Persons who apply to the graduate program must have an undergraduate degree, preferably in the social sciences. Preference is given to applicants with at least two years of experience in conciliation, mediation, trauma healing, advocacy, restorative justice, community development, relief work or related areas.

Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (based on a 4 point scale) or above. However, highly qualified persons with extensive experience or accomplishments may choose to apply with a lower GPA. If all other admission requirements are met fully, the applicant may be admitted on an academic probation status. The student's academic progress will be reviewed at the end of the first semester of full-time graduate study. If sufficient progress has been made by achieving at least a 3.0 GPA, the probation will be removed and the student fully admitted.

Completed applications should be submitted by February 15 for enrollment the following summer or fall semester. After that time, the admissions committee will continue to review applications on an individual basis and, as long as space is available, will admit students until the beginning of classes. Application packets are available from the CJP office. Contact the CJP office directly at (540) 432-4490 or EMU graduate admissions at (800) 710-7871 or by emailing for more information.

A completed application includes:

• A completed Graduate Program in Conflict Transformation application form

• A non-refundable application fee of $25.00 (US)

• Official transcripts from each college or university attended (photocopies not acceptable)

• Three letters of reference for M.A. (at least one academic and one professional); or two references for Graduate Certificate (GC)

• A typewritten, double-spaced, 4-5 page essay for M.A. or 2-page essay for GC outlining why you are interested in this program, your objectives in pursuing this degree and how the program fits your long-term goals.

• A current résumé or curriculum vitae

• These items are optional:

• A personal interview
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) results, if available
• Photo
• Scholarship Form

• For International Applicants:
  In addition to the previous requirements, international applicants should submit the following:

• For applicants whose native language is not English, competency must be demonstrated by a minimum score of 550 (or 213 on the computer version) on the paper Test of English as a Foreign Language/TOEFL or comparable English test (i.e. IELTS). EMU’s institutional code is 5181. Applicants who have studied and received a degree from a college or university where all instruction is in English are not required to submit English test scores.

• A financial certificate demonstrating the student's "ability to pay" is not required at the time of application. However, upon admission it is required in order for the program to issue an I-20 form needed to apply for a student visa.