The Dispute Resolution Certificate Program is housed in the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, supervised by the Dean of the College, and managed by the Director of the BSU Office of Conflict Management Services, who is assisted by an Academic Advisory Board. The Dispute Resolution Certificate will be awarded following completion of an associate or baccalaureate degree. Students learn the theoretical foundations of negotiation and mediation, types of mediation, mediation models, mediation case work skills, building the mediation plan, interpersonal communication skills for mediation, and various resolution techniques. Competency-based testing is required by several mediation professional organizations. Students conduct case work and mediate a case from within their emphasis area before a panel of expert mediators.
Students discuss issues related to mediation within their specialty area.