Program Curriculum - Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution

The Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution is offered for those students who are not seeking a master’s degree, yet desire specialized education in conflict management.

Course Requirements

The graduate certificate is a 15-credit hour program comprised of 4 courses, plus a residency session.

Requirements for the 15-hour Certificate in Conflict Resolution are:

FOUNDATION (6 hours)

REQUIRED (3 hours)

ELECTIVES – Select two (6 hours)

RESIDENCY SESSION*

*The conflict resolution residency session is a non-credit requirement where students must attend one 5-day residency session in either January or June. Prerequisite: Completion of CONR 605 Negotiation and Mediation. Requires travel to Abilene. In addition to a residency fee, students are responsible for travel, lodging and meals.

Foundation (6 hours)

CONR 605 – Negotiation and Mediation (6 hours)

Comprehensive study of the conceptual and interpersonal skills required to engage in effective negotiation and to serve as a mediator. Emphasis on development of interest-based negotiation and mediation skills with strategies assisting parties in the creation of opportunities for agreement.

Certificate Requirement (3 hours)

CONR 601 – Conflict Theory and Communication (3 hours)

Designed to prepare professionals for the field of conflict resolution. Provides advanced opportunities to analyze case studies, critique basic assumptions of conflict theories, and role-play appropriate behavior in conflict scenarios.

Select any two of the following (6 hours):

CONR 610 – Managing Conflict in the Workplace* (3 hours)

Develops the skills of transforming leadership as students are given the opportunity to identify and manage the signs and root causes of friction, anger, violence and conflict in a workplace setting.

* Students may substitute Managing Conflicts in Schools or Managing Conflicts in Churches in place of CONR 610.

CONR 612 – Conflict Management Systems Design (3 hours)

Provides a framework for understanding organizational conflict prevention and resolution systems. Analysis of case studies and practical applications are featured throughout the course.

CONR 615 – Conflict in Schools (3 hours)

Provides a basic understanding of the nature and management of conflict in schools.  Students will learn to identify and deal with conflict through the appropriate strategies, processes, and interpersonal skills.

CONR 630 – Advanced Mediation: Marital Disputes (3 hours)

Applies the concepts of negotiation and mediation to the resolution of conflicts that arise during and after the termination of a marital relationship. Addresses issues of property distribution, child custody and future relationships.

CONR 635 – Identity, Culture and Conflict (3 hours)

Examines conflict arising from assertion of individual and shared identity. Explores methods of managing conflict in cross-cultural environments through case study and application.

CONR 637 – Dispute Resolution and the Legal System (3 hours)

Explores the dispute resolution process in a variety of cultures and provides context to its application in legal systems. Provides students with an overview of topics such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation.

BIBM 645 Managing Conflict in Churches (3 hours, not online)

The course will offer an examination of the causes, arenas, and dynamics of conflict in churches with an introduction to five major approaches to interviewing in conflicted situations. A variety of instructional methods, including lectures, case studies, role plays, media, expert resource persons, and personal style instruments will be employed. Additional course fee required.

Residency

Conflict Resolution Residency Session (non-credit hour requirement)

As part of both the master’s and certificate programs in Conflict Resolution, students are required to attend a five-day residency located on ACU’s campus in Abilene, Texas. The residency session is offered two times each year — in January and June. While some lunches are included in the cost of the program, students are responsible for their own lodging, transportation, other meals and any additional personal expenses related to the trip.

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