2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Environmental Conflict Resolution and Collaboration Graduate Certificate


Banner Code: CA-CERG-ECR 

The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR) and the Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) jointly offer a 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Environmental Conflict Resolution and Collaboration. This certificate is intended for mid-career professionals working in federal, state and local government as well as others whose positions involve negotiating environmental conflicts.

The Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Collaboration focuses on a systems approach to environmental conflict to understand how it is embedded within formal legal, regulatory, and ecological systems as well as informal networks of governance. Coursework focuses on the strategic thinking that is required for assessing and designing appropriate ECR processes; as well as understanding the public interest and questions of social justice and sustainability that make environmental conflict particularly important and challenging.

This has been designated a Green Leaf program.  For further information, please go to Green Leaf Programs and Courses .

Admissions Procedures and Requirements  

For admission, students must show graduation from a Bachelor’s program (or equivalent) and related work experience. Applicants to this graduate certificate program should hold a B.A. or B.S. degree in a discipline related to the certificate’s theme from an accredited university, with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Applicants must submit a completed Mason graduate application, along with official transcripts, resume, VA domicile classification form, and TOEFL scores if they are foreign nationals. GRE scores and letters of recommendation are not required, but will considerably strengthen an application, if available. Questions and application materials should be directed to the S-CAR Graduate Admissions office.  Depending on the background of the individual student, the certificate director may recommend remedial or preparatory courses tailored to student’s needs. Students may transfer no more than 3 credit hours into the certificate program with the approval of the academic director.

Certificate Requirements


Fifteen credits are required for the graduate certificate.

Core Courses


Students take 9 credits of core courses. The core courses listed below are crosslisted with EVPP 682, EVPP 683, EVPP 684, and students may register for either using the CONF course number or equivalent EVPP course number.

Skills and Competencies Courses


3 credits required in environmental conflict resolution skills and competencies.  This requirement is fulfilled through the following courses, depending upon the student’s academic background. Students without prior background in either conflict resolution or environmental science should take both EVPP 607 and CONF 501 or 502, and none of the elective courses listed below. Students without an environmental background should take EVPP 607.  Students without a conflict resolution background should take either CONF 501 or CONF 502.  Students with both prior environmental and conflict background may choose among a set of for-credit “short courses” with approval of the Certificate Director to satisfy this requirement.

Elective Courses


Students take 3 credits of elective course work, they may choose from the following courses.  Application of any other course toward fulfillment of the elective requirement must be approved by the Director of the Certificate Program.

Total: 15 credits