Conflict Resolution Certificate Program
Conflict Resolution is one of the fastest growing and most pertinent fields of study in today’s conflict-ridden and violent world.
Ashley Burke (MA IPS) in Niger
Conflict Resolution prepares students for the ‘real’ world through learning to integrate the theory, research and practice offered by this multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary field. Students learn to do systematic analysis of conflicts using conflict resolution theories and through conducting both primary and secondary research. Using their own analysis and through in class simulations and through internship opportunities, students develop many conflict resolution skills such as communication, listening, negotiation, mediation and dialogue. Students may choose to focus on a specific policy/ practice area within conflict resolution for instance, trade, migration, development, security, business, gender, and environment.
Conflict Resolution majors find employment in different settings like local and international NGOs, government agencies, United Nations, policy think-tanks, research institutes, court systems and businesses.
Non-Degree Options
Individuals who wish to complete a course of study to receive the Certificate in International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution may do so within a period of two semesters. These students are considered non-degree, as they are not enrolled in a master’s degree program, and will have a different set of admissions requirements. Working professionals, recent undergraduate students, and individuals who already hold an advanced degree can be considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more details.
Conflict Resolution Certificate: Study Plan
This certificate is comprised of a minimum of 20 credits with an average grade of B or higher for all courses completed in furtherance of the certificate.
Required Core Course:
Plus one of the following:
- IPOL 8509 International Negotiations
- IPOL 8586 Arms Control Simulations (bilateral and multilateral alternating years)
- IPOL 8616 Seminar: Environmental Conflict Management
And at least 12 credits from any of the following*:
- IPOL 8522 Rethinking Human Rights
- IPOL 8538 Political Violence in the Mid-East
- IPOL 8545 Culture and Conflict
- IPOL 8553 US Foreign Policy
- IPOL 8560 Introduction to International Migration Studies
- IPOL 8565 Intro to Network Analysis
- IPOL 8576 Peacemaking & the Environment
- IPOL 8585 International Organizations
- IPOL 8617 Seminar: Ethics and Force in International Politics
- IPOL 8628 Seminar: International Migration, Security and Human Rights
- IPOL 8630 Seminar: Human Security
- IPOL 8634 Seminar: Security, Justice & Development
- IPOL 8636 Seminar: Media in International Public Affairs
- IPOL 8647 Seminar: US - Mexico Relations
- IPOL 8650 Seminar: Human Rights Impact Assessment
- IPOL 8655 Seminar: Conflict & Cooperation in South Asia
- IPOL 8671 Seminar: Paradigm Shift: Security, Development and Human Rights
- IPOL 8679 Seminar: Conflict and Peacebuilding in Divided Societies
- IPOL 8682 Seminar: Non-State Actors and Conflict Resolution
- IPOL 8686 Seminar: International Trade Negotiation Simulation
- IPOL 8689 Seminar: Islam, Islamism and Politics in Russia
- IPOL 8690 Seminar: Charismatic Leadership in the 21st century
- WKSH 8549 Human Trafficking
- WKSH 8556 Mediation Training Workshop
- WKSH 8520 Social Change Manager as Mediator
* Additional options are available on the Conflict Resolution advising syllabus. Contact your assigned Academic Advisor for more information.
The requirements listed above are effective as of June 1, 2011.













