Conflict underlies all disciplines, aspects, situations and areas of life.  We experience different forms of conflict, good and bad, in everything we do. The study of conflict is therefore something that is relevant to any student planning any course of action and any way of life.

This concentration prepares students to analyze conflict interaction and explore various methods of formal and informal conflict intervention in interpersonal, workplace, legal, political, religious and intercultural contexts. Included among the conflict intervention processes studied are community dialogue, negotiation, mediation and family therapy,.

A concentration in conflict analysis and intervention can prepare students for careers in human services, human resources, government, peacebuilding, conflict intervention and humanitarian agencies, and dispute resolution. It is also useful for students who wish to pursue the study of law or careers in business management, diplomacy or international relations.

The Institute for Conflict Analysis and Intervention is the hub for scholarly and applied activities on the JMU campus related to the study of conflict communication and intervention. It is also a founding member of the National Consortium of University Conflict Transformation Programs.

Students and faculty work together on Institute projects such as: Developing a clearinghouse of campus resources for people in conflicts; mediation training and certification; hosting conferences, training in dialogue facilitation; organizing and presenting dialogue workshops, public discussion forums and brown-bag lunch sessions; supporting undergraduate research projects; continuing the Annotated Bibliography project; sponsoring student memberships in the International Association for Conflict Resolution; providing information on internship opportunities; providing information about relevant graduate school programs, and supporting the student organization.