Conflict management and mediation skills are important in any profession that involves working with people. Educators, social workers, human resource professionals, health care professionals, and leaders in public, private, nonprofit, and religious organizations are among those whose responsibilities include managing conflict.

The field of conflict mediation is expanding nationwide in business, government, and education. Conflict mediators assist individuals and groups in reaching agreements on matters ranging from employee grievances to child custody. Many courts are beginning to refer cases to mediation before they are litigated.

Whether you are interested in a career in conflict mediation or you feel that conflict mediation skills would enhance your effectiveness in your current career, this graduate certificate may be for you. Courses are scheduled on weekends for the convenience of working professionals and are taught by UALR faculty and by national experts in the field.

Students can complete the program in a year or can go at their own pace. Electives allow students to tailor the program to various interest areas. The program offers numerous and varied opportunities for developing skills in role-play situations with individualized feedback. For more information, please visit our website.

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the graduate certificate in Conflict Mediation must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or internationally accredited institution. Applicants can be from any discipline or major.

Applicants must submit all transcripts from previous institutions to the UA Little Rock Graduate School. Work in other graduate programs or professional programs will be considered in making admission decisions. In addition, all applicants must submit the following documents directly to the Conflict Mediation graduate coordinator:

• A written statement of educational and career goals
• A current resume
• Two letters of recommendation

Regular Admission

Applicants will be considered for regular admission if they have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or better on a previous baccalaureate or graduate degree, or if they have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or better on their last 60 hours of coursework.

Conditional Admission

Applicants will be considered for conditional admission if they have achieved a GPA between 2.7 and 2.99 on a previous baccalaureate or graduate degree, or if they have achieved a GPA between 2.7 and 2.99 on their last 60 hours of coursework. Conditionally admitted students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better in their first 9 hours of coursework in order to remain in the program.

Special Conditional Admission

Applicants with a GPA between 2.4 and 2.69 who demonstrate extraordinary potential for professional achievement may petition the Conflict Mediation graduate coordinator for special consideration if s/he has a minimum of three years of verified professional work in nonprofits and is recommended after a personal interview. Applicants whose petitions are approved by the Conflict Mediation graduate coordinator will be subject to the same requirements and restrictions as those listed above for conditionally admitted students.