Professional Certificate in Mediation and Dispute Resolution

This program is offered by the Organizational Behavior, Coaching, and Consulting (OBCC) division within Executive Education at The University of Texas at Dallas. As a university-based course, it is designed to meet the highest academic and professional standards while fulfilling the live, interactive training requirements of the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (TMCA). Unlike self-paced online programs, it provides hands-on learning through discussions, role-plays, and mediation simulations, preparing participants for successful practice and eligibility for TMCA Credentialing.

Additionally, alumni of this program will have access, at no additional cost, to regularly scheduled Expert Forums hosted by the Organizational Behavior, Coaching, and Consulting department, covering topics such as coaching, consulting, leadership, mediation, and conflict resolution.

Mediators have a strong career outlook. Nationally, employment for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, at about the same rate as the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In Texas, employment is expected to increase by approximately 11% over the same period (Texas Workforce Commission / Texas Career Check).

Mediators work in a wide range of industries, including government, non-profits, education, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and finance.

Key skills for mediators include facilitating communication between disputants, clarifying issues and underlying concerns, conducting initial meetings to outline processes, applying relevant laws and policies, and conducting hearings to gather information or evidence. These skills enable mediators to guide parties toward mutual agreement and ensure fair, effective dispute resolution.

After completing the course, many participants begin by applying for a TMCA Credential, which demonstrates a commitment to professional standards and can enhance credibility with clients, courts, and organizations. If you plan to mediate parent–child or other family-related cases, note that Texas law requires an additional 24 hours of specialized family mediation training beyond this basic course.

From there, you can shape the focus of your practice, such as family, workplace, community, or another area of mediation. Developing a business plan, establishing your fee structure, creating a simple marketing strategy, and ensuring you meet any state or local requirements for starting a small business are all common next steps. Networking with other mediators, joining professional associations, and pursuing continuing education can further help you build your reputation and client base.

Volunteering with a Dispute Resolution Center is also a valuable way to gain early experience. This program provides the foundational training you need, but each participant’s path will vary depending on their interests, goals, and opportunities.

This program prepares participants for a TMCA Credential by providing the required 40 hours of mediation training in a live and interactive classroom setting, in compliance with Chapter 154.052(a) of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The curriculum encompasses essential topics, including mediation theory, ethics, communication, and conflict resolution.

Students will also engage in participatory activities, such as role-plays and mediation simulations, to gain practical experience. Additionally, the program ensures that trainees are familiar with the TMCA’s Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, and Grievance Process, all of which are integral to holding a TMCA Credential.

No, a credential is not required to practice mediation in Texas. However, obtaining a credential from the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (TMCA) offers significant advantages. It demonstrates a mediator’s commitment to professional standards and ethical practice, enhances credibility, and is often valued by clients, courts, and organizations seeking qualified mediators. Out of an estimated 2,300 mediators practicing in Texas, only about 400 currently hold a TMCA credential. Earning this distinction sets you apart as a highly qualified, recognized professional in the field. In addition, TMCA Credentialing provides access to a professional network and resources that support ongoing development and adherence to best practices in mediation.

Yes. This program fulfills the training requirements set by Texas law for individuals seeking to serve as court-appointed mediators. However, if you plan to mediate cases involving parent-child relationships or other family matters, the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code requires an additional 24 hours of specialized family mediation training beyond this basic mediation course.

Mediation and arbitration are both forms of alternative dispute resolution, but they differ in how decisions are made. In mediation, the mediator facilitates communication between the parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement — the mediator does not make a decision. In arbitration, the arbitrator listens to both sides, reviews the evidence, and then makes a binding decision for the parties. Arbitration is often required in certain contracts, especially business-to-business agreements, before parties can pursue litigation.

This program focuses exclusively on mediation and does not include arbitration training. If you are interested in becoming an arbitrator, you will need to seek separate, specialized training.

The program is 40 hours long and is taught entirely online over four weeks, with a wrap-up session in week five. A reliable internet connection is required for an optimal classroom experience. Students must attend all classes in full, and a certificate of completion will not be issued until all required sessions have been completed, as SBOT, TMCA, SHRM, and HRCI all require full participation in the 40 hours for eligibility. Students are therefore expected to attend all sessions in their entirety and actively participate in all program activities.

Outside of the 40 classroom hours, additional time is minimal. Any time spent outside of class is optional and depends on the participant’s interest in reviewing the provided reading and reference materials.

If you know you will need to miss two or more classes, we recommend that you enroll in the next offering when you can attend all classes. Sessions are not recorded, but if you are unable to attend one, you may be permitted to complete the missed component with a future cohort, working individually with the instructor. Please note that a certificate of completion will only be issued once all required classes have been attended. Missing classes is not recommended, as active participation is essential to the learning experience.

To apply, please submit your application along with a statement explaining your interest in the program. You can apply online. If you have any questions throughout the application process or would like to inquire about a waitlist, do not hesitate to contact the Program Director.

Yes. Participants who successfully complete all program requirements will receive an official physical certificate from The University of Texas at Dallas, Naveen Jindal School of Management. Certificates are mailed to the address provided on your application and typically arrive within three to four weeks after program completion.

To be eligible for the certificate, participants must complete all program requirements and attend all scheduled sessions.

If you previously completed the program and need a replacement certificate, please contact the Program Director. Replacement certificates are available for a $15 reprint fee.

Full payment of the program fee is required to confirm your enrollment. We do not offer installment or partial payment options. Payment may be made by credit card or electronic check.

Please note that refunds are not available for changes in payment method, and program fees are subject to change.

No. The Mediation and Dispute Resolution Program does not offer financial assistance. As a non-academic program, it is not eligible for veterans’ benefits, scholarships, discounts, or other aid programs.

If you need to cancel your participation in the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Program, you must submit your request in writing to the Program Director.

Cancellations received 30 days or more before the program start date are eligible for a full refund.
Cancellations received 15 to 29 days before the start date are eligible for a 50% refund.
Cancellations submitted within 14 days of the program start date, or after the program has begun, are not eligible for a refund.

In rare circumstances (such as illness or family emergency), participants may request to defer their enrollment to a later cohort of the Mediation and Dispute Resolution Program. Requests must be submitted in writing to the Program Director within 14 days of the program start date.

Deferrals are allowed only once per participant and are contingent upon space being available in the next cohort (availability for the next cohort will be determined within 30 days of that cohort’s start). A $360 deferral fee applies upon acceptance.