Contemporary Dispute Resolution Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Dispute Resolution (CDR) prepares individuals with the analytical and practical skills needed to discern which of the many processes of dispute resolution (mediation, negotiation, coaching or facilitation, de-escalation). To have the ability to know which skills and processes will most effectively invite those in conflict to begin to connect, to think and then to co-create their choices of how to move through the conflict is an essential element of this Certificate. The CDR Certificate frames the work within the rubric of power, empathy and cultural dimensions, which impacts each of us any time we connect with each other, regardless of the setting. Students will learn to analyze the factors underlying disputes, recognize both the power differential among disputing parties and the impact of social constructs and norms, and choose appropriate strategies to address those factors. Graduates will be able to use the skills they have to help others in conflict, to revolutionize the experience of conflict from something to avoid to something to embrace as a growth producing process.
Developed in partnership with NAFCM
Learn about this scholarship
Thanks to the generous support of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, the Carter School is proud to announce the Dominion Energy Scholars Program for Dispute Resolution. Beginning in Fall 2022, this program will fund a number of partial and full scholarships for the Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Dispute Resolution. These one-time scholarships will be awarded based on merit and financial need.
- Full scholarships are limited to current Virginia residents only.
- Partial scholarships are open to all applicants, regardless of residency.
- In their personal statement, applicants must address the question: “How will you change the field of dispute resolution?”
- To be eligible for either scholarship, applicants must have a current FAFSA on file.
Applicants will be automatically considered for the Dominion Energy Scholars Program upon receipt of their online application for the graduate certificate. No additional application is required. Recipients will be notified of their award when they receive their admission decision.
Program Requirements
Number of Credit Hours: 15 graduate credit hours
In the course listing below, asterisks denote new courses.
Foundation Course: 3 credits
- CONF 500: Frameworks for Ethical Dispute Resolution Practice (3 credits) *
Practice Foundations: 9 credits
- CONF 631: Mediation in Diverse Settings (3 credits) *
- CONF 632: Coaching through Conflict (3 credits) *
- CONF 657: Facilitation Skills (3 credits)
- CONF 741: Negotiating in Complex Systems (3 credits)
- CONF 651: Collaborative Community Action & Participatory Governance (3 credits)
Practicum: 3 credits
- CONF 640: Practicum in Contemporary Dispute Resolution (3 credits) *