course Timeline for more detailS
Curriculum Requirements
The following table presents the curriculum requirements.
Course or Category |
Credits |
| 1. GMAP 500, Essentials of Genocide & Mass Atrocity Prevention (PHIL 580K/PAFF 568) | 4 |
| 2. GMAP 501, Micro-Dynamics of Mass Atrocities | 4 |
| 3. GMAP 502, Comparative Genocides | 4 |
| 4. GMAP 503, Intro to Nongovernmental Organizations (PAFF 555) | 3 |
| 5. GMAP 504, Transitional Justice (PHIL 609) | 4 |
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6. GMAP 518 (A-Z) - 538 (A-Z), Required Electives. Two electives from any of the following categories:
Other courses may be added to this list with approval from the GMAP Co-directors. |
3-4 |
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7. Research Methods in Prevention. The following pre-approved course:
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4 |
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8. GMAP 550, Mechanisms of Atrocity Prevention (MAP) Project. (3 credits). The Mechanisms for Atrocity Prevention (MAP) Project engages students in evaluating alternative approaches to promoting prevention. It evaluates national, subnational, civil society and private sector mechanisms for prevention. Under the supervision of a I-GMAP faculty member, students will work as part of a team to participate in stages of the project underway at the time of enrollment. This requirement may also be fulfilled through GMAP 597 - Independent Study credits. |
3 |
| 11. GMAP 580, GMAP Field Placement. Under the supervision of the I-GMAP Assistant Director, students will be matched with an appropriate prevention-focused governmental, civil society, or private sector organization to work full-time for a minimum of 3 months and up to a period of 6 months. A basic travel and living stipend will be provided by the Institute to ensure that placements are not limited to those organizations with the capacity to pay or those students with the financial means to volunteer. Based on student interests and professional aspirations, visa considerations for international students, and language proficiencies, students may be placed within or outside the United States. | 1-8 |
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12. GMAP 590, GMAP Capstone Project. Under the supervision of one of the I-GMAP co-directors or other designated GMAP faculty member, each student will conceptualize, research, and write a report with specific recommendations and a plan for implementation, targeted to an appropriate governmental or nongovernmental official or organization, which draws upon the GMAP program coursework, and the student’s individual field placement. The capstone process will review with students the issues of professional ethics, reflective practice, and self-care to protect the mental health of prevention practitioners. Capstone projects will also be shared in poster sessions during I-GMAP’s annual Frontiers of Prevention conference, and the Institute co-directors may invite exceptional capstone projects to be presented as part of relevant conference panels. |
4 |
| Total minimum required credits: | 37* |
*Note: the actual number of credit hours may be reduced as a result of prior learning assessment or may be higher based on a student’s course selection or a decision to register for additional field placement credits (and completing a corresponding increased level of academic work) if necessary to satisfy requirements associated with financial aid or visa status.
