Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies Short-Term Certificate
Area of Study: Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies
Degree/Certificate: Short-Term Certificate
Academic School: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Contact the Financial Aid Office regarding certificate eligibility.
Mission: The Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies program at Cuyahoga Community College empowers students through innovative instruction to understand and transform human conflict, promoting peace in the family, community, and world.
Learn to lead and communicate more effectively during times of conflict to influence positive, sustainable change, and transform relationships in your family, workplace, community and the world.
The intent of the certificate is to:
- Explore why conflict occurs in society - from interpersonally to internationally.
- Learn how to engage conflict in positive and constructive ways to promote sustainable peace.
- Acquire knowledge for applying conflict and peace frameworks for promoting social justice oriented change.
- Enhance communication skills to improve leadership effectiveness in diverse contexts.
Careers: Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding and Related Fields
- Resolution and Conflict Specialists: mediator, negotiator, ombudsmen, investigator, arbitrator
- Nonprofit and Human Services: nonprofit manager/director, community organizer, facilitator/trainer, human resource manager, social worker, youth/adult counselor
- Business and Consulting: organizational consultant, business manager, communications specialist, office manager
- Law and Legal: attorney, paralegal, restorative justice practitioner, law enforcement officer, conduct officer
- International and Political: foreign services officer, United Nations officer, political advisor
- Education and Training: The certificate is a strong complement to any teaching or training position with youth or adults.
Note: Salary ranges based on position and experience. Starting salaries with only a certificate range from $29,000 to $38,000 depending on industry and role. With an Associate, Bachelor, or higher degree in a related discipline, salary ranges increase incrementally.
Spring 2025 Course Schedule (Required Courses)
POL-2020 Introduction to Conflict and Peace Studies (three credits)
Option 1: Online | Metropolitan Campus
- Begins Jan. 27
- CRN 16441
Option 2: Blended (50% online + 50% in-person) | Western Campus
- Begins Jan. 27 (Wednesdays, 6 – 7:25 p.m.)
- CRN 13376
Course Description for POL-2020
POL-2041 Conflict Resolution and Management (three credits)
Option 1: Online | Metropolitan Campus
- Begins Jan. 27
- CRN 14331
Option 2: Blended (50% online + 50% in-person) | Western Campus
- Begins Feb. 10 (Wednesdays, 12:30 – 2 p.m.)
- CRN 14555
Option 3: Blended (50% online + 50% in-person) | Eastern Campus
- Begins March 17 (Tuesdays, 6 – 8:25 p.m.)
- CRN 15003
Course Description for POL-2041
Note: The POL-2140 Service Learning Capstone course will be offered in spring 2025 pending enrollment demand.
Course Description for POL-2140
Navigating a Polarized World: Conflict Resolution
Skills and Abilities Developed in Certificate
- Leadership: cultural awareness, conflict intelligence, consensus building, group facilitation
- Business: effective communication, management, negotiation
- Human and Social Services: de-escalation, active listening, mediation
- Additional competencies: transformational thinking, decision making, compassion and empathy
Study Abroad
*FUTURE SUMMER STUDY ABROAD LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED
To be on the notification list for the next trip, please contact Courtney Clarke.
Additional Information
Transfer Opportunities:
We currently have an articulation agreement with Kent State University's School of Peace and Conflict Studies and John Carroll University's Peace, Justice and Human Rights program.
Professional Development and Employment Resources:
- Idealist.org
- Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies
- Mediate.com
- Peace and Collaborative Development Network