2013-2014 University Catalog 
  
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2013-2014 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 Conflict Resolution and Collaboration Graduate Certificate 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  

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission  section of this catalog. Applicants to this graduate certificate program should hold a BA or BS (or equivalent) in a discipline related to the certificate’s theme from an accredited university, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 and related work experience.

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.

The Environmental Conflict Resolution and Collaboration Graduate Certificate may only be pursued on a part-time basis, unless a student is concurrently enrolled in another degree program or takes additional courses over those required for the certificate program.

Certificate Requirements

Core Courses (9 credits)

The core courses listed below are crosslisted with EVPP courses. Students may register for either using the CONF course number or equivalent EVPP course number.

Skills and Competencies Courses (3 - 6 credits)

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” using CONF 795 - Professional Development Seminars  that require approval of the Certificate Director to satisfy this requirement.

Elective Course (0-3 credits)

Students 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