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CAS in Conflict Resolution

As the world becomes increasingly dynamic, the ability to build relationships, negotiate solutions collaboratively, and use multiple approaches for conflict resolution is essential. The 12-credit, graduate-level Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Conflict Resolution is an educational program that allows students to engage in more in-depth study of conflict theory, concepts, and skills. To earn the certificate, students complete a required 3-credit course in the Fundamentals of Conflict Studies and 9 additional credits of graduate coursework selected from the list of accepted courses or with the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students may complete a general program of study, or they may concentrate their classes in one of five specialized areas of study: (1) Applied Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management; (2) Advocacy and Social Movements; (3) Collaborative Governance; (4) Environmental Public Participation and Conflict; or (5) Transnational Conflicts.

Students already in a graduate program can earn the certificate concurrently with their master's or doctoral degree. Mid-career managers may complete the certificate as an independent graduate program. To see further information on the graduate programs offered by Syracuse University, please visit the Syracuse University Graduate School. As a Conflict Resolution certificate student, we expect that you will participate in PARCC events and training. More information about opportunities available through PARCC.

 See courses accepted to fulfill requirements for the CAS in Conflict Resolution

Application Process

For Graduate Students who will complete the certificate in conjunction with their primary graduate degree:

  1. Complete the Graduate Enrollment Internal Admission Application (pdf) form. Have your home college/department official sign form, and submit the form to the PARCC office in 400 Eggers Hall.
    • Important: SUNY-ESF students must obtain the signature of Scott Shannon in the Instruction & Graduate Studies Office, 227 Bray Hall. Also an official transcript from ESF must be sent to PARCC at 400 Eggers Hall.
  2. Complete the Student Proposed Courses form (pdf) drawing upon the list of accepted courses below. Submit this form to the PARCC office. This form will be held and your course of study tracked until requirements for the certificate have been completed. You may schedule an appointment to meet with CAS Director Catherine Gerard, or Coordinator Deborah Toole for help with planning your coursework.
  3. Submit both forms above to the PARCC Office, 400 Eggers Hall. You will receive an email from the Graduate Enrollment Center when the paperwork has been processed and you have been matriculated into the Conflict Resolution certificate program. Please contact the PARCC office if you do not receive notification within 2-3 weeks of submitting your application.

NOTE: If a student is enrolled in more than two programs of study (degree or CAS), course credit may be double counted to fulfill degree requirements; but in no instance shall course credit be counted more than twice in satisfaction of the requirements for multiple degrees and/or programs. In cases in which two or more CASs are to be earned by one student, the minimum number of credits earned by the student must be at least 80 percent of the combined total of SU credits required for each certificate. However, two 12-credit CASs may not be awarded for less than 21 credits.

For Mid-Career Professionals applying for the Stand-Alone Certificate Program:

  1. Fill out an SU Graduate School Application online at: https://graduateadmissions.syr.edu/howtoapply/

NOTE: Applicants should have seven or more years of mid-level professional experience, including management responsibilities with some public sector work preferred.

Faculty Advisors

Faculty advisors are available to assist students in identifying coursework that best meets their personal and professional goals. Students should meet with a faculty member as the first step in applying for the program. The following identifies advisors for specialized areas of study.

Applied Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management - Catherine Gerard
Advocacy and Social Movements - John Burdick
Collaborative Governance - Tina Nabatchi
Environmental Public Participation and Conflict - Farhana Sultana
Transnational Conflicts - Miriam Elman

Courses Accepted: Certificate of Advanced Study in Conflict Resolution

The following courses may be counted toward completion of the CAS in Conflict Resolution. If you find a course you believe is appropriate for the CAS and is not listed below, you may present the course syllabus to PARCC’s Director for consideration that it be added to the list of accepted courses. 

Important notes:

  • Students must submit a “Proposed Course of Study” form with their CAS application listing all courses they intend to count toward the certificate program.
  • A course’s appropriateness for fulfilling CAS requirements may be contingent upon the instructor’s course syllabus, or upon how the course fits with the student’s overall plan of study as determined with an advisor.
  • Once accepted into the CAS program, students must contact the PARCC office (a) if making changes to their proposed course of study, and (b) to submit a final Program of Study during the semester in which the CAS is to be awarded.
  • See SU's Graduate School Academic Rules for rules about minimum GPA required to complete a program and counting credits toward multiple degrees or programs. Academic rules state that "to be awarded a CAS, a student must be matriculated in the certificate program for at least one semester. Matriculation may not be backdated."

Courses Offered in Fall 2017 Semester-


Please note: PAI/SOS 601 Fundamentals of Conflict Studies is required for ALL students. 

Applied Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management

ANT 624         
Negotiation: Theory and Practice
COM 698   Media Law
PAI 895   Mid Career Training- Managerial Leadership (instructor Gerard-only)
SWK 601   Fundamentals of Social Work 
SWK 611   Social Welfare Policy/Services
SWK 777  Community Organization and Development 


Advocacy & Social Movements

EST 608 Environmental Advocacy Campaign: Conflict Resolution 
SWK 778    Policy Practice and Advocacy

 
Collaborative Governance

LAW 700    National Security Law
PAI 713/PSC 703   Governance and Global Civil Society
PAI 750   Political Leadership 

 

Environmental Public Participation and Conflict

EST 608       Environmental Advocacy Campaign: Conflict Resolution 
GEO 606    Development and Sustainability 

 

Transnational Conflicts

LAW 778   International Human Rights 
PAI/PSC 684   International Relations of the Middle East
PAI/ANT 707  Culture in World Affairs
PAI 713/PSC 703 Governance and Global Civil Society
PAI 715  African Conflict (Greenberg House, DC)
PAI 715  International Trade and Economic Negotiations (Greenberg House, DC)
PAI 715  Statecraft and Smart Power (Greenberg House, DC)
PAI 716/ECN 610  Economic Dimensions of Global Power 
PAI 719  Fundamentals of Post-Conflict Reconstruction 
PSC 752  International Law and Organizations (Barkun) 

 

Download a complete list of courses that can be accepted toward CAS in Conflict Resolution organized by Research Area.


If you have questions about certificate paperwork, contact Deborah Toole, PARCC's Office Coordinator, phone: 315.443.2367, email:  datoole@maxwell.syr.edu.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit the Gainful Employment website.