Certificate Program Overview and Sequence
ICCCR Graduate Certificate Program OverviewThe Graduate Studies in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution program at Teachers College, Columbia University is a unique learning opportunity for individuals who want to develop their conflict resolution skills in collaborative negotiation and mediation. Our Cooperation and Conflict Resolution studies is a graduate level program and when taken on a for-credit basis will result in the Advanced Certificate in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (approved by the New York State Department of Education and granted by the Trustees of Columbia University). To earn the graduate certificate, students must complete 16 credits of study.
Note: In lieu of credits, students who complete the same requirements on a noncredit basis will be awarded a Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Certificate of Completion showing that they have fulfilled all of the requirements of the program. Please see "Non-credit Option: Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Certificate of Completion" (below) for more information.
Advanced Certificate in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Outline and Purpose
The Advanced Certificate in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution comprises five required core courses, one elective course, and one semester-long internship. This level of study is aimed at developing the core competencies necessary for reflective scholar/ practitioners working in the conflict resolution field.
These competencies include:
- A comprehensive understanding of theory and research in cooperation; conflict resolution, including the role of power and of groups; negotiation; mediation; cross-cultural communication; and social change
- Strong self-reflective interpersonal, intergroup, and cross-cultural conflict resolution, problem-solving, and intervention skills
- The application of theoretical and practical learning to areas of individual interest, such as school/community conflict resolution programs, organizational assessment and systems design, and work in international relations.
- As a result, certificate holders will become scholar-practitioners able to integrate and implement both applied and academic work in conflict resolution.
Sequence of Courses
The Basic Practicum in Conflict Resolution & Mediation course presents a framework for conflict resolution in which students practice self-reflection and develop a set of skills that are required by the basic collaborative model that we teach. The Fundamentals of Cooperation & Conflict Resolution course presents a comprehensive review of the major theories and research in conflict resolution, both historical and current. These two courses serve as prerequisites for students taking the two Advanced Practicum courses. In Advanced Practicum - Part 1: Mediation & Intergroup Conflicts, students delve deeper into the nuances of conflict and conflict resolution, especially as they relate to intergroup conflict. They also learn about and practice more complex models of third-party interventions, such as multi-party mediations. In Advanced Practicum - Part 2: Conflict Management Systems Consulting, students serve as conflict consultants to a non-profit organization and practice a whole menu of professional consulting activities - entering client systems, performing needs assessments, analyzing client data (e.g., interviews, surveys), and designing conflict management systems. In addition to these four required core courses, students choose an elective from a wide array of Center course offerings. Lastly, students pursuing the Advanced Certificate in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution have an internship experience, participating in either community mediation practice or another experience with organizational conflict. We are expanding our internship offerings to reflect the growing diversity of intervention opportunities in the field.
The Basic Practicum in Conflict Resolution & Mediation course presents a framework for conflict resolution in which students practice self-reflection and develop a set of skills that are required by the basic collaborative model that we teach. The Fundamentals of Cooperation & Conflict Resolution course presents a comprehensive review of the major theories and research in conflict resolution, both historical and current. These two courses serve as prerequisites for students taking the two Advanced Practicum courses. In Advanced Practicum - Part 1: Mediation & Intergroup Conflicts, students delve deeper into the nuances of conflict and conflict resolution, especially as they relate to intergroup conflict. They also learn about and practice more complex models of third-party interventions, such as multi-party mediations. In Advanced Practicum - Part 2: Conflict Management Systems Consulting, students serve as conflict consultants to a non-profit organization and practice a whole menu of professional consulting activities - entering client systems, performing needs assessments, analyzing client data (e.g., interviews, surveys), and designing conflict management systems. In addition to these four required core courses, students choose an elective from a wide array of Center course offerings. Lastly, students pursuing the Advanced Certificate in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution have an internship experience, participating in either community mediation practice or another experience with organizational conflict. We are expanding our internship offerings to reflect the growing diversity of intervention opportunities in the field.
Advanced Certificate in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Requirements
Required Core Courses
These courses may be taken for credit or noncredit.
ORLJ 5340: Basic Practicum in Conflict Resolution & Mediation.....3 credits
ORLJ 6040: Fundamentals of Cooperation & Conflict Resolution....3 credits
ORLJ 6350: Advanced Practicum in Conflict Resolution, Part I......3 credits
ORLJ 6350: Advanced Practicum in Conflict Resolution, Part II.....3 credits
Click here for more information about required core courses.
Required Elective Course
This course may be taken for credit or noncredit.
ORLJ Elective: Any ICCCR Conflict Resolution Course....................1 or 3 credits
Click here for more information about required elective courses.
Required Internship
This internship course may be taken for credit or noncredit.
ORLJ 5012:Organizational Internship-Community Mediation.........3 credits
Click here for more information about the required internship.
TOTAL Credit Hours........................................................................16 credits
These courses may be taken for credit or noncredit.
ORLJ 5340: Basic Practicum in Conflict Resolution & Mediation.....3 credits
ORLJ 6040: Fundamentals of Cooperation & Conflict Resolution....3 credits
ORLJ 6350: Advanced Practicum in Conflict Resolution, Part I......3 credits
ORLJ 6350: Advanced Practicum in Conflict Resolution, Part II.....3 credits
Click here for more information about required core courses.
Required Elective Course
This course may be taken for credit or noncredit.
ORLJ Elective: Any ICCCR Conflict Resolution Course....................1 or 3 credits
Click here for more information about required elective courses.
Required Internship
This internship course may be taken for credit or noncredit.
ORLJ 5012:Organizational Internship-Community Mediation.........3 credits
Click here for more information about the required internship.
TOTAL Credit Hours........................................................................16 credits
Noncredit Option: Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Certificate of Completion
A Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Certificate of Completion is designed to prepare students to analyze, address, and manage conflict effectively and professionally. The program consists of 16 units of noncredit coursework and is geared to those students who are not seeking a transcripted certificate, but who want to gain the knowledge and experience required for success in the field of conflict resolution at a lower cost than our for-credit certificate. This certificate program requires that students meet the same rigorous requirements as for-credit students. This includes papers, projects, participation, etc. Upon completion of the requirements, participants will receive the Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Certificate of Completion.
You may be a degree-seeking student or nondegree student and enrolled in either Certificate:
Advanced Certificate in Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (FOR CREDIT)
Degree Student: Enrolled in a degree program at TC (e.g., M.A. in Organizational Psychology) and all certificate courses are taken for credit.
Nondegree Student: Not enrolled in a degree program and all certificate courses taken for credit (i.e., not pursuing an Master's or doctoral degree at the same time).
Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Certificate of Completion (NONCREDIT)
Degree Student: Enrolled in a degree program at TC and take noncredit certificate courses, or a combination of credit and nonecredit certificate courses.
Nondegree Student: All certificate courses taken as noncredit (i.e., not pursuing an Master's or doctoral degree at the same time).