The SMU Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management Program offers scholarships, which serve to recognize academic excellence or assist deserving students with financial needs. A brief description of each scholarship appears below. Additional details are available on the application page for each scholarship.

Students interested in other scholarships and forms of financial aid may learn more at: https://www.smu.edu/admission/financialaid.

General Requirements and Information for All Scholarships

  • Good academic standing (Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher)
  • A completed FAFSA application for the academic year in which you are applying (you are not required to qualify for financial aid or to accept loans or other financial aid to apply for Dispute Resolution program scholarships). For FAFSA information, see: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa. For other SMU financial aid and information about other scholarship opportunities, see: https://www.smu.edu/admission/financialaid.
  • Students may only apply for one Dispute Resolution Program scholarship in any given application window.
  • Students who are already the recipient of a Dispute Resolution Program scholarship are considered ineligible for additional Dispute Resolution Program scholarships until their award period has elapsed. Students may not apply for or be awarded concurrent scholarships from the SMU Dispute Resolution Program.
  • Students who are already Dispute Resolution Program scholarship recipients are not eligible for additional scholarships for the duration of the award.
  • Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Please read all eligibility requirements and application forms carefully. Some applications request a brief essay. Applications without the essay will not be accepted.
  • Scholarships may be revoked due to changes in academic standing, less-than-full-time enrollment (if required), or disciplinary/remediation circumstances.

All scholarship awards are dependent on availability of funds.

Scholarships for Newly Accepted Students

Funding is an important factor to many students deciding which graduate program to attend. The SMU Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management (DRCM) program offers two Scholarships to outstanding incoming students in the fall and spring of each year. Recipients will be selected by the faculty and administration of the DRCM Program, based on academic merit, demonstrated leadership and community, and perceived potential for contributing to the field of dispute resolution.

Applicants to the SMU DRCM Program who wish to be considered for a scholarship at admission must answer “yes” to the question on the application, “Are you interested in being considered for a departmental scholarship?” Applicants must also complete the FAFSA prior to the DRCM Program application deadline (you are not required to qualify for financial aid or to accept loans or other financial aid to be considered for Dispute Resolution Program scholarships). For FAFSA information, see: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa. For additional SMU financial aid and information about other scholarship opportunities, see: https://www.smu.edu/admission/financialaid.

Dispute Resolution Distinguished Scholar

This $8,000 scholarship is awarded by the Recruitment and Retention Committee to the most promising incoming student based on prior academic merit, leadership, engagement, and demonstrated excellence in the field of conflict management and peace either in their studies, personal or professional work. The scholarship provides $2,000 for four semesters of enrollment for students enrolled part-time (minimum of 6 credit hours each semester) during the regular academic year (excludes summer). The scholarship is primarily merit-based, although financial need may be considered. The scholarship will not be awarded during any semester of less than part-time enrollment of 6 credit hours, or any semester in which minimum GPA and academic standing expectations are not maintained.

Scholarship Award: $8,000 administered over 4 semesters (excluding Summer), $2,000 per semester
Required enrollment: 6 credit hours during each semester of the academic year (excluding Summer).
Minimum GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in order to continue to receive funds.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

  • Recipients should have a demonstrated track record of dedication to the dispute resolution field, as evidenced by volunteering, paid employment, previous students, or other professional work.
  • Preference may be given to students who qualify for financial aid through FAFSA or who demonstrate financial need.
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and good academic standing in all semesters of enrollment, both undergraduate and graduate.
  • Ongoing graduate GPA of 3.5 or greater during each semester of enrollment in the Dispute Resolution Program.
  • Scholarship will be revoked if GPA, academic standing, and/or enrollment standards are not met.

Director's Diversity Award of Excellence and Inclusion

This $8,000 scholarship is awarded to promising incoming students from under-represented groups, based on academic merit, leadership, engagement, and commitment to the dispute resolution and conflict management. The scholarship provides $2,000 for four semesters of enrollment for students enrolled part-time (6 credit hours each semester) during the regular academic year (excludes summer). This scholarship is primarily merit-based, although financial need may also be considered. Tuition reduction will not be offered during any semester of less than full-time enrollment, or any semester in which minimum GPA and academic standing expectations are not maintained.

