The program brings together the best of many years of Columbia University’s work in the area of conflict resolution, so it has access to networks of partners around New York City and the metropolitan area, as well as internationally in a variety of sectors stretching from schools and education to global corporations, from the municipal government to the United Nations. These networks will provide access to internships and other opportunities that will inform students as they gain practical experience in the field.

Yes, the master’s program is an outgrowth of the conflict resolution programs and inter-school collaborations already in existence within the Columbia University system. The ICCCR at Teachers College has had a long-term relationship with the School of Social Work. The master’s program creates opportunities to strengthen this relationship even further by including social work as one area of specialization in the program.

The program is not strictly focused on mediation per se, yet a person successfully concluding the master’s degree will be in a position to perform the functions of a mediator effectively and properly. The person would also be in a position to consider her/his professional alternatives, including starting her/his own practice as a mediator, or working as a mediator for an organization.

The core curriculum is meant to create a foundation and common language among the students and between students and faculty. It is also designed to facilitate the peer-to-peer relations that will strengthen the cohort of the incoming class. Supporting the growth and collegiality of talented and dedicated students is in fact as important as the conversations and support received by faculty. The core curriculum is the basis for any further development and for the exploration of each student’s interests and areas of specialization.

Yes. Research is not only possible but desirable. The Columbia University institutions that have come together to design and implement the master’s program are dedicated to research and have formed the Advanced Consortium on Cooperation and Conflict Research (ACCCR) that will coordinate the research activities of faculty and students. As professionals in the field of conflict resolution it is important to understand and use existing research effectively, in addition to perhaps conducting original research of your own. As practitioners in the field it is also important to understand and use effective assessment and evaluation methods and tools.

Conflict Resolution courses are offered in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate students who work during the week.

The ICCCR certificate program preceded the Master of Science program and both are founded on the work of the famous social psychologist, Morton Deutsch. Some of the differences are in that the MS is geared for students seeking a degree program that offers in-depth theory and practice learning with a culminating applied research thesis project. The ICCCR certificate is suitable for students in another degree program who wish to concentrate in conflict resolution or for professionals wanting to enhance their skills and do not need a degree program. The MS program is more intense with more than twice as many required credits. The two programs are complementary and part of a broader interdisciplinary network across the University, AC4 (Advanced Consortium in Cooperation, Conflict and Complexity). Students need to consider the advantages and challenges of both before making their final decisions on which path is more suitable.