The Mediation & Dispute Resolution Certificate Program:
Information for Prospective Students

The Mediation & Dispute Resolution Certificate Program began in fall 2005 and consisted of a combination of academic courses and skills training classes. This combination allows individuals to merge theory and practice as they enhance their dispute resolution acumen.

ACADEMIC COURSES | What’s Available

The Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program allows individuals to mix classroom work with practical opportunities. Individuals are able to select from various academic courses.

The academic courses are offered through the law school, and the training classes are provided by the Center for Dispute Resolution (CDR). Current skill-building training classes include Negotiation, Basic Mediation, Becoming a More Effective Mediator, Succeeding in the Business of Mediation, Mediation Ethics, Intensive Mediation and Handling Workplace Conflicts.

The curriculum also includes options for on-line education and pre-approved courses from outside training organizations to allow individuals to take specialized training courses that CDR does not offer and to allow out-of-state individuals to take training classes closer to their homes. Individuals may choose to complete the Certificate Program in its entirety or may choose to select the components that best serve their immediate needs. For example, individuals may choose to complete the academic courses to increase their knowledge of dispute resolution or individuals may choose to complete only the skills training classes to enhance their mediation skills. “Grandfather” provisions will allow individuals the opportunity to apply previously completed courses and/or trainings toward completion of the certificate.

WHO | Should Enroll

The Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program welcomes all individuals who want to enhance their knowledge and skills related to dispute resolution. The program structure will enable individuals outside of Central Ohio to complete the program with a combination of “on-campus” and “off-campus” options. Individuals will be required to complete a minimum of 18 semester hours of instruction. Individuals will be able to complete a certificate in one or two years depending on their time availability.

Business leaders, human resource managers, accountants, real estate agents, supervisors, professors, teachers, nurses, customer service managers, attorneys, paralegals and others can enroll in this program to master conflict resolution and mediation skills. Individuals may tailor their certificate to enhance their reputations as skilled and knowledgeable dispute resolution professionals in a variety of topic areas.

BENEFITS | To Individuals Who Enroll

Individuals who enroll in the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program will obtain:

- Improved understanding of the continuum of dispute resolution processes
- Improved negotiation, conflict resolution, mediation and/or arbitration skills
- Increased knowledge of laws and codes of conduct related to dispute resolution practice
- Increased understanding of the use of dispute resolution process in a variety of systems
- Quality instruction from experienced and knowledgeable professors and trainers
- Participation in the rich history and internationally-recognized dispute resolution work at Capital

APPLICATION | Admission Information

Interested applicants should express their goals and objectives toward study in the dispute resolution field in a brief written statement. Career / work experience will play a large part in the admission decision. Interested applicants may apply on-line or request an application form by contacting the Certificate Program at 614.236.6310.

Most classes are held in downtown Columbus. Estimated tuition for the certificate programs is $546 per semester hour. In view of the increasing costs of education, tuition increases can be expected from time to time. Please inquire about available scholarships.