Do you want to help resolve conflict in your workplace? 

Image of students and faculty discussing negotiation techniquesThe Conflict Resolution and Negotiation graduate certificate can help you better understand the sources of conflict in all organizations, learn mediation techniques to reduce differences between individuals or groups, facilitate better group processes, use negotiation techniques to resolve and reduce conflict, and understand how both nonunion and union workplaces deal with individuals who have grievances.

For current Rutgers graduate students, the Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Certificate allows you to enhance your course of study with additional skills and practical knowledge. For those not already in a graduate program at the university, you can start as a non-degree student in the certificate program either fully online or with a mix of online and in-person courses. All courses count toward the Rutgers Master’s in Labor and Employment Relations (MLER) should you choose to go on to complete a graduate degree. 

The Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Certificate is open to those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree. The program consists of four (4) graduate-level courses offered through the School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR) or other university partner programs. The Rutgers school offering each course is indicated below.

Required:

  • Conflict & Conflict Resolution in the Workplace (SMLR) – Offered Spring 2024 and Summer 2025

AND three electives selected from courses the MLER program or other Rutgers partner programs:

  • Mediation Processes and Techniques (SMLR) – Offered Spring 2025
  • Team and Group Process Facilitation (SMLR) – Offered Winter 2025
  • Employment Arbitration Today (SMLR) – Offered Fall 2024 
  • Negotiation (SMLR) – Offered Fall 2024, Winter 2025, and Summer 2025
  • Inter-Personal Conflict Resolution (SMLR) – Offered Spring 2025
  • Collective Bargaining (SMLR) – Offered Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
  • Persuasion and Advocacy (SC&I)
  • Negotiation, Law & Policy: Managing Conflict in Public Contexts (EJBSPP)
  • Evolution, Cooperation & Conflict (SAS Anthropology)
  • Negotiations (RBS)
  • Other related & approved courses or independent study

How to Apply

For current Rutgers graduate students:

For application related questions and registration guidance, please contact Ann Marie Fiorella-Mullen, MLER Graduate Student Advisor.

For students not currently enrolled at Rutgers:

For more information on the certificate program and options for your academic future, contact Professor Francis Ryan, MLER Program Director.  

If you wish to complete a Certificate on a fully online basis, please contact Professor Ryan before applying because special application instructions are required.

To apply to complete a certificate, on a mixed in-person and online basis, as a non-degree student, apply to Rutgers Graduate Admissions. Click here to begin an application for admission.

All students:

Once you begin your application and have questions, please contact Ann Marie Fiorella-Mullen, MLER Graduate Student Advisor.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the certificate program cost?

Graduate certificate students are considered to be non-degree (NOD) students and therefore pay the "in state" or "out of state" tuition rate. The mode of instruction for these courses can be in-person, online, or hybrid and students can choose which type of course format works best for them. Please note that FAFSA loans are not permitted for study as a non-degree certificate student.  

The in-state tuition rate for 2023-2024 is $983.00 per credit or $2,949 per 3-credit course.*

The out of state tuition rate for 2023-2024 is $1,656.00 per credit or $4,968 per 3-credit course.*

* These rates do not include the mandatory fees or the required health insurance rates for international students. Please see tuition chart listed here for clarifications and breakdowns of fees.

Can international students enroll in the certificate program?

If the student is already on a H1 or F1 U.S. visa, approval from the Rutgers Global department is required to continue or pursue the non-degree graduate certificate program and some elements of the in-person mode of instruction are required. Students must take a minimum of 9 credits per semester or follow requirements for a reduced load when applicable in their final semester of study. This is designed only if the student has an approved visa that is transferable to Rutgers University.  


Have additional questions?

Complete the form below to receive more information about the Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Certificate: