Mediation & Dispute Resolution Certificate Program
Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

Are there two different certificates awarded by Capital University Law School?

A:

Yes. Individuals may earn either a Mediation Certificate or a Dispute Resolution Certificate. Individuals may not obtain both certificates.

Q:

What is the difference between the Mediation Certificate and the Dispute Resolution Certificate?

A:

The Mediation Certificate allows individuals to concentrate on the theory and practice of mediation. The Dispute Resolution Certificates allows individuals to survey an array of dispute resolution processes within a specific system.

Q:

How many hours does it take to earn the Mediation Certificate or the Dispute Resolution Certificate?

A:

Individuals will be required to complete a minimum of 18 semester hours.

Q:

What are the basic requirements of the Mediation Certificate and the Dispute Resolution Certificate?

A:

Core Curriculum Component: The core curriculum, consisting of the Dispute Resolution course, Negotiation course and Mediation Training class, must be completed at Capital University Law School.
[7 semester hours]

Practice & Scholarship Component: The practice and scholarship consists of mediation or dispute resolution clinic, externship and an academic paper. These requirements are coordinated and evaluated by Capital University Law School.
[7 semester hours]

Specialization Component: The specialization component allows individuals to focus on dispute resolution or mediation practice areas of interest of them. Specialization academic courses and/or training classes may be completed at Capital University Law School or other pre-approved education institutions and/or training providers.
[4 semester hours]

Q:

Can an individual obtain both a Mediation and a Dispute Resolution Certificate?

A:

No.

Q:

How do I determine which academic course and training classes to select to complete my Mediation Certificate or Dispute Resolution Certificate?

A:

Each individual is assigned a Program Advisor, who will assist in the selection of academic courses and training classes.

Q:

How much does it cost to obtain the Mediation Certificate or the Dispute Resolution Certificate?

A:

The cost is $546.00 per semester hour, therefore the tuition cost of completing the Mediation Certificate or the Dispute Resolution will be $9,828.00. There will be additional costs for books and other similar expenses. In addition, this is a cost estimate because the program allows individuals to take a limited number of clock hours from pre-approved organizations and those organizations may charge more or less than a $546.00 per semester hour rate.

Q:

How many hours must an individual spend in Columbus to complete the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program?

A:

An individual must complete a minimum of 7 semester hours at Capital University Law School.

Q:

Can academic course work completed at another college or university be used to satisfy the course work requirement for the Mediation Certificate or the Dispute Resolution Certificate?

A:

Yes, but only if the following five conditions are met:

1. The course(s) is offered by an accredited college or university,
2. The individual is assigned a letter grade at the end of the course(s),
3. The course(s) must be pre-approved by the Certificate Program Administrator,
4. The course(s) may only count toward the elective-hour requirement, and
5. The course(s) cannot account for more than 2 semester hours of the elective-hour requirement.

An additional administrative fee will be assessed for approving and certifying courses taken at other accredited colleges or universities.

Q:

Can the Mediation Clinic or Dispute Resolution Clinic be completed at a location outside of Columbus?

A:

Yes, but only if the proper monitoring/feedback mechanisms can be established and approved prior to beginning the clinic.

Q:

Can the Mediation Externship or Dispute Resolution Externship be completed at a location outside of Columbus?

A:

Yes, if the proper supervision can be established and approved prior to the individual participating in the externship.

Q:

Can training classes offered by a training organization other than the Center for Dispute Resolution at Capital University Law School be used to satisfy the training requirement for the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program?

A:

Yes, but only if the following five conditions are met:

1. The Mediation Training Class must be taken from the Center for Dispute Resolution at Capital University Law School.
2. The training provider must provide a detailed written evaluation of the individual’s participation in the training class(es),
3. The training class(es) must be pre-approved by the Certificate Program Administrator,
4. The training class(es) may only count toward the elective-hour requirement, and
5. The training class(es) cannot account for more than 3 semester hours of the elective-hour requirement.

Q:

How do I obtain pre-approval for academic courses and/or training classes that I plan to take outside Capital University Law School or its Center for Dispute Resolution?

A:

The Certificate Program Administrator will review the official course description as provided by the college or instructor 30 days or more prior to the start of the course work. An additional administrative fee will be assessed for pre-approving and certifying courses taken at other accredited colleges or universities.

Q:

What is the criteria for scholarships and how do I apply?

A:

The Certificate Programs Office will provide a scholarship application form which an individual must complete and return at least 30 days prior to beginning courses. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Scholarship funds may only be used for academic courses or training classes provided by Capital University Law School.

Q:

What electives does Capital University Law School offer as part of the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program?

A:

Please see the Dispute Resolution Curriculum web page on this site.

Q:

Does the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program have a “grandfather” provision for individuals who have successfully completed academic courses and training classes provided by Capital University Law School and/or its Center for Dispute Resolution?

A:

Yes.

Individuals may request credit toward their mediation or dispute resolution certificate for qualifying law school academic courses taken within the six years prior to applying to the certificate program. Credit will be granted if an individual provides all requested documentation and the academic course meets all requirements.

Individuals may request credit toward their mediation or dispute resolution certificate for training classes taken within the three years prior to applying to the certificate program. Credit will be granted if an individual provides all requested documentation and the training class(es) meet all requirements. In most cases, partial credit will be granted upon the condition the individual successfully completes the designated refresher course with CDR.

Q:

How long does it take to complete the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program?

A:

Depending on an individual’s personal schedule, the Certificate Program may be completed in one year. Individuals enrolled in the Certificate Program may take up to three years to complete the Program.

Q:

When can an individual enroll in the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program?

A:

Individuals may enroll at any time.

Q:

Who awards the certificate?

A:

Capital University Law School.

Q:

Can courses or training classes taken as part of the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program count toward a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution or as part of other Master’s Degrees offered by Capital University?

A:

Not at this time.

Q:

Must the entire Mediation Training class be completed in a one-week time period?

A:

No. An individual may complete the Mediation Training class in segments designated on the Center for Dispute Resolution training schedule.

Q:

Will the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program consider any exceptions to the general rules and requirements?

A:

Yes. Individuals may petition the Certificate Program Administrator to request exceptions. Individuals requesting exceptions must be in writing that details the specific exception being requested along with all relevant supporting evidence. All petitions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision of the Certificate Program Administrator is final.