Because conflict is a natural and recurring part of all aspects of society, students from all walks of life benefit from a master’s study in the interdisciplinary study of dispute resolution and conflict management. The human-centered skills learned in the Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution can enhance current career paths or launch new careers.
Rooted in the social and behavioral sciences, the curriculum provides in-depth study of conflict theory with options for concentration in alternative dispute resolution, organizational transformation and conflict management, leadership coaching, and healthcare collaboration and conflict engagement as they apply to business, family, education, public policy, religion, law and healthcare. Field-based opportunities in a variety of settings further enhance the skills of dispute resolution and conflict management.
Admission
SMU’s MADR program accepts and reviews applications throughout the year on a rolling basis for summer, fall and spring semesters. The preferred application deadlines are May 15 for summer admission, January 1 for spring admission, and July 1 for fall admission.
SMU strives to enroll motivated and enthusiastic students prepared and interested in rigorous graduate education. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Our most successful applicants typically have a GPA of 2.7 - 3.5 from their undergraduate institution; however, every aspect of the application submitted is carefully reviewed and considered for the experience and contribution each student brings to the SMU classroom. If applying to the master’s program after completing the graduate certificate program in dispute resolution, a 3.500 GPA from the certificate program and evidence of compliance with all other admission requirements.
To apply for admission to the MADR program please submit the following for consideration:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
- SMU online application.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher is preferred.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- An essay, one – two pages double spaced, explaining interest in studying dispute resolution.
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- Interview with admissions faculty.
- Application fee.
- International applicants for admission decision: Translated foreign transcripts and proof of English proficiency. If accepted: documentation required to receive student visa (https://www.smu.edu/EnrollmentServices/international/For-Scholars/New-Scholar-Information).
Note: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required but applicants may submit their scores if would like them considered with their application.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in dispute resolution and conflict management (MADR) requires the completion of 36 credit hours with the option of concentrated study. Dispute resolution does not require enrollment minimums per term. Students are advised to take HDDR 6302 , HDDR 6303 , and HDDR 6319 in their first semester(s). Additionally, students must take HDDR 6310 before the final capstone course, HDDR 6308 . All other required and elective courses may be taken in any particular order or sequence. The Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution may be completed in one year at a full-time pace, averaging two-three years part-time, and not to exceed six years.
The M.A.D.R. program requires the completion of 36 credit hours in dispute resolution, 24 of which are required and 12 of which are dispute resolution (HDDR) electives. Note: six hours of elective coursework may be taken in MLS or other SMU graduate courses with special permission. Students must complete the degree within six years of the program start date.
The concentrations offered within the dispute resolution program cover a broad spectrum of applications and topics. As an aid to planning, the following concentrations have been designed to assist in the selection of elective coursework. Students select four HDDR courses from within concentration areas or across concentration areas depending on their needs. Courses are offered on a rotation; therefore all courses may not be offered every term or year.
Completion of HDDR 6303 satisfies the Texas statutory requirement for being a court-connected mediator. Completion of HDDR 6331 in conjunction with HDDR 6303 satisfies the Texas statutory requirement for being a court-connected mediator to extend cases in Texas family law (e.g., divorce, child custody, support. Completion of coaching courses, HDDR 6390 , HDDR 6391 , and a third course (HDDR 6392 , HDDR 6327 , BHSC 7341 , BHSC 7368 , BHSC 7369 ) may be applied towards the certification requirements for the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
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