Program Requirements
The Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution (ADRC) requires completion of 21 graduate credit hours (7 classes). Coursework comprises descriptive readings, observations, simulated exercises, and discussion. A sample degree plan and timeline are provided for reference; however, it only provides one option for enrollment and timeline. Dispute Resolution offers rolling admission and start dates throughout the year with no enrollment minimums per term. Students are not required to take courses in any particular order or sequence with the exception of those courses that have established prerequisites. Also, enrolled students will work with faculty and staff advisors to plan and monitor degree progress and course selections.
ADRC Sample Degree Plan and Timeline
The following three courses (nine credit hours) are required and must be completed concurrently (at least one per term) with elective courses until all three of the required courses are completed.
Required Coursework
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 and Dispute Resolution
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 and Dispute Resolution
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.
Elective Coursework
The concentration areas offered within the Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management Program cover a broad spectrum of applications and topics. As an aid to planning, the following four concentrations have been set up to assist in the selection of elective coursework. All courses listed within concentrations can be taken as electives. Students select four HDDR courses from within concentration areas or across concentration areas depending on their needs. Course are offered on a rotation, therefore all courses may not be offered every term or year.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Concentration (choose four)
Arbitration
Domestic Relations (Family Mediation)
Conflict Coaching
Using Online Dispute Resolution Tools
Restorative Justice
Facilitation
General Elective
Organizational Transformation and Conflict Management Concentration (choose four)
Workplace Conflict
Employment Law
Facilitation
Role of the Ombudsman in Organizational Conflict
Organizational Change Management
Designing Dispute Resolution Systems for Organizations
General Elective
Executive and Leadership Coaching Concentration
Essentials of Executive and Leadership Coaching
Executive and Leadership Coaching Theory and Practice
Executive and Leadership Coaching in Context
General Elective
General Electives
Family Conflict: The 21st Century Family
Engaging in Conflict
Neuroscience: The Role of the Brain in Emotion, Collaboration and Conflict
International Conflict Management
Organizational Consulting Skills
Generational Conflict
Special Topics
Study Abroad