Certificate Program in Conflict Resolution
How can you change the dynamics in your organization and move from conflict to collaboration? Common Ground: Center for Cooperative Solutions offers this certificate program in Conflict Resolution to help organizations and communities communicate and collaborate constructively.
The field of conflict resolution is expanding quickly. Mediation is often mandated in state and federal courts. Alternative dispute resolution practice and theory are rapidly evolving in the arenas of business, government, non-profit, community, environmental, health, education, technology and others. Successful application of conflict resolution skills and tools depends increasingly on a firm understanding of concepts and demonstrated knowledge of a broad variety of applications. This certificate program is designed for people who seek conflict resolution skills to benefit their current careers or who are interested in a career in conflict resolution. Highly qualified instructors bring experience to each course in the application of conflict resolution skills and concepts.
How you will benefit
- Discover tools to address and resolve conflicts through better communication.
- Gain a solid understanding of the theoretical basis of conflict resolution and rich hands-on experience with conflict resolution practices.
- Explore various current models in the field of conflict resolution which are being applied on interpersonal, organizational, community and international levels.
- Refine your skills in mediation, facilitation, negotiation, consensus building and collaboration.
- Supplement your current career, or begin a new career, with conflict resolution skills.
Who should attend
Designed for a broad audience, this certificate series is recommended for anyone interested in developing knowledge and skills in the areas of mediation, facilitation, collaborative decision-making and other forms of problem solving and conflict resolution. The curriculum, which blends the theoretical and the practical, will help participants learn how to create more collaborative dialogue and action in such fields as agriculture, health, education, business, environmental planning, human resources or law.
Key features
- Courses that provide a sense of the breadth and depth of the field of conflict resolution. Our courses provide an overview of key processes of facilitation, mediation and community engagement, as well as specific skills and strategies that will help you in your workplace or practice.
- The opportunity to learn with leading practitioners. Our faculty work with a variety of federal, state and local governments, as well as public and private community organizations. What they all have in common are solid reputations as conflict resolution professionals and a strong interest in engaging with adult learners around the many critical issues and topics related to conflict resolution.
- A combination of face-to-face and distance education course delivery. This program offers you the chance to engage with fellow learners and your instructor in dynamic, face-to-face settings, and to also connect with them in the reflective space offered through online courses. Our program allows you to take courses that are scheduled at times that are convenient for you, and also to immediately apply the practical theories learned to your workplace and community.
- The opportunity to engage in a practical project within your community or organization. The Theory to Practice Seminar is a 60-hour, field-based project taken at the end of your program. This project will help you gain practical experience in the area(s) of most interest to you. Here you will sharpen your conflict resolution skills and reflect with experienced mentors.
How the program works
To earn your certificate in Conflict Resolution, you must complete seven core courses and your choice of four or more electives for a total of at least 16.4 units. The chart below shows the required and elective courses, along with the quarter in which each is offered.
You do not need to formally enroll in the certificate program prior to taking any of these courses. Courses may be transferred into the program after official admission and acceptance.
Program costs
Total tuition for all courses in the program varies from $5,500 - $6,500 according to your choice of electives. The cost does not include textbooks and other course materials, but may be tax deductible if courses maintain or improve professional skills or meet the epxress requirement of your employer. For more information about tax deductibility, visit http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics.
| UNITS | F | W | SP | SU | ||
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| REQUIRED COURSES | Introduction to Mediation, Facilitation and Community Engagement | 2 | 
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| Theory of Conflict Resolution and Community Engagement | 2 |
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| Collaborative Problem-Solving | 1.5 | 
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| Mediation | 2 |
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| Facilitating Group Dynamics | 1 |
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| Community Engagement | 2 |
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| Theory to Practice Seminar | 2 |
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| ELECTIVE COURSES | Facilitating Complex Disputes | 1 |
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| Facilitating Effective Public Meetings | 0.5 |
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| Managing Workplace Conflict | 0.5 |
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| Handling Difficult People | 0.5 |
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| Managing Community Conflict | 1 |
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| Working with Cross-Cultural Conflict Dynamics | 1 |
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Classroom format
Distance Learning format |
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Required Courses
Introduction to Mediation, Facilitation and Community Engagement
2 quarter units academic credit, X414.10. .
Learn the basics of conflict resolution, with specific focus on the practice of mediation, facilitation and the range of processes related to the prevention and resolution of conflict within communities. Gain an understanding of the history and interdisciplinary roots of the field, as well as the critical issues that currently characterize the field. This introduction provides a solid foundation for the remaining courses in the Conflict Resolution Certificate Program.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Introduction to Mediation, Facilitation and Community Engagement
starts October 20
Theory of Conflict Resolution and Community Engagement
2 quarter units academic credit, X414.11. .
Help organizations, communities and individuals involved in disputes create a climate of constructive discussion by understanding the different theories, dynamics and frameworks of conflict.
Explore how cultural factors, power imbalances and differing personal and professional perspectives influence the perception and resolution of conflict. Explore the intersection of conflict resolution with the theory and practice of community engagement. Use thought-provoking case studies and practical projects to integrate concepts with practice.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Collaborative Problem-Solving
1.5 quarter units academic credit, X414.13. .
Discover
collaborative methods and techniques for problem solving and
conflict resolution. Learn to find mutually agreeable solutions to
challenging situations
between individuals and/or organizations so that projects and programs
can move
forward. Examine the differences among interests, issues, options and
proposals, and the ways in which effective groups, facilitators and/or
mediators structure and guide problem-solving processes to create
acceptable
results for all parties involved.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Collaborative Problem-Solving starts November 12
Mediation
2 quarter units academic credit, X414.12. .