Scholarship Award: $8,000 administered over 4 semesters (excluding Summer), $2,000 per semester
Required enrollment: 6 credit hours during each semester of the academic year (excludes Summer).
Minimum GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in order to continue to receive funds.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

  • Recipients should represent groups traditionally under-represented in the Dispute Resolution Field, with preference given to members of traditionally marginalized minority groups.
  • Bilingual ability (esp. Spanish-speaking) will be given consideration, but is not an essential factor.
  • Recipients should have a demonstrated track record of dedication to the Dispute Resolution field, as evidenced by volunteering, paid employment,internships, research, leadership, and/or scholastic achievement.
  • Preference may be given to students who qualify for financial aid through FAFSA or who demonstrate financial need.
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and good academic in the last two years of undergraduate enrollment
  • Ongoing graduate GPA of 3.0 or greater during each term of enrollment in the Dispute Resolution Program, and good academic standing during each term of enrollment
  • Scholarship will be revoked if GPA, academic standing, and/or enrollment standards are not met.

Scholarships for Current Students

Complete the online DRCM Scholarship application for students already enrolled in the Dispute Resolution MA or Graduate Certificate programs.

Students who are already enrolled in the master’s or graduate certificate program are encouraged to apply for scholarships. Applications will be evaluated based on high standards of academic achievement, leadership, and service. Financial need may also be a factor in some scholarship decisions.

Dispute Resolution Scholar Award

This $4,000 Scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed at least two regular semesters of enrollment in the SMU Dispute Resolution master’s or graduate certificate program, and who identifies as a member of an under-represented/marginalized minority group. The award is also based on a proven track record of achievement in the program based on academic merit, leadership, engagement, and dispute resolution activities and service.

Scholarship Award: $2,000 for two semesters
Required enrollment: 6 credit hours during each semester of the academic year (excludes Summer).
Minimum GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in order to continue to receive funds.

Applications are due March 1 for the subsequent Fall semester and October 1 for Spring semester. Complete the online application here.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

  • Recipients should identify with a traditionally under-represented group, with preference given to members of traditionally marginalized minority groups.
  • Bilingual ability (esp. Spanish-speaking) will be given consideration, but is not an essential factor.
  • Recipients should have a demonstrated track record of dedication to the dispute resolution field, as evidenced by volunteering, paid employment, internships, research, leadership, and/or scholastic achievement.
  • Brief written statement describing achievements aligned with the Scholarship’s focus (500 word limit)
  • Preference may be given to students who qualify for financial aid through FAFSA or who demonstrate financial need.
  • GPA of 3.0 or greater during each semester of enrollment in the master’s or graduate certificate program, and good academic standing during each semester of enrollment.
  • Scholarship will be revoked if GPA, academic standing, and/or enrollment standards are not met.

Stellar Scholarship

This one-time, $2,000 Scholarship is awarded to up to two students per academic year who demonstrate financial need and academic merit and who are enrolled full-time (9 credit hours). Financial need is demonstrated through the FAFSA application and eligibility for financial aid, as well as through the application essay. This Scholarship is intended for students whose enrollment in the master’s or graduate certificate program may be threatened due to temporary or unanticipated financial strain. Students must apply for this scholarship online.

Scholarship Award: $2,000 for one semester
Required enrollment: 9 credit hours
Minimum GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in order to continue to receive funds.

Applications are due March 1 for the subsequent Fall semester and October 1 for Spring semester. Complete the online application here.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

  • Brief written statement describing financial need and academic merit (500 word limit)
  • Must have already completed a minimum of six credit hours of enrollment at the time of application.
  • Students in their first semester of enrollment are not eligible.
  • Overall GPA 3.5 or greater in the master’s or graduate certificate program and good academic standing in all semesters of enrollment
  • Preference will be given to students with demonstrated academic, professional, and/or leadership achievements

Summer Scholarship

This scholarship assists students who wish to study during the Summer term. Awards up to the amount of one course may be distributed, depending on availability of funds. Scholarships are applicable to only coursework within the master’s program or graduate certificate in Dispute Resolution. Preference will be given to students who have not received this award previously. Evidence of financial need is not required to apply or to receive the scholarship, but a statement is recommended. Students must apply for this scholarship through the scholarships online.

Scholarship Award: Up to the amount of a course ($2,000)
Required enrollment: 3 credit hours
Minimum GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in order to continue to receive funds.

Applications due March 1 for the Summer session. Complete the online application here.