College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 2015-2016 Catalog

117 G RADUATE C ERTIFICATE P ROGRAMS The CAHSS Graduate Certificate programs prepare students for the changing nature of professions, businesses, and community services. They provide needed knowledge, methods, and skills leading to career advancement and life enlightenment in the fields of study. Graduate Certificate programs are beneficial for those who have already received a graduate degree in their current area, but would like to specialize in the new area of inquiry and practice. Graduate Certificate programs are also appropriate for those who possess an undergraduate degree and are seeking to obtain the fundamentals in the considered field of study. Many of the earned credits can also be counted toward a related master's degree or doctoral degree program, if the student is interested in and accepted to the program at a later time. Below is a description of the various CAHSS Graduate Certificate programs. Graduate Certificate in Advanced Conflict Resolution Practice The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Conflict Resolution Practice offers students the fundamentals of applied conflict resolution and advanced training in the conflict resolution “skill-set.” It is intended to meet the needs of those individuals who seek more expertise in conflict resolution and are mainly interested in becoming practitioners in the field. It may also be appropriate for professionals who have already earned a graduate degree in their professional area, but who would benefit from academic study of applications of conflict analysis and resolution in their current profession. The Graduate Certificate consists of five courses (15 credits), which include conflict resolution theory and practice skills. Students who decide to continue their studies in conflict resolution may apply these credit hours toward the M.S. or the Ph.D. program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution if accepted to the program. The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Conflict Resolution Practice is offered in both residential and distance learning formats. These flexible formats allow mid-career working adults and those unable to attend the residential program, to study conflict resolution in a creative, rigorous, and structured fashion. Students enrolled in the distance learning program participate in Residential Institutes on the main campus twice per year, as well as online Web-based courses. Students may enroll full or part time, taking three to nine credit hours per term. Students who attend full-time can expect to complete the program in 10 months. Part-time students will complete the program in 16 months. Summer attendance is mandatory. Degree Plans Below is a sample of a degree plan for a full-time student who begins their studies in Fall term. Degree plans will be modified based on a student’s enrollment date and pace of study.