The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Conflict Resolution is awarded to recipients of a graduate degree from the Maxwell School, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, or other units of Syracuse University who meet the requirements set forth below. The four areas of interest are:

International Conflicts and their Management (Advisor: Robert Rubinstein)
Applied Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management (Advisor: John Murray)
Social Movements and Strategies of Conflict (Advisor: John Burdick)
Environmental, Public Participation and Conflict Studies (Advisor: Susan Senecah)

The Certificate is recognition of learning and experience in conflict studies. The requirements include four components: (1) substantive familiarity with at least one source of conflict that will be of major concern during the coming decade, (2) knowledge of traditional approaches to resolving conflicts, (3) knowledge of alternative approaches to resolving conflicts, and (4) experience in conflict resolution activities. If area of focus is international conflict studies: knowledge about one country in addition to US is required. If area of focus is environmental: knowledge about one major environmental conflict is required. The Social Movement's certificate requires the following courses: Social Movement Theory and Practice (fall semester); Collaborative Methodology (spring semester) and Follow-Up and Assessment (summer or fall semester).

Knowledge about a major conflict. Completion with a grade of B or better at least in a 3-credit graduate course pertaining to a major source of conflict in the coming decade.

Knowledge about traditional approaches to resolving conflicts. This requirement is demonstrated by completing SOS 601, Fundamentals in Social Conflict Studies

Knowledge about alternative approaches to resolving conflicts. This requirement is demonstrated by completing with a grade of B or better at least 9 credit hours of graduate coursework relating to environmental negotiation/mediation, environmental communications theory, social conflict theory, and/or alternative dispute resolution.

Experience with resolving community, social, organizational or environmental conflicts. This requirement is met through a 3-credit hour internship or through equivalent independent activity. In either case, the appropriateness of the experience must be discussed prior to initiation with the advisor. Whether the option for a 3-credit internship or an independent practical activity is taken, a written statement by the candidate for the Certificate must be submitted to the advisor after the experience. The statement (approximately 10 pages) must critically assess the experience and relate it to one or two issues relating to conflict studies.

As soon as possible after beginning graduate work, a potential candidate for the Certificate should meet with the appropriate advisor and prepare a Proposed Program of Study to meet the requirements. When the requirements have been met, the student must file a Record of Completed Work. The Certificate will be awarded upon completion of the requirements for a graduate degree. 

Certificate of Advanced Studies in Conflict Resolution Program on the Analysis and Resolution of Conflicts Proposed Program of Study

Major Advisor: ____________________ Department: ____________ Date of Graduation:_____________

                            Area of Interest: __________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________