The world needs more changemakers, and with a Mediation and Conflict Resolution Certificate from Kroc School of Peace Studies, you’ll be one step closer to promoting and creating positive, systematic change on individual, national, and global scales. Continue reading to learn more.

Equipping the Skills for Conflict Mediation

Coming from a young field of about 30 years, conflict resolution programs have continued to grow as the demand for these programs has increased. Organizations, governments, and individuals, such as yourself, see the benefits of conflict management and resolution and mediation training across a myriad of disciplines.

The Mediation and Conflict Resolution Certificate is suited for working professionals who want to further their knowledge and skillset in conflict resolution studies. This certificate is a graduate-level program and is provided in a hybrid delivery model. It is an excellent non-degree option for students who wish to access the Kroc School’s renowned faculty, professional expertise, and education resources, without committing to a full, multiple-year degree program.

The certification consists of three courses, which are designed to build upon one another, with content and expectations compounding. Explore the required courses below for our Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution.

Conflict Analysis & Resolution

This course will examine how conflicts are identified and analyzed, from low-level political violence to major armed conflict and what theories and tools exist to resolve these conflicts. You will read classic works in this interdisciplinary field, gaining an understanding of the different scholarly approaches taken to prevent and resolve armed conflict. You will also work in teams on particular case studies, applying theories you’ve learned.

Mediation

This course will focus on skills-building in mediation. You will learn and practice a variety of tools and methods for mediating conflicts and disputes. Our experiential class will be divided between learning traditional mediation skills, practice, and theory, including the benefits and limitations of mediation as a dispute resolution method on the one hand, and alternative approaches to mediation on the other.

The alternative models will include the needs analysis-based Problem-Solving Workshop, the narrative analysis-based Mediation of History, and the Evolving Designs model aimed at work in multi-party environments.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

• Differentiate among various mediation processes
• Distinguish between interest-based and needs-based approaches
• Differentiate between the traditional and alternative mediation practices
• Demonstrate awareness in regard to ethical dilemmas of mediation practices
• Possess the skills to serve as a mediator
• Design and lead context-appropriate mediation processes

Intervention Design

The Intervention Design course provides a framework for you to synthesize and apply knowledge and practical skills gained during the program to create a specific conflict management/resolution project. The course is also a chance to create a key Kroc School Portfolio item that you will be able to showcase to prospective employers, donors, or partners.

Create a Career in Conflict Management and Resolution with a Certificate from Kroc School

With never-ending conflicts happening daily around the world, many careers in mediation and conflict resolution exist. You can make an impact through careers in public and private sectors, as well as intergovernmental organizations and nonprofits. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for conflict resolution jobs — arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators — is expected to grow by more than 8 percent in the next 10 years. The world needs more people like you to step up and take on this difficult yet rewarding work.

If you are interested in earning the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Certificate, we encourage you to learn more.

Do you have questions about the certificate? Contact our admission team!

Want to learn more about our Master’s Degree in Conflict Management & Resolution Program? Access our guide, “How Peace and Conflict Studies Make You a Top-Tier Job Candidate: Exploring the Field of Conflict Management and Resolution.”