Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate

The study and use of alternative dispute resolution processes has increased rapidly over the past two decades in the public and private sector. Courts, business owners, employers, HOAs, realtors, and universities as well as government agencies are using mediation to help improve working relationships, cut legal costs, and increase productivity.

The Mediation and Dispute Resolution Professional Certificate Program is designed for those wishing to enhance their knowledge and practice of dispute resolution process, for people pursuing a career in dispute resolution, and those seeking to improve their communication skills for personal growth. The curriculum explores the history of dispute resolution and merges a theoretical grounding with a practical application of collaborative problem solving to offer a solid educational experience.

Completion of the program shows evidence to a prospective or current employer of recent professional-level training and development in this field for career advancement and/or salary increase purposes. Participants will receive Continuing Education Units for program courses completed and courses may fulfill continuing education requirements for specific professions.

Dennis Thompson,
Mediation and Dispute Resolution Certificate Program

"I completed the Mediation Certificate Program at UTA in the fall of 2010. I chose this program because I liked the affordability of the courses and the fact that classes were offered over several weeks, which allowed me time for additional reading and study between sessions. Completing the entire Certificate Program gave me exposure to all types of mediation, i.e. civil, family, and workplace, as well as negotiation and transformative mediation training. Having been trained in each of those disciplines allows me to use a combination of techniques to settle civil and family disputes. I have now mediated more than 130 cases in the two years since I completed the program. I recently co-authored an article with Kay Elkins-Elliott entitled "Closing the Case" published in the fall 2012 publication of the Texas Mediator, a publication of the Texas Association of Mediators. Whether you are considering these classes as a pathway to becoming a full-time credentialed mediator, or simply enhancing your professional resume, UTA's program fits the bill."

Certificate Requirements:

Candidates for the certificate must complete 4 required courses, 2 electives and a practicum. Candidates must successfully complete all certificate required courses and practicum in order to receive the overall program certificate. The program may be completed in 18 - 24 months; however, candidates have three years from the date their first course ends to complete the program.

In order to obtain an overall program certificate for the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Professional Certificate Program, participants must pay a nonrefundable $50 Certificate Program Fee by the completion of the second course. Upon completion of a certificate program students must notify the Continuing Education office. The Continuing Education office will verify the students completion status and mail the certificate out to the address on record.

Mediation Practicum:

Participants who complete the Basic Mediation Course are eligible to participate in the Mediation Practicum designed to bridge the gap between the classroom training and real mediations.

Please contact Stephanie Broughton at broughtons@uta.edu or 817.272.2581 if you were completing your practicum at DMS or you need to set up your Mediation Practicum.