Center for Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management

Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution

SMU's Dispute Resolution Graduate Certificate Program provides its students with theoretical and practical knowledge, useful in all social and psychological environments. Students learn the art of negotiation, problem-solving, mediation, arbitration, systems design, and many other applications of dispute resolution. The program actively incorporates role-plays from varied aspects of human relationships to engage the student in class participation and to provide the skill and training necessary to become adept at the art of conflict resolution.

The Program in Dispute Resolution requires completion of 21 graduate credit hours (7 classes). Coursework comprises descriptive readings, observations, simulated exercises, and discussion. Terms are 10 weeks each. The following three courses (nine credit hours) are required:

Introduction to Dispute Resolution/Psychology of Conflict

Beginning in May Term 2008, this course will be phased out in favor of HDDR 6319 Psychology of Conflict.  What happens when one party in a conflict wants something that another party resists doing or giving? Conflict can arise in groups, between individuals in many different settings. The focus of this course will be on the psychological context of negotiation, the personal and social influences on the parties in negotiation, and the impact of these conditions and behaviors on the outcome.

Mediation

Investigates the dynamics, benefits, constraints, and essential skills needed in third-party intervention to facilitate a constructive resolution of conflict. In addition, the mediation process is defined, and the history, development, and theory of conflict resolution in negotiation is examined.

Negotiation

Explores the communication skills, the recognition of competitive and cooperative communication styles, and the techniques necessary to break an impasse. Students will learn how to create an atmosphere that fosters negotiation, to manage difficult situations, and to mediate win-win situations.

Four electives (twelve credit hours) are also required. The following list gives an idea of available topics which vary by term:

  • Business, Labor, and Management
  • Domestic Relations
  • Foundations of the American Legal System
  • Arbitration
  • Education
  • Religion
  • Family Law
  • Public Policy
  • International Conflict Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Cross-Culture and Gender Negotiation
  • Field and Clinical Experiences
  • Healthcare and Dispute Resolution

Admission to the Graduate Certificate Program in Dispute Resolution requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Completion of the program will fulfill the Texas statutory requirements for mediation. Some courses are approved for continuing education unit credits, and SMU will provide the necessary documentation upon request.

Cost

An application fee of $75 is required.  Tuition for the Graduate Certificate classes is $2,094 per class ($698 per credit hour).

Financial Assistance

Federal financial aid is available to students in the Master of Arts degree, and to students in the Graduate Certificate program. Employers often provide tuition assistance for graduate programs that enhance the resumes of their employees, your employer may have a similar policy. 

Follow the link below for specific information on Graduate student loan programs.

http://www.smu.edu/financial_aid/

Questions?  Contact Us:  972-473-3435 or click here to email.