Conflict Management
UMass/Boston was among the first to offer graduate programs in the critical area of conflict management and dispute resolution. Since 1986, nearly 1,000 students from North and South America, Eastern and Western Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East have participated in our programs.
The
Graduate Programs in Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution benefit students from such varied
fields as business, education, elder care, environmental sciences, public
policy, health care, human resources, labor relations, law and law enforcement,
ministry, and both public and private sector management. It is useful
to:
- mid-career professionals for whom conflict management, negotiation and handling disputes is a major part of their working lives, as well as those wishing to make a career shift into conflict management, and
- recent graduates planning a career dealing with conflict management and resolution.
Conflict Management Programs Offered
The Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution focuses on pragmatic approaches to conflict resolution and management. Students study the theory, methods, and ethical perspectives of conflict resolution and participate in a field internship in the district court system. Successful completion of the certificate program allows conflict management practitioners to meet current and proposed qualification standards of most professional Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) organizations.
The Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution is designed to allow students and professionals to explore the practice, design, and evaluation of a variety of conflict management and resolution applications. It allows for in-depth investigation of conflict in specific settings, be they organizational, international, or interpersonal in nature.
UMass Boston also offers a PhD in Public Policy with a concentration in Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management. The Public Policy PhD is designed to educate students in methods and approaches to public policy analysis in a variety of policy areas, including conflict management. The program provides interdisciplinary study at both the theoretical and applied levels, drawing on a variety of academic disciplines. The nine-credit concentration in Dispute Resolution allows students to focus on the role of conflict management and conflict resolution in policies affecting areas such as international relations, state and local government and non-profit organizations.
Conflict Management Program Highlights
Outstanding Faculty
Our full-time faculty includes respected researchers and practitioners in the field of conflict resolution and management. They combine theory and practical experience in settings ranging from public schools and business/labor disputes to international conflicts. Part-time faculty, drawn from the Boston area’s rich academic and professional ranks, provide specialized-focus courses.
Interesting Classmates
The majority of our conflict management students are mid-career professionals. We also attract a consistent stream of international students, as well as some students just starting out on their career. Students come from a variety of fields and backgrounds, adding to the richness of in-class discussion, providing exposure and insights into different fields, and enabling networking opportunities.
Course Schedules Designed to Accommodate Working Professionals
Conflict management and other classes in the program are scheduled exclusively during late afternoon, evening and week-end hours.
Flexible Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Our conflict management curriculum allows students to explore a wide range of options. Once
students have developed and honed their basic skills, they can explore
conflict in specific contexts. Course offerings within the department
allow Masters students, if they choose, to concentrate their studies
in either organizational or international conflict.
Through the use of elective courses in other departments of UMass Boston, students in the Masters program can also focus on conflict analysis and management in health care, public policy, education, environmental issues, labor relations, and family systems, to name a few.
What Our Graduates Say
“The program has a solid reputation as one of the best in the nation-- not in small part due to the excellence of the faculty. I was privileged to study and work with some of the brightest minds in the field. UMass Boston gave me solid academic and practical bases for my future. After graduating, I was offered a job working as a full-time professional mediator, facilitator and, later, as an Ombudsperson.”
Camilo Azacarte, Director of Mediation Services for The World Bank; Master’s Graduate ‘99
“In every professional, volunteer, and personal context the enhanced perspective that came from the program has made me more understanding, analytical, relaxed---and therefore, I truly believe, more effective in communications, problem-solving, and negotiations.… It’s definitely made me a happier and more capable lawyer/citizen/friend/volunteer/family member.”
“I met some excellent people among the fellow students, faculty, and staff. I also liked studying at UMass Boston, a "people's university." I wish I had done this earlier in my life!”
Jody Williams, Juvenile Care & Protection Attorney; Certificate Graduate ‘99
“I had been working in the ADR field since 1991…However, I knew I was missing something…. My practice lacked what I consider substance…until I entered the Dispute Resolution Program at UMB. Prior to studying at UMB, I … lacked a deeper understanding of the rich history, culture, traditions and values that play such an important role in resolving conflict.”
Jeannie Adams, Director of the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division at the District of Columbia Courts; Master’s Graduate, 2004
In addition to its conflict management and related programs, UMass Boston offers more than 30 master’s degree programs, 19 graduate certificate programs, and 9 doctoral programs; it is also home to various institutes and centers fostered by the Graduate College of Education and the McCormack Graduate School for Policy Studies. These diverse resources provide conflict management students with opportunities to expand and enhance their learning.
Interested in Conflict Management?
If you are interested in pursuing your conflict management studies at UMass Boston, have questions or just need more information, contact us. We'll be glad to help!