Overview

The Dispute Resolution program curriculum at Southern Methodist University emphasizes the development of skills vital to the resolution of business, domestic, education, management, public policy, church, legal, and healthcare disputes. The quality and uniqueness of the coursework stems, in significant measure, from its multidisciplinary approach to the study of conflict management. Rooted in the social and behavioral sciences, the faculty and curriculum integrates such diverse fields as psychology, team building, law, sociology, management theory, organizational development, public policy, and economics. Organizations are increasingly aware of the importance of conflict management processes and facilitating collaboration to enhance productivity, financial success, and personal satisfaction in their employees. All of these factors indicate that dispute resolution is one of the most marketable skills in today’s world of business and commerce.

Career and Personal Benefits

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, executive 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.

Programme Structure

Courses:

Psychology of Conflict

Negotiation and Dispute Resolution

Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Communication and Dispute Resolution

Gender & Culture in Negotiation

Research Methods

Capstone (Internship or Independent Study)

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-06-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00
Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00

More details

The SMU Dispute Resolution Program offers rolling admissions throughout each term, as well as the academic year.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dallas, United States

Disciplines

Public Relations View 95 other Masters in Public Relations in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
Three letters of recommendation.
An essay, minimum of 250 words, maximum of two pages double spaced, explaining why the applicant wants to study Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management.
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale). If the GPA is lower than 2.75, the applicant must submit acceptable GRE, LSAT, or GMAT scores.
Interview with a member of the Admission Committee
Students applying to the Master’s program after completing the certificate program must demonstrate a 3.5 GPA from the certificate program (and comply with all other admission requirements). Up to 21 credits from the certificate program will be accepted towards your Masters requirements.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27900 USD / year

≈ 27900 USD / year
Out-of-State

27900 USD / year

≈ 27900 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

27900 USD / year

≈ 27900 USD / year

Living costs

Dallas

United States

1140 - 1925 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Dispute Resolution.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Career and Personal Benefits

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Dallas

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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