The Graduate School Bulletin
Graduate Programs in Conflict Resolution
Gateway University Research Park
5900 Summit Ave.
Browns Summit, NC 27214
(336) 217-5100
Graduate Programs in Conflict Resolution Homepage
Admissions Information
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Faculty
Overview
Requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Conflict Resolution
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution
CNR Conflict Resolution Courses
Faculty
Program Director
Cathie J. Witty, Ph.D.
Conflict theory and practice, cultural dimensions of conflict, mediation, conflict analysis and transformation.
Assistant Professors
Sherrill Hayes, Ph.D.
Family mediation, social policy, linking theory and research to policy and practice.
Thomas G. Matyok, Ph.D.
Community conflict, race and ethnic relations, facilitation and practicum.
Overview
The Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution program is dedicated to providing high quality, professional training in multiple conflict intervention and prevention skills such as mediation, negotiation, facilitation, violence prevention and collaborative problem solving. The program focuses on pragmatic approaches to solving personal and social problems in a variety of social settings. Students are exposed to a wide array of techniques and strategies to achieve nonviolent solution to conflict that arise in diverse and conflictual family, organizational and community environments.
The 36 hour program promotes a systemic perspective to the challenges facing individuals, families, organizations and communities. With an interdisciplinary commitment to social justice and human rights, we train professionals to seek collaborative, constructive and healing methods for resolving human conflict. Our goal is to mold reflective conflict professionals – practitioners with a critical understanding of theory and method, as well as an appreciation of diversity and social responsibility. Student are encouraged to explore a range of professional and community applications for their practice skills and are closely mentored and supported by the faculty. Electives are focused in two general areas: family and interpersonal conflict, and workplace, organizational and community based conflict. The program is built on a comprehensive core curriculum of 7 courses, varied electives, and flexible course schedules allowing students of all ages and needs to participate in the learning process.
The 15 semester hour Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program prepares students for the changing nature of professional development, businesses, and community services. The certificate program can be beneficial to those who have already received a graduate degree in their current area but would like to specialize in conflict resolution as a new area of specialization. It is also appropriate for those who possess an undergraduate degree and are seeking to obtain fundamental knowledge of the conflict resolution field of study or for professionals who have already earned a graduate degree in their professional field, but who would benefit from academic study of applications of conflict resolution in their current profession.
Online Certificate and Master’s Degree
Both the certificate program and the master’s program are available online through the UNCG iCampus. With the exception of the practicum, all lectures, discussion, assignments, supplementary materials, feedback, and assessments are accessed online. See the electronic brochure on the program website at www.uncg.edu/cnr.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the minimum requirements of the Graduate School, application must submit a personal essay on their interest and expectations of the MA in Conflict Resolution and complete an interview with program staff. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but should be received by March 31 for complete consideration for the Fall terms.
Requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Conflict Resolution
A maximum of 3 semester credits from graduate courses taken in or transferred from other programs may be applied to the requirements of the certificate program upon the approval of the Program Director and in accordance with policies of The Graduate School.
Courses taken for the certificate program may be used to meet requirements in a degree program in accordance with the policies of The Graduate School.
Core Courses (12 hours)
CNR 600 Concepts and Processes of Conflict Resolution (3)
CNR 601 Cultural Dimensions of Conflict (3)
CNR 610 Conflict Transformation (3)
CNR 611 Conflict in Communities (3)
Electives (3 hours)
One elective is selected from conflict resolution courses or from other departments with the approval of the Program Director and course instructor.
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution
Required Courses (18 hours)
CNR 600 Concepts and Processes of Conflict Resolution (3)
CNR 601 Cultural Dimensions of Conflict (3)
CNR 610 Conflict Transformation (3)
CNR 611 Conflict in Communities (3)
CNR 615 Mediation Theory and Practice (3)
CNR 655 Dispute System Design (3)
Practicum (3 hours) (Capstone Experience)
CNR 616 Practicum in Conflict Resolution (3)
Practicum placements will be offered to students throughout the program, or students may create their own practicum setting with the approval of the Program Director. Placements represent a range of practice settings from schools, mediation centers, organizations, and agencies. The practicum experience is designed to provide the student with an experiential opportunity to obtain hands-on conflict resolution practice in a variety of professional setting.
