| MASTER OF ARTS IN Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution (CMDR) |
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Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of the specified Master of Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution
- A 3.0 overall grade point average with no more than one course completed with a “C” grade
- Completion of all course work within 6 years of the date of initial enrollment
- Payment of all tuition and fees
- Approval by the faculty
Course Descriptions
CMDR 5111 - Introduction to Graduate Education
Introduction to graduate education makes students aware of graduate education
expectations and responsibilities. It focuses on individual and
group requirements, including project team expectations and resources
students need to be successful in graduate studies. Students build
skills in written and oral communication, research, time management,
and team building. (1 credit)
CMDR 5602 - Fundamentals of Conflict Management and Dispute
Resolution
An introduction to the field of dispute resolution, this course provides
the solid foundation necessary for further inquiry and application. Study
academic thinking about conflict analysis and resolution, and learn to
think systematically and analytically about conflict and conflict resolution.
(3 credits)
CMDR 5601 - Communication and Negotiation
The course focuses on human communication during conflict, the challenges
of effective communication, and communication’s role in resolving
conflict. Students study contemporary theories of negotiation
and learn the most effective methods of communication to deal with
differences, paying particular attention to dispute resolution during
negotiation and mediation. (3 credits)
CMDR 5600 - Principles of Mediation
In this course students explore the theory and practical skills necessary
to be a mediator. Learn about mediation skills and techniques, ethical
standards and accountability in mediation. Study how to use mediation
maps, and how to apply mediation. (3 credits)
CMDR 5625 - Ethics and Impartiality
Students gain a thorough grounding in ethical principles, focusing on
case studies and applications of ethics to Conflict Management and
Dispute Resolution. With a special emphasis on maintaining third-party
neutrality and impartiality, this course prepares students to act as
fair mediators in a variety of settings. (3 credits)
CMDR 5626 - Legal Issues in Mediation
Designed for non-lawyers who nevertheless need an understanding of law,
this course provides students an overview of the litigation process.
Classes focus on court documents, legal research, and other law-based
skills. The course positions mediation within a legal context, so students
understand how mediation and the law interact.
(3 credits)
CMDR 5627 - Decision Making and Problem Solving Strategies
Get to know the elements and processes required to overcome issues in
decision making and problem solving. This course teaches students various
paths to identifying trouble spots, generating solutions, and discovering
creative techniques for problem solving. (3 credits)
CMDR 5617 - Psychology of Conflict
In this course the student will explore the nature and process of conflict. Participants
examine the underlying causes of conflict between individuals, within
groups or organizations, and between ideologies and nations. (3 credits)
CMDR 5628 - Behavioral Styles in Conflict Management
In this course, students learn how to combine their own behavioral style
with the skills and techniques needed to help others manage conflict. Students
analyze a variety of behavioral instruments and develop a multidimensional
understanding of their personal approach to the field. (3 credits)
CMDR 5616 - Understanding Differences and Conflict Resolution
In this course participants explore differences in values and styles
of behavior that create conflict. Discussion topics include
cultural, generational, gender and other diversity issues. Participants
will gain self-awareness of personal values; develop a framework for
understanding differences and apply skills to enhance successful management
of diversity conflicts. (3 credits)
CMDR 5608 - Designing Dispute Resolution Systems for Organizations
This course address the changing needs today’s organizations face
in internal and external dispute resolution. Students study the sources
of disputes and the structures companies create to resolve them and then
apply that information by designing systems that effectively resolve
disputes throughout organizations. (3 credits)
CMDR 5629 - Inquiry Methods for Conflict Engagement
This course provides a foundation for students to use in researching
their own projects in conflict engagement matters. Students will
gain experience in a variety of methods for creating and developing
plans and proposals. (3 credits)
CMDR 5630 - Contemporary Issues and Trends
Students will complete a research-based project focused on an area of
individual interest within the conflict management dispute resolution
arena. The research and application will be a compilation of the classes
taken in the Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution Master’s
program. The project will include Conflict Management design, information
and marketing, and will be applicable to community, organizations,
government, or global institutions. This detailed project possesses
qualities that can be immediately implemented in one or more of the
settings listed. Must be the taken as the last course in the sequence.
(3 credits)
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