Overview

The Dispute Resolution programme at Southern Methodist University offers an advanced academic pathway for professionals seeking to master the complexities of conflict management and mediation. This Master of Arts degree provides students with the essential tools to navigate interpersonal and organisational disputes within a variety of sectors.

Southern Methodist University has developed a curriculum that is deeply rooted in the social and behavioural sciences. By integrating diverse fields such as psychology, sociology, and management theory, the programme ensures that graduates possess a multifaceted understanding of human interaction. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a sophisticated analysis of how conflict arises and how it can be effectively transformed into productive outcomes.

Why Dispute Resolution at Southern Methodist University?

The programme is delivered through the SMU Centre for Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management, a hub for specialised study in areas such as international conflict and social services. Students benefit from a human-centred focus that encourages diverse perspectives and thought-provoking dialogue. The faculty comprises experienced practitioners who bring contemporary industry insights directly into the classroom.

Facilities and resources at the university support a modern approach to conflict engagement, preparing students for one of the fastest-growing academic disciplines of the twenty-first century. The institution’s strong reputation ensures that graduates are well-positioned to enhance productivity and financial success within their respective organisations through expert conflict mitigation and collaboration strategies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 775 per credit
National fee: USD 775 per credit
Local fee: USD 775 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Dispute Resolution
Negotiation
Mediation
Leadership Coaching
Conflict Engagement
Conflict Theory
Organisational Conflict
Social Services Conflict
International Conflict
Dispute Resolution in Education
Psychology of Conflict
Dispute System Design
Conflict Analysis
Communication

Careers with Dispute Resolution

Graduates from this programme pursue diverse roles across multiple industries, including legal services, healthcare, and corporate management. Many alumni find success as professional mediators, arbitrators, or executive coaches. The skills gained are also highly applicable to human resources, public safety, and university administration.

The demand for conflict management expertise continues to grow as organisations recognise the value of human-centric skills. Graduates often transition into positions such as talent acquisition managers, leadership consultants, or communication specialists. The programme also provides a robust foundation for those wishing to pursue further doctoral studies or legal careers.

Programme Structure

Courses:

Psychology of Conflict

Negotiation and Dispute Resolution

Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Communication and Dispute Resolution

Gender & Culture in Negotiation

Research Methods

Capstone (Internship or Independent Study)

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-06-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

More details

The SMU Dispute Resolution Program offers rolling admissions throughout each term, as well as the academic year.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dallas, United States

Disciplines

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
Three letters of recommendation.
An essay, minimum of 250 words, maximum of two pages double spaced, explaining why the applicant wants to study Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management.
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale). If the GPA is lower than 2.75, the applicant must submit acceptable GRE, LSAT, or GMAT scores.
Interview with a member of the Admission Committee
Students applying to the Master’s program after completing the certificate program must demonstrate a 3.5 GPA from the certificate program (and comply with all other admission requirements). Up to 21 credits from the certificate program will be accepted towards your Masters requirements.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27900 USD / year

≈ 27900 USD / year
Out-of-State

27900 USD / year

≈ 27900 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

27900 USD / year

≈ 27900 USD / year

Living costs

Dallas

United States

1140 - 1925 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Dispute Resolution.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Dallas

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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