University of Arkansas at Little Rock

18 credit hours are needed for completion of certificate

The three required courses are:

1. Conflict Analysis and Intervention - An introduction to conflict dynamics with an emphasis on communication intervention skills. Students will learn different frames for analyzing conflicts, conflict analysis tools, opportunities for conflict self-assessment, and skill-building in difficult conversations.
2. Negotiation - Students will learn the concepts of distributive and integrative bargaining, with an emphasis on building strong working relationships. This course is highly interactive, utilizing lecture, discussion and extensive role-play scenarios.
3. Mediation - Examines current research and theories regarding conflict and their application to the practice of mediation in a variety of conflict situations. Students will be taught skills necessary to serve as an impartial third-party, such as listening, questioning, creative problem-solving, moving beyond impasse and caucusing. Various mediation styles and types of mediation will be addressed.

These are the electives that are available (from which you will choose three):

1. Family Mediation - This course focuses on the unique skills needed to work with families undergoing change and experiencing conflict situations. Students will learn how to screen for domestic abuse, address family dynamics and understand financial issues in divorce. During the course, students will also be exposed to a range of other family conflicts. This course meets the training requirements of the Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission for inclusion on their family mediation roster. There are additional requirements. Please refer to the ADR Commission website for full details.
2. Crisis Communication - Examines responses of organizational leaders in crisis situations, while exploring risk assessment, public relations, image restoration and leadership legitimacy.
3. Designing ADR Systems for Organizations - Explores the nature of conflict and disputes in organizations. Provides an alternative dispute resolution framework for solving and preventing conflicts by taking a proactive systemic approach to early intervention.
4. Managing Public Disputes - Provides an introduction to knowledge and skills necessary for effective management of potentially divisive issues affecting the public interest. Topics include when and how to utilize public participation in government to develop effective public solutions.
5. Conflict Management in the Schools - Students will learn to understand the nature of conflict and how it can be better managed in K-12 schools. Students will learn skills for managing conflicts that arise between students, teachers, support staff, parents, administrators, and others in the school setting.
6. Facilitating Multi-Party Conflicts - Introduces the conceptual framework and skills necessary to facilitate multi-party conflicts. Topics include identifying stakeholders and their issues, convening diverse stakeholders, and communication tools for multi-party conflicts.
7. Practicum - Students are encouraged to design a practicum experience which provides opportunities to observe and practice conflict mediation skills. The student must submit a proposal to the program coordinator for a practicum which incorporates skill development and other learning activities and assignments directly related to conflict mediation, making it possible to assign a grade to the experience.