The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University is ranked No. 1 in the country for conflict resolution and mediation, according to the California-based ranking service Schools.com.
The ranking is based on methodologies that compared George Mason’s S-CAR to 57 other conflict resolution degree programs around the country.
“We’re honored to be rated No. 1 in conflict resolution programs by Schools.com,” said Kevin Avruch, dean of S-CAR. “Honored, but not in truth surprised. We are the oldest and largest program in conflict analysis and resolution in the world, and our multidisciplinary faculty and alumni have contributed in large ways to the development of the field in higher education. In fact, many of the programs that followed us, including several on this list, were built, led, and staffed by our alumni.”
Avruch pointed out that the conflict program with the No. 2 ranking, Maryland’s Salisbury University, was founded by Mason S-CAR alumnus Brian Polkinghorn.
“Being the first or the largest is not necessarily a guarantee of excellence,” Avruch said. “Rather, it is a continuing challenge to grow adapt, and innovate. We owe this rating to the world-class faculty, staff and the more than 1,800 alumni actively working in the world to reduce the costs of destructive conflict.”
Schools.com also ranked Mason No. 3 out of 44 four-year colleges in Virginia, and Mason’s writing program in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was also No. 3, out of 350 programs analyzed.