Mediators guide complex processes to assist parties in conflict to arrive at mutually agreeable solutions. The mediation process presents complex challenges for mediators and participants. Gain an understanding of the stages of mediation: case development, convening, setting an agenda, consensus building, issue-framing and prioritizing.
Explore different mediation models and examine ethical considerations. Learn the communication skills required for successful mediation. Whether you are a seasoned professional mediator looking to strengthen your skills, or you are new to the field and want to develop a solid foundation in mediation processes, acquire the knowledge to better understand the complexities involved in professional mediation.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Facilitating Group Dynamics
1 quarter units academic credit, X414.8. .
Learn and
practice the essential facilitation skills and techniques required for
successful group and team processes and meetings. Become a vital
resource and
gain the ability to create an environment where people can do their
best
thinking and work. Through group activities, self-assessment and group
discussions, learn the methods of creating a safe, productive
environment. Gain
the skills to engage people and guide your group to its goals. Discover
the
principles of ethical facilitation, the characteristics of effective
teams and
how people learn and integrate information.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Facilitating Group Dynamics starts October 1
Community Engagement
2 quarter units academic credit, X414.14. .
Communities face increasingly complex issues and challenges that require shared solutions developed through broad public engagement. It is critical that elected officials, technical experts, public agency representatives, nonprofit organizations, private sector organizations and others understand how to involve communities collaboratively on issues such as growth, budgeting, transportation and resource management.
This course provides the models and strategies necessary to foster effective community engagement. You will examine examples (both successful and otherwise) of such involvement. Designed for community leaders, public officials, technical experts, members of community organizations, public engagement professionals, agency staff who convene community dialogues and members of the public, this course will help you gain the practical knowledge and tools to apply appropriate and effective strategies in your community.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Theory to Practice Seminar
2 quarter units academic credit, X414.15. .
Gain practical experience in the area(s) of most interest to you with this 60-hour capstone that completes the Conflict Resolution Certificate Program. Sharpen your conflict resolution skills and reflect with experienced mentors.
The mentor must be a professional who is connected to the organization or community group where you engage your project, and is the person with whom you work in the field. A project supervisor coordinates project placement and conducts the Theory to Practice Seminar.
Proposal guidelines 
(140 KB)
This course is not currently scheduled.
Elective Courses
Facilitating Complex Disputes
1 quarter units academic credit, X414.16. .
Complex disputes involving multiple parties, long timelines, intense issues, high stakes and histories of conflict require skillful facilitation. This course covers general strategies and specific tools that facilitators need to support collaborative resolutions of complex issues or disputes within or among organizations.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Facilitating Effective Public Meetings
0.5 quarter units academic credit, X414.9. .
Learn to assess
whether a meeting must or should be a public meeting and how to prepare to
facilitate an effective public meeting. Discover methods to determine when it
is advisable to open meetings to the public. Gain the unique skills
facilitators need for planning, facilitating and evaluating public meetings.
Personnel from agencies that convene public meetings, facilitation
professionals and meeting participants benefit from this knowledge.
Experience with and an understanding of basic facilitation is assumed. This
course is an excellent complement to Facilitating
Group Dynamics.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Facilitating Effective Public Meetings starts October 23
Managing Workplace Conflict
0.5 quarter units academic credit, X414.2. .
Develop the skills necessary to understand the underlying causes of workplace conflict. Learn to distinguish between functional and dysfunctional workplace conflicts, and determine how to effectively manage them. At the end of the course, you will be able to recognize the stages of conflict, identify effective methods of intervening in each of the identified stages and successfully accomplish the interventions.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Handling Difficult People
0.5 quarter units academic credit, X414.17. .
Don't let a difficult customer, co-worker or stranger ruin your day. Learn to set limits and say "no" to protect yourself from problem people. Learn how to understand difficult people, defuse emotion and move to constructive problem-solving. This course presents practical, positive approaches to working with conflict and difficult people. Topics include:
- learning how difficult people think, feel and act
- creating realistic expectations to avoid conflict
- defusing emotion and creating rapport
- handling complaints, saying "no" and delivering bad news
- setting limits
- staying calm and confident under fire
This course is not currently scheduled.
Managing Community Conflict
1 quarter units academic credit, X414.18. .
Many communities face increasingly complex disputes between individuals, groups and organizations that cover an ever broader range of issues-land use, housing, policing and noise. Examine the concepts and tools needed to best address community conflict.
Gain practical advice on community mediation "best practices" as well as on how to hold effective town hall meetings. Community leaders, mediators, public officials, staff and board members of non-profit groups, as well as members of the general public, benefit from acquiring the knowledge to resolve community conflict.
This course is not currently scheduled.
Working with Cross-Cultural Conflict Dynamics
1 quarter units academic credit, X414.19. .
Explore
interpersonal and inter-group conflict, in which parties have
substantially
different cultural perspectives, based on nationality, ethnicity, race,
gender,
religion or other cultural dimensions. Learn to identify your preferred
conflict
management style, and to recognize and implement alternative ways to
frame and
resolve conflict in situations where cultural differences impede
understanding.
Sections of this course open for enrollment:
- Working with Cross-Cultural Conflict Dynamics starts December 4
For More Information
Download a Conflict Resolution Certificate Program brochure for a list of current quarter courses and enrollment information. (622 KB)
Common Ground: Center for Cooperative Solutions offers a variety of conflict resolution and mediation services.
