Follow the links on the left for detailed information about applying to either the Graduate Certificate or Masters Program in Dispute Resolution.  Listed below are answers to the questions we are asked most frequently by prospective students.

If you have a question for which you can't find the answer on these pages, please contact the Assistant Director.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Graduate Certificate and the Master of Arts?
The simplest answer is that the Certificate is 18 credit hours and the Master's is 36 credit hours. The Certificate can be completed in two semesters of full time study or three semesters, studying part time; the Master of Arts is a minimum of two years of full time study or three to four years part-time.

The Master of Arts curriculum offers students the opportunity to "dig deeper" into the subject matter by studying the theory and practice of conflict across and within cultures and organizations, and the ethics of dispute resolution intervention. Finally, the six credit Master's project allows Master's students to explore in depth their area of interest.

Can I transfer from the Graduate Certificate to the Master of Arts?
Yes, with permission. All eighteen credits taken as a Certificate student will transfer to the Master of Arts.

When is your application deadline?
We conduct what is called "rolling admissions." That means that we accept applications throughout the year with final deadlines of 4 weeks prior to the start of semester for all required materials. International Applicant Deadlines are in early May (for fall semester entry) and October (for spring semester entry). 

We conduct our search such that there is always space available for students who meet the final deadlines. Although we accept applications after the final deadlines, we do not guarantee that there is space left in the class.

Can I take a class as a non-degree student before I apply?
Yes, you can. Many students do this as a way to "sample" the program before applying.

One or two courses per semester are open to non-degree students. If you take a course as a non-degree student and later enroll in one of our degree programs, the credits will be counted towards your degree. Contact the Assistant Director to find out how to enroll as a non-degree student.

What days and times are classes held?
Our classes are held during late afternoon, evening, and occasional week-end hours. Each class meets once per week, generally for 2.5 hours. Weekday classes meet Monday- Thursday during one of three time blocks: 4:15 to 6:45 p.m., 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Week-end class schedules vary, and are announced well in advance of registration for each scheduled class.

There is one important exception to this general pattern: the internship (DisRes 690). To complete the internship, you must be in court for one morning or afternoon per week for four months.

When do terms start?
As a general rule, the fall term runs from September through December; classes start just after Labor Day and end mid-December. The spring term usually begins the last week of January or first week of February and continues through mid-May. Summer term runs from the beginning of June through mid-July.

Can I study part time?
Yes. Many of our students study part time and hold full time, professional jobs and have family responsibilities. The curriculum is designed to accommodate working adults.

How many credits are required for part time study?
Masters students who study part time take six credits per semester, which usually equals two classes each week. Certificate students may take one class per semester.

How much can I expect to pay per semester?
This costs for attending vary by your resident status (that is, whether or not you are considered a Massachusetts resident), the number of credits for which you register, whether or not you have independent health insurance, and several other factors. Employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are eligible for tuition waivers.  For a complete (and up-to-date) breakdown of tuition and fees, please visit http://www.umb.edu/students/bursar/tuition_fees.shtml

What kind of funding or scholarship help is available?
Students in both the Graduate Certificate and the Master of Arts are eligible for student loans. For more information on government-supported aid, please contact the Financial Aid office at http://www.umb.edu/students/financial_aid/index.html.

The University offers a limited number of Graduate Assistantships to qualified Masters candidates. Assistants work with a faculty member on her or his research, earn a small cash stipend, and qualify for reductions of tuition and fees. Follow the link for financial aid for more information on assistantships.