Additionally, the student will attend a practicum seminar to receive guidance and support during the process. In addition to problem solving on-site practicum issues with collaborative dialogue, the class further prepares students to develop resumes, facilitate workshops, and other group activities in preparation for consulting and private practice.
Online students will be expected to organize their own practicum settings in their local communities with approval of the practicum instructor. The program will assist with contracts, mentoring, and facilitiation of discussion with potential practicum settings as needed.
Electives (15 hours)
Electives are chosen after the first semester to complement a student’s practice objectives. Electives are selected from conflict resolution courses or from other departments with the approval of the Program Director and course instructor.
CNR Conflict Resolution Courses
| 600 | Concepts and Processes of Conflict Resolution (3:3) |
| Overview of the multidisciplinary field of conflict resolution and analysis. Mediation, negotiation, arbitration, collaborative problem solving, and other applications. | |
| 601 | The Cultural Dimensions of Conflict (3:3) |
| The role of culture, race, and ethnicity in creating and resolving conflicts. Students explore their own culture as well as diverse belief systems. | |
| 610 | Conflict Transformation (3:3) |
| Nonviolent responses to conflict and prejudice oriented to the restoration of relationships damaged by crime, war, and family and social violence. | |
| 611 | Conflict in Communities (3:3) |
| Explores mediation and conflict transformation in communities, including the impact of violent history. | |
| 615 | Mediation Theory and Practice (3:3) |
| An introduction to the theory and practice of settlement conferences, family and communication mediation models. | |
| 616 | Practicum in Conflict Resolution (3:3) |
| Pr. 600, 601, 610, 611, 615 (or co-requisite) Guidance, support, and theoretical connections for students engaged in conflict resolution work in field placements. May be repeated for credit. | |
| 625 | Conflict Resolution in Education (3:3) |
| Pr. 600 or permission of instructor Explores conflict resolution theory, practice, and programming in educational settings and community organizations from early childhood through secondary education (B-12). Peer, professional, and systemic conflicts examined. | |
| 630 | Gender and Conflict (3:3) |
| Examines the role of gender in the definition, creation, and resolution of conflict in diverse historical and cultural settings. Course material is drawn from a wide variety of fields. | |
| 640 | Negotiation Theory and Practice (3:3) |
| Introduction to negotiation strategies, tactics, and styles used between individuals or groups in a variety of cultural settings. | |
| 650 | Independent Study (3:3) |
| Intensive study guided by the graduate faculty | |
| 655 | Dispute System Design (3:3) |
| Designing conflict management systems for groups and organizations; supplemental field research time required. | |
| 660 | Violence in Families: Conflict Resolution and Intervention (3:3) |
| Childhood and lifelong effects of violence and trauma. Focus on conflict intervention strategies and program designs to address the effects of violence in families, schools, and communities. | |
| 665 | Conflict Analysis in Religious Communities (3:3) |
| Overview of conflict analysis and intervention strategies in religious communities and organizations. Analyze and implement models of reconciliation and forgiveness. | |
| 670 | Conflict and Violence: The Global Perspective (3:3) |
| Issues of war, regional violence, torture, forced relocation, ethnic cleansing, rape and other conflict intervention topics related to regional conflict. | |
| 675 | Family Conflict Resolution (3:3) |
| Pr. For CNR majors, CNR 600; for HDF majors, HDF 672; for all others, permission of instructor Explores the theory, research and methods of working with family conflicts related to divorce (financial and parenting), parent-child, and older adult issues. Assignments include reading, case studies, and role plays. (Same as HDF 675A) | |
| 680 | Facilitation: Conflict Resolution in Groups (3:3) |
| Examines the range of practice of group facilitiation with a focus on current theories and techniques of professional facilitation in conflict resolution practice and training. | |
| 685 | Conflict Resolution in Health Care Systems (3:3) |
| Fundamentals of application of conflict resolution in health care settings. Additional focus on poverty, health and human rights as well as mediation involving issues of bioethics. | |
| 803 | Research Extension (1-3) |