Program Overview

---

Contemporary Dispute Resolution (Graduate Certificate)

Program Summary

The Contemporary Dispute Resolution Graduate Certificate is a 100% online program consisting of 15 total credits. The degree is offered by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, with a start date of 1/20/2026.

Program Description

The purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Dispute Resolution is to prepare individuals with the analytical and practical skills to deal effectively with disputes in work settings, including schools, businesses, and local and state government. Students will be prepared to analyze and understand disputes in the context of larger social structures, such as economic and racial inequality, and unequal access to the justice and education systems. Students will be trained to identify and implement appropriate dispute resolution strategies, including mediation, negotiation, coaching, and facilitation.

Career Opportunities

Conflict resolution alumni apply their degrees broadly, tackling complex problems in various fields. Graduates can be employed across a wide spectrum of careers, as conflict is present in every field and job sector. The skills developed in this program, such as problem-solving, interpersonal communication, writing, research, effective team collaboration, and multi-cultural fluency, are in demand among today's employers.

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.

Details

Who should apply?

The program is developed in partnership with the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM). Students come to the Carter School to learn from leaders in peace and conflict resolution. The program teaches students to identify the underlying causes of conflict and equips them with cutting-edge theory and practical skills to put their knowledge into action.

Why choose George Mason?

• Mason's Conflict Analysis and Resolution program is the largest in the world.
• The 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, accommodating those who work full-time or live remotely.
• The curriculum allows students to pursue their interests.
• Faculty members are among the leading experts in the field of conflict analysis and resolution.

Admission Requirements

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 the 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 letter of recommendation
• Goals statement based on the 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