Certificate Program
The Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolution offer a choice of curriculum between four 12-credit concentrations or two 18-credit dual-specializations.
All focus on dispute resolution skills for professionals in a wide variety of settings where managing conflict is an essential part of their work, as well as providing a foundation for those who are interested in pursuing conflict intervention as a major professional focus.
Successful completion of one of the mediation certificate options allows practitioners to meet current and proposed qualification standards of most professional Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) organizations.
The Certificate programs (with the exception of the dual-specialization options) can be completed in one year (2 semesters) of part-time study. Dual-specialization options can be completed in one year of full-time study or 3 semesters of part-time study.
Required Courses
Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Management:
DisRes 621: Negotiation [3 credits]
DisRes 623: Theories of Conflict Resolution [3 credits]
PLUS: 6 additional credits of the students choosing, taken within the department
Graduate Certificate in Mediation
DisRes 621: Negotiation [3 credits]
DisRes 623: Theories of Conflict Resolution [3 credits]
DisRes 690: Mediation Internship [6 credits]
Graduate Certificate in Organizational Conflict:
DisRes 621: Negotiation [3 credits]
DisRes 623: Theories of Conflict Resolution [3 credits]
PLUS 2 courses [6 credits] in organizational conflict [from pre-approved departmental list]
Graduate Certificate in International Conflict:
DisRes 621: Negotiation [3 credits]
DisRes 623: Theories of Conflict Resolution [3 credits]
PLUS 2 courses [6 credits] in international conflict [from pre-approved departmental list]
Dual Specialization Options:
Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Organizational Conflict
DisRes 621: Negotiation [3 credits]
DisRes 623: Theories of Conflict Resolution [3 credits]
DisRes 690: Mediation Internship [6 credits]
PLUS 2 courses [6 credits] in organizational conflict [from pre-approved departmental list]
Graduate Certificate in Mediation and International Conflict:
DisRes 621: Negotiation [3 credits]
DisRes 623: Theories of Conflict Resolution [3 credits]
DisRes 690: Mediation Internship [6 credits]
PLUS 2 courses [6 credits] in international conflict [from pre-approved departmental list]
PLUS: Attendance at 5 of the 7 Dispute Resolution Colloquia offered during the academic year [see below]
Click here to view the current Academic Calendar and Class Schedules.
Requirements for Matriculated Certificate Students Applying for Admission to the Masters Program
Students enrolled in the graduate Certificate program may be admitted to the Masters Program upon application and acceptance by the departmental admissions committee.
Certificate students may submit an application for admission to the Masters program after they have completed at least one semester as a matriculated student.
Admission decisions will not be acted upon until the student has completed [and received grades for] 3 courses in the Dispute Resolution department.
Upon admission to the Masters program, students must commit to taking a minimum of six (6) credits per semester.
Applications for admission to the Masters Program must be submitted no later than June 15th for admission for the upcoming Fall term or December 15th for admission for the upcoming Spring term.
Dispute Resolution Colloquium Series
An important part of the Dispute Resolution program is the interaction with faculty and fellow students which takes place outside of the classroom. Departmental colloquia, which are scheduled monthly, provide an opportunity to discuss issues and share viewpoints. Guest speakers frequently provide the impetus for discussions.
Attendance at 5 of the 7 colloquia offered during the academic year is a graduation requirement.
All students in both the Masters and Certificate programs are strongly encouraged to attend as many of the colloquia as possible.
Click for a current Colloquium Series schedule.