Graduate School - Conflict Resolution
Contact Information Joe L. Cope, Advisor
Page Links: • Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (MA) | Faculty Joe L. Cope, Associate Professor Angela L. Brenton L. Randolph Lowry Robert Otey Peter Robinson Patty Wenetschlaeger |
Introduction
The Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (MA-CRR) is offered through the Department of Conflict Resolution. The degree is a 36-credit hour non-thesis program. A 15-hour graduate certificate in conflict resolution is also available. A majority of the degree and certificate courses are offered in an online format with a mandatory residency session each year designed to concentrate on practical skill development. In addition, 6 credit hours are taken as a conflict practicum which is arranged in conjunction with the program advisor.
PLEASE NOTE: Because most courses are offered online, students must have access to a computer with an internet connection and have sufficient technical proficiency for the online environment.
The program is designed to prepare students to analyze, address and manage conflict effectively and professionally. The faculty and course materials emphasize the importance of reconciliation. The degree will serve professionals currently engaged in careers in business, education, counseling and ministry, as well as individuals engaged in dispute resolution professions.
Primary purposes of the program are to equip and enable graduates who:
1. Are recognized and utilized as peacemakers, regardless of their professional or
career positions;
2. Are well-versed in conflict theory and are equipped with the knowledge and skills
necessary to effectively manage conflict;
3. Possess the capacity for advancement into positions of leadership and service in a wide
range of professions; and
4. Mentor and challenge others to pursue godly lives of collaboration and reconciliation.
Course work in this program has been designed to provide students with a depth of knowledge in the theory of conflict and its management. The emphasis on reconciliation reflects the importance of maintaining relationships even when we disagree. Each student is introduced and immersed in practical skills that both foster those relationships and effectively move parties to agree.
The Department of Conflict Resolution works in partnership with ACU’s Center for Conflict Resolution. Since 2000, the Center has endeavored to equip, encourage, and support individuals as peacemakers in personal relationships, families, churches, schools, professions and communities. The Center for Conflict Resolution provides reconciliation services for individuals, organizations and churches, as well as providing opportunities for service and experience to program students and graduates.
Entrance into the program is not limited to any specific undergraduate degree. All candidates for admission to the MA-CRR program must meet the Graduate School Admission Requirements section of this catalog. In addition to the general Graduate School requirements, applicants must submit: 1. An essay of no more than 1,000 words detailing the applicant’s motivation for
undertaking a focused study on conflict resolution and reconciliation;
2. A satisfactory GRE or MAT score; and
3. Upon request, a personal or telephone interview with the program advisor or other
departmental faculty or staff.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND RECONCILIATION (MA)
Major Code: CRR
Students are admitted in cohort groups. Courses and sequencing are detailed below.
Requirements for the MA in conflict resolution and reconciliation are:
| YEAR 1 COURSES (15 HOURS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | ||
| CONR 601* | Conflict Theory and Communication | |
| CONR 603* | Negotiation: Principles and Practice | |
| Spring | ||
| CONR 604* | Mediation: Principles and Practice | |
| CONR 610 | Managing Conflict in the Workplace or | |
| CONR 615 | Managing Conflict in Schools or | |
| BIBM 645 | Managing Conflict in Churces (not online) | |
| Summer | ||
| CONR 630 | Advanced Mediation: Marital Disputes | |
| Residency Session 1 | (Requires travel to one-week residency session location) | |
| YEAR 2 COURSES (15 HOURS) | ||
| Fall | ||
| MGMT 636 | Organizational Behavior | |
| CONR 640 | Conflict Management Systems Design | |
| Spring | ||
| COMS 641 | Theories of Interpersonal Communication | |
| CONR 640 | Dispute Resolution and the Legal System | |
| Summer | ||
| CONR 640 | Ethics and Conflict Resolution | |
| Residency Session 2 | (Requires travel to one-week residency session location) | |
| PRACTICUM (6 HOURS) | ||
| CONR 640 | Practicum | |
| The conflict resolution practicum may be started as early as Semester 3 (after completion of the qualifying exam requirement). | ||
Qualifying Exam
*After completion of CONR 601, CONR 603 and CONR 604, each student must satisfactorily pass a qualifying examination on the content of these courses before being allowed to participate in Residency Session 1 and practicum.
CERTIFICATE IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The graduate certificate in conflict resolution is offered for those students who are not seeking the graduate degree, yet desire specialized education in conflict management. The certificate is a 15-credit hour program and tracks with the first year of the master’s program. A residency session is required to successfully complete the certificate.
The Center for Conflict Resolution also offers a 12-hour graduate certificate in conflict resolution designed specifically for educators. This unique program includes on-line course work and a one-week residency session for the development of practical skills and for training trainers of mediators in the school setting. Special materials for trainers will be provided. Students may apply 12 hours toward the Master of Education in Leadership of Learning degree.
PLEASE NOTE: Because most courses are offered online, students must have access to a computer with an internet connection and have sufficient technical proficiency for the online environment.
Admission Requirements
All candidates for the certificate must complete an application for the certificate program with both the Graduate School and must submit an official undergraduate transcript that shows a completed bachelor’s degree.
CERTIFICATE IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION (CER)
Major Code: CONR
Students are admitted in cohort groups. Courses and sequencing are detailed below.
Requirements for the certificate in conflict resolution are:
| COURSES (15 HOURS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | ||
| CONR 601* | Conflict Theory and Communication | |
| CONR 603* | Negotiation: Principles and Practice | |
| Spring | ||
| CONR 604* | Mediation: Principles and Practice | |
| CONR 610 | Managing Conflict in the Workplace or | |
| CONR 615 | Managing Conflict in Schools or | |
| BIBM 645 | Managing Conflict in Churches (not online) | |
| Summer | ||
| CONR 603 | Advanced Mediation: Marital Disputes | |
| Residency Session | (Requires travel to one-week residency session location) | |
Qualifying Exam
*After completion of CONR 601, CONR 603, and CONR 604, each student must satisfactorily pass a qualifying examination on the content of these courses before being allowed to participate in the residency session.
CERTIFICATE IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR EDUCATORS (CER)
Major Code: CCRE
Requirements for the certificate in conflict resolution for educators are:
| COURSES (12 HOURS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | ||
| CONR 601 | Conflict Theory and Communication | |
| CONR 603 | Negotiation: Principles and Practice | |
| Spring | ||
| CONR 604 | Mediation: Principles and Practice | |
| CONR 615 | Managing Conflict in Schools | |
| Summer | ||
| Residency Session | (Requires travel to one-week residency session location) | |
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