Conflict Management Specialist Certificate

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Grants El Centro Conflict Management Certificate

Quickview of Requirements for Conflict Management Specialist Certificate

In July 2006 El Centro College's application for a Conflict Management Specialist Certificate was approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. With DCCCD's North Lake College, El Centro was the first community college to have this undergraduate certificate in the state of Texas. The 27 semester hour certificate can be for academic credit or Continuing Education CEUs.

Students acquire an array of highly transferable skills in conflict management.  They will leave the program with a working knowledge vital to the resolution of disputes and conflicts through a variety of approaches such as mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and training.  This program will make available professionals with a knowledge set and skills crucial to businesses and groups trying to cope with social and organizational change and conflict. 

This program also provides options for students wanting to focus on particular aspects of conflict management such as domestic relations, the workplace, ethical issues, organizational and community issues, or more advanced understandings of mediation and negotiation.  One of the required courses in the program’s curriculum, Introduction to Mediation, fulfills the legislative requirements as specified in Senate Bill 1436 for mediation training in Texas.

“We are excited to be able to launch this important new program,” said Professor Glenn Currier, director of Conflict Resolution Studies.  “We’ll begin it in the fall semester, starting August 28. The timing is right because consumers of conflict management services such as mediation and workplace conflict resolution are more than ever attuned to the qualifications and credentials of those they employ or hire in a consultant capacity."