Conflict Resolution (CR) refers to a group of processes used to resolve disputes between individuals, groups, or businesses. These processes grew out of frustration with the significant time and cost associated with resolving problems in the court system as well as the rapid growth in the courts' caseloads. There are many types of CR processes and techniques:

1. Negotiation

This is the most fundamental form of conflict resolution and serves as the basis for other methods.

In negotiation, individuals or parties voluntarily engage with each other to resolve a dispute.

While each side typically seeks terms that benefit them, the ultimate goal is to reach an outcome that is acceptable to all involved. Importantly, no third party is involved in facilitating this process.

2. Mediation

This builds on negotiation by introducing a neutral third party, or mediator, who assists the disputing individuals or parties in reaching a resolution.

However, the mediator does not have the authority to impose a settlement; only the parties can decide if the proposed resolution is satisfactory.

In certain cases, courts may require mediation to reduce the need for a trial, such as in many child-custody disputes.

3. Arbitration

This is another conflict resolution method.

In arbitration, the disputing parties agree in advance to abide by the decision of a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator.

The arbitrator's decision is often binding, meaning the parties cannot typically return to court to challenge it, except in very limited circumstances.

Arbitration is frequently used to resolve business and labor disputes.

Explore these conflict resolution processes in UNT's CR program, where instructors bring real-world experience to the classroom. You'll gain valuable insights into handling various types of disputes and discover how these techniques can enhance your professional skills, no matter your career path.

Careers in CR

No matter your career path—whether it's business, human resources, law, education, criminal justice, or the clergy—training in conflict resolution (CR) provides a significant professional advantage. The demand for professionals skilled in:

Negotiating disputes between employees or businesses
Mediating family, marriage, and child custody issues
Resolving personnel challenges in business, nonprofit, and governmental organizations
Training others in effective conflict resolution techniques

...is growing rapidly.

Additionally, CR skills are invaluable for personal negotiations, such as securing a job, negotiating a salary increase, or managing everyday conflicts.

Many professionals, including lawyers, psychologists, real estate brokers, and accountants, integrate CR skills into their practices, often charging for mediation services alongside their primary expertise.

Getting Started with Conflict Resolution

If you are already a UNT student, you can learn more about the ADR program from your academic advisor or by contacting Laura Keyes, the program coordinator, at Laura.Keyes@unt.edu.

You may take CR courses as electives, to earn a CR certificate, or as a minor program of study. However, you must be enrolled as a student at UNT. These courses are not offered through a continuing education program.

The fastest and most efficient way to apply for admission to UNT is to complete the ApplyTexas application. Here are the steps you should follow:

Go to ApplyTexas
Create a profile by entering your personal information.
Select "Create a New Four Year University Application" or update your existing ApplyTexas application. Select Continue to move to the next screen.
Under "Target University," select University of North Texas (Denton).
Under "Application Type," select either Freshman, U.S.; Transfer, U.S.; or Readmit, Undergraduate (if you are a returning UNT student.) Select Continue.
Select a semester and select Continue.
Under "Select School," click the "First Choice School" drop-box and choose the college at UNT that has your major and then select Continue. For example, select the College of Business if you are interested in Marketing as a major. Next, select a second College choice at UNT and then click Continue.
Select your "First Choice Major.” Remember, you cannot major in ADR. However, ADR courses are a great complement to almost any major.
Click Continue to my Application to get your application number and to save your input.

For More Information Visit Admissions!

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Required Courses

An undergraduate minor in Conflict Resolution (CR) is a great complement to just about any major and will help you increase your competitive edge in the workplace. This interdisciplinary minor requires 21 hours of coursework. That means the minor draws from courses in more than one discipline.

The following courses (12 hours) are required for all students completing the CR minor or the CR Certificate:

Number	Course Name	Hours
PADM 2200	Introduction to Conflict Resolution	3
PADM 3100	Workplace Conflict	3
PADM 4000	Mediation	3
PADM 40 50	Negotiation	3

Students interested in pursuing this minor should contact their major advisor. For additional information about the CR program or minor, please contact our CR Advisor Rachel Rachel.

Elective Courses

For the remaining 9 hours of the minor, students may select 3 courses as electives from the approved list in the UNT Catalog. These classes should be chosen in consultation with your advisor and must be from two different academic departments.

Course Location Options

CR students can elect to take classes at the main campus in Denton or at the Collin Higher Education Center (CHEC)—a beautiful, state-of-the art facility in McKinney, Texas. Some CR courses at the CHEC are offered via videoconference with the main campus, and the instructor alternates attendance between the two locations.

If you are currently attending Collin College or another institution, you must apply to UNT and be accepted in order to take CR courses at the CHEC. If you are already a UNT student, you can register for CHEC courses the same way you would for your other classes.

At the CHEC, you also have the convenient option of taking courses from other disciplines offered at UNT including Management, Marketing, and Sociology. Getting a minor or a certificate in CR is a great complement to any of these areas of study!

Choose How You Learn: Flexible CR Program Options

The CR program offers flexible study options, allowing you to choose between online, face-to-face, or blended courses. In blended formats, part of the class meets in person while the rest is completed online. The mix of online and in-person instruction can vary by course. When selecting your courses, consider three key factors:

Flexibility Needs:

Blended and online classes can help you balance your degree with work and personal life, offering increased scheduling freedom and reducing commuting time and costs.

Plan to spend 4-6 hours per week on online courses, covering class time, preparation, reading, and assignments. Blended courses require time outside class based on their online/in-person ratio, typically 2-4 hours per week.

Learning Style:

Carefully consider how you learn and study best.

Online and blended courses are ideal for students who are self-disciplined, can work independently, are comfortable with technology, and have access to high-speed internet.

Career Goals:

Choose your courses based on your career objectives.

However, if online courses are your only option, they are better than missing out on essential classes. Your advisor can help you design a schedule that aligns with your goals.

Some CR classes are also available via videoconference, where the instructor alternates between sites each session. This setup allows real-time interaction with both the instructor and classmates, regardless of location.

FAQs

Texas law requires that any individual who wishes to professionally mediate must successfully complete a certain amount of training. Students who complete PADM 4000 - Mediation & Dispute Resolution and PADM 4060 - Practicum in Mediation & Dispute Resolution meet that statutory requirement. However, most professional mediators are also attorneys. The CR curriculum is great preparation for law school and also equips students with skills that are valuable in almost every other profession.

We recommend that you work with your CR advisor to plan your course sequence.

Students must apply for their certificate(s) online using their UNT EUID and password. To learn more about the certificate application process, visit our Certificate Application Form.

You must be enrolled at UNT in order to take CR courses. These courses are not offered through a continuing education program or as CLE credit. You may learn more about becoming a UNT student at UNT Admissions. If you are already a UNT student, you can learn more about the CR program from your academic advisor or by contacting Laura Keyes, the program coordinator, at Laura.Keyes@unt.edu.

The University of North Texas does not offer a graduate program in Conflict Resolution. Graduate students may take CR courses at the undergraduate level; however, they will not receive graduate credit for these courses.

Conflict Resolution

What is Conflict Resolution?