Contemporary Dispute Resolution (Graduate Certificate)
Program Summary
100% Online
Credits: 15 total
Degree: Graduate Certificate
College/School: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
Start Date: 8/24/2026
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Program Description
The Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Dispute Resolution prepares professionals with the analytical, interpersonal, and practical skills needed to manage and resolve disputes effectively across a variety of professional settings. Through focused coursework, students develop expertise in mediation, negotiation, coaching, and facilitation to address workplace conflict in environments such as schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local and state government agencies.
Students learn to analyze disputes within broader social and institutional contexts, including economic and racial inequality and unequal access to justice and education systems. The program emphasizes understanding the root causes of conflict, identifying power dynamics among disputing parties, and selecting appropriate dispute resolution strategies tailored to each situation.
Graduates of the Contemporary Dispute Resolution graduate certificate gain hands‑on training in conflict analysis and resolution methodologies, enabling them to support individuals and organizations in managing disputes constructively. Upon completion, students are prepared to apply mediation, negotiation, coaching, and facilitation techniques to promote collaboration, reduce conflict, and foster effective problem‑solving in professional and community settings.
Career Opportunities
Conflict resolution alum apply their degrees very broadly as they tackle the many different complex problems we face today.
Since conflict is present in every field and all job sectors, our students have the flexibility to be employed across a wide spectrum or careers. Knowing how to handle disagreement well is a skill. Conflict Resolution students develop problem-solving skills along with interpersonal communication, writing, research, effective team collaboration, and multi-cultural fluency – skills in demand among today’s employers! Besides the development of critical skills, the one thing students in this major have in common is the desire to create positive change in the world – our students tailor their plans of study and alum apply their degrees very broadly as they tackle the many different complex problems we face today.
- Assistive Technology Coordinator
- AT Assessment Team Lead
- Assistive Technology Trainer
- Sales Representative for Assistive Technology vendors
- Assistive Technology Specialist.
These roles span diverse settings, including government agencies, public and private school systems, private consulting practices, and community outreach organizations.
Examples of Employers and Roles
- NGOs, Non-Profits, Peace Centers/Agencies
- Diplomacy, Security, Federal Agencies, Think Tanks
- Conflict Resolution and Corporations
- Hospitality, Arts, Entertainment, Travel, & Culture
- Peace, Youth, and Education
- Banking, Financial, Insurance, Real Estate
- PeaceTech
- Working Local
- Counseling, Health, & Well-Being
- Courts, Corrections, & Law Enforcement
Skills Most Valued by Employers
- Communication skills (written and verbal)
- Critical thinking/problem solving
- Digital technology
- Teamwork/collaboration
- Leadership
- Professionalism/work ethic
- Global and multicultural fluency
Courses
Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the George Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.
Details
Who should apply?
Developed in partnership with National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM)
Our students come to the Carter School to learn from the leaders in peace and conflict resolution. We teach our students to identify the underlying causes of conflict and equip them with the cutting-edge theory and practical skills to put their knowledge into action, whether that be at the local, national, or global level. We also impart a thorough understanding of the values that underlie these practices. We understand that “how” is as important as “why.”
Our world-recognized faculty are committed to innovative teaching and cutting-edge research, moving the educational experience beyond the classroom. Students gain skills and experience through service and experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for meaningful careers. You can find our graduates in academia, government agencies, international peacebuilding, and the private sector.
Why choose George Mason?
- Mason’s Conflict Analysis and Resolution program is the largest in the world.
- This program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, with up to six years from the time of first enrollment to complete the degree.
- The program is fully online.
- Online classes accommodate those who work full time or live remotely.
- Curriculum allows our students to pursue their interests.
- Our faculty members are among the leading experts in the field of conflict analysis and resolution
Ready to Apply?
All applicants should review Carter School steps to Apply Now. Please follow the Carter School guidelines for International Applicants.
Prerequisites
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a Regionally Accredited US institution or International equivalent evaluated by Mason or a NACES Recognized Agency
- Achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 in bachelor’s program
- Previous coursework in social sciences and prior work experience are desirable
Application Materials
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Transcripts of all post-secondary education
- Resume
- 1 letters of recommendation
- Goals statement based on prompt: “Tell us something about how your past experience has prepared you to engage with conflict and how this program will equip you for your future.”
- GRE or other standardized test scores are NOT required
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the Carter School’s Office of Graduate Admissions at [email protected] or (703) 993- 3655.
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Contact
Program contact
The Carter School Graduate Program Admissions Team:
Email: [email protected]
Program Website:
Contemporary Dispute Resolution Graduate (Certificate Program)
Department/College contact/Website:
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
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