World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution

This 15-credit program is specifically tailored to provide students with practical knowledge of conflict analysis and resolution relevant to their focused areas of work. Designed for midcareer professionals studying in a cohort environment, the certificate programs integrate conflict analysis and resolution theory, research, and practical technique. These programs use intensive course sessions, lecture, seminar, and applied mentored learning in real and simulated situations to prepare students to use conflict analysis and resolution approaches in their work in a variety of fields.  The World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution Certificate considers strategies to reduce global violence and terrorism by incorporating the best moral practices of religious communities into policy planning, diplomacy, civil society building and democratization. Covers strategies to elicit moderate moral religious expression in conflict regions to strengthen civil society and democracy.

Students take 12 credits of required course work.

CONF 502 - Intensive Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution Credits: 3 (fall and spring)
CONF 653 - World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution Credits: 3 (fall)
CONF 660 - Conflict Assessment and Program Evaluation Credits: 3 (spring)
CONF 668 - Applied Integration for Graduate Certificates Credits: 3 (summer)

Elective Courses

Students take 3 credits of elective course work. They may choose from the following:

CONF 656 - Integrating Complementary Approaches in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Credits: 3 (spring)
CONF 657 - Facilitation Skills Credits: 3 (spring)
CONF 658 - Diversity and Difference in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Credits: 3 (spring)
CONF 659 - Leadership in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Credits: 3 (spring)
CONF 665 - Special Topics in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Credits: 3

In addition to meeting all admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit an undergraduate transcript showing completion of an undergraduate degree or equivalent, a cover letter specifying interest in the program, two letters of recommendation, and a curriculum vitae or résumé indicating relevant work experience.

In addition, prior work experience in areas related to the chosen graduate certificate is desirable. GRE or other standardized test scores are not required but may be submitted. The TOEFL is required of international students. For more information, see the Admission of International Students section in the Admissions chapter of this catalog. Although students may enter the program in either the fall or spring semester, they are strongly encouraged to participate fully in the cohort learning experience by enrolling for the fall semester, taking two courses in the fall and two in the spring, and completing their certificate with the final course in the summer. The capstone course is only offered in the summer, students admitted for the spring term should expect their certificate program to take at least 18 months.

Please note Graduate Certificate courses are offered only in Saturday and Sunday sessions. Please check the Schedule of Classes for each term to identify course meeting dates, and specific add/drop dates for these partial semester courses.