Application Procedures

Deadlines

Aerial Shot of Boston Mass, Home to UMass Boston's Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolution

We operate Rolling Admissions, with final deadlines for receipt of all required materials (including transcripts, and for MA students test scores and references) approximately five (5) weeks prior to the start of the semester for which you are seeking admission.

For the fall semester, the final deadline is mid-July; for the spring semester the final deadline is mid-December. Masters applicants wishing to be considered for Graduate Assistantships should plan on completing their applications by April 15th.

Please keep in mind that admission to the programs is competitive.

Early application is beneficial.

International Applicants: The latest possible deadline for all required materials to be received for fall semester entry is May 1st and for spring semester entry is October 1st. Please click here for information on additional requirements for international applicants.

Certificate Program

  1. Fill out the Graduate Admissions Form:
    You can fill out the application online or download a copy to print out and complete.
  2. Answer the following questions and submit as your letter of intent:

    a.) How have you found yourself in the role of negotiator or mediator in your present or recent employment? (250-500 words)
    b.) How will the Dispute Resolution Program fit into and help with your employment? (250-500 words)
  3. Request official transcripts showing completion of Bachelors Degree and any graduate degrees and have them sent to:
    Office of Graduate Admissions and Records
    University of Massachusetts Boston
    100 Morrissey Blvd Boston, MA 02125-3393
  4. Provide the name, working title, email address and phone number of three people who are familiar with your recent work and who can be called upon to provide a reference on your behalf.
  5. Submit a copy of your resume.
  6. Include with your application a non-refundable application fee of $40 for qualified Massachusetts residents, $60 for non-residents Please make your payment by check or money order payable to “UMass Boston”.
  7. Send items 1-6 to:
    Office of Graduate Admissions and Records
    University of Massachusetts Boston
    100 Morrissey Blvd
    Boston, MA 02125-3393
  8. Email a copy of your resume and essays to disres@umb.edu
  9. Mail a copy of your application [items 1-5] to:
    Roni Lipton, Associate Director
    Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolution
    University of Massachusetts Boston
    100 Morrissey Blvd.
    Boston, MA 02125-3393

Masters Program

  1. Fill out the Graduate Admissions Form:
    You can fill out the application online or download a copy to print out and complete.
  2. Answer the following questions and submit as your letter of intent:

    a.) Outline the development of your interest in dispute resolution, leading to your decision to apply to the program. (500-1000 words)
    b.) Describe one or more specific experiences you have had with conflict. What was your role? What were your rewards and frustrations? (500-1000 words)
    c.) How will you apply the skills, knowledge, and perspective acquired through the program in your current and/or future employment? (500-1000 words)
  3. Request official transcripts showing completion of Bachelors Degree and any graduate degrees and have them sent to:
    Office of Graduate Admissions and Records
    University of Massachusetts Boston
    100 Morrissey Blvd Boston, MA 02125-3393
  4. Submit a copy of your resume.
  5. Provide three letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with your recent work (transmittal forms are included with the application).
  6. Take either the Graduate Record Exam or the Miller Analogies Test and have the scores sent to the University of Massachusetts Boston.
  7. Include with your application a non-refundable application fee of $40 for qualified Massachusetts residents, $60 for non-residents Please make your payment by check or money order payable to “UMass Boston”.
    8. Boston Paul Revere Statue
  8. Send items 1-7 to:
    Office of Graduate Admissions and Records
    University of Massachusetts Boston
    100 Morrissey Blvd
    Boston, MA 02125-3393
  9. Send a copy of your application [items 1-4] to:
    Roni Lipton, Associate Director
    Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolution
    University of Massachusetts Boston
    100 Morrissey Blvd.
    Boston, MA 02125-3393
  10. Email a copy of your resume and essays to disres@umb.edu

Interviews

An interview, though not required, is strongly recommended for those living in the greater Boston area. Phone interviews are possible for those living out of the area.

Current Students

Beth Golibersuch

Student in Graduate Program in Dispute Resolution - Beth Golibersuch

Beth Golibersuch is a Masters student in the Dispute Resolution Program with specific interests in conflicts among adolescents and adolescent groups. She began her experience in the conflict resolution field as a student mediator in her hometown of Columbia, Maryland. From there she went on to receive her Bachelors degree in Non-Violent Conflict and Change as well as Public Relations from Syracuse University. Since graduation, Beth has worked in the advertising and marketing industry in the Washington, DC area as a client service executive. She wishes to possibly move on to work with youth violence prevention and intervention programs. Beth is a research assistant for Roni Lipton and enjoys reading, traveling, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and playing with her beagle, Lucky.

Chloe Berwind-Dart

Student in the Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolution - Chloe Berwind-Dart

Chloe Berwind-Dart is a Masters candidate in the Dispute Resolution Program. Chloe attended Wellesley College and Oberlin College where she received a Bachelor of Arts with High Honors. For the past three years she worked as the Director of Special Projects at a multi-generational social service agency in Cambridge, MA. Her current academic interests include the study of human rights, international conflict resolution, mindful practice, elder mediation, and community youth development.

Lindsay Lamarre

Student in the Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolution - Lindsay Lamarre

Lindsay Lamarre is a Masters student in the Dispute Resolution Program with specific interests in international conflicts. She is a research assistant for Professor Sascha Sheehan. Lindsay received her bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Delaware. She has also attended learning seminars in Peacebuilding and Development at American University and Alternative Dispute Resolution at Fordham Law School. Most recently Lindsay has worked as a legal assistant in a law firm. She began her interest in the conflict resolution field as a Peer Mediator while attending high school in New Jersey. Lindsay enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.