It is important to understand that the field of Conflict Management is a new, cutting-edge, degree program, and because many people are not familiar with our work, we often need to make the connections for employers between our graduate work and the work of an organization. Students in this program are looking for a degree that gives them several avenues to pursue. We typically find that students follow one of three directions.

1. Some people enroll in this program because they deal with so much conflict in their work place and they want to learn to be more effective. They change their own job descriptions and are more satisfied with their job duties, or qualify and are promoted into other positions in their organization—whether it is in the business, government, private, or education sectors of the work force.

2. Others apply for and move to different jobs where this degree enhances their skills--in management, human resources, business development, government, law enforcement, and education, or in larger businesses or agencies which recognize the need for expertise in addressing conflicts and actually designate a staff member to do this.

3. Graduates also work as in-house or private consultants, trainers, and mediators. Those who go into private practice almost always begin with a part-time practice and continue a "day job" while building a business.

Q&A For Mediator Certification

Q. Will course work in the program qualify me to practice mediation?

A. Yes. Master of Arts students are required to take Mediation Process- HB761, which meets the training requirements for South Carolina Supreme Court civil mediator certification and for the mediator roster of the South Carolina Council for Conflict Resolution, a non-profit organization that promotes the practice of mediation. Family Assessment and Mediation- HB785, which meets family mediator training requirements, is offered as an elective course on a yearly basis.

Both mediation courses are open to students in the Master of Arts, certificate program and to continuing studies students. Columbia College--like other trainers, colleges, and professional and volunteer organizations provides a certificate to each student who completes either or both mediation courses in the program. Each mediation course includes the 40 hours of training which must be completed to meet the standard for professional mediation training in the field. Other program courses provide many opportunities to study and practice mediation and other conflict resolution processes.

Q. What mediation certificates are recognized by the state of SC?

Although parties seeking mediation services increasingly look for credentials, no training or certification is legally required to practice mediation in South Carolina, and there is no licensing process in South Carolina or in most other states for mediators. The Columbia College graduate program degree or certificate is a respected credential for mediators, trainers, and consultants in organizations and in private practice.

The only formal certification recognized by the state of South Carolina is the certification by the South Carolina Supreme Court of mediators to appear on a roster used for appointment of mediators in legal cases where mediation is mandated. Court certification requires that civil mediators be attorneys and bar members in good standing, in South Carolina or another state, and that family mediators be state licensed mental health professionals in one of seven categories: psychologist, master social worker, independent social worker, professional counselor, associate counselor, marital and family therapist, or physician specializing in psychiatry.