Alternative Dispute Resolution


Your future in Alternative Dispute Resolution

In a world filled with conflict, employers increasingly seek individuals skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a collection of proven, cost-effective strategies used to address disputes outside of a courtroom.

Training in ADR from the University of North Texas gives you an edge in any profession you choose including careers in:

  • Education
  • Government
  • Human resources
  • Law enforcement
  • Real estate
  • The clergy
  • The corporate world

What we offer

Alternative Dispute Resolution is available as an interdisciplinary minor, allowing you to work with various departments across campus. In addition to fulfilling necessary academic requirements, you can also earn a(n):

  • ADR Certificate
  • Mediation Certificate (qualifying you to mediate court-referred cases in Texas)
  • Family Mediation Certificate (qualifying you to mediate family cases in Texas)

Earning one or more of these certificates will help distinguish you from other job seekers.

We teach you ADR skills by participating in various exercises and real-world simulations. Through a special practicum, you can observe practicing professional mediators working on real disputes and compare that process with standard courtroom resolution. You may also gain experience working with local mediation service providers or other conflict management agencies.

Our faculty members are recognized experts and practicing professionals. They have experience in a variety of fields including:

  • Arbitration
  • Emergency management
  • Employment and labor relations
  • Law

What to expect

The minor and each certificate program requires completing 12 semester hours of designated ADR courses and 9 semester hours of electives chosen in consultation with an advisor. Your courses will focus on:

  • ADR in the workplace
  • Crisis intervention
  • Mediation
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution

To register for this minor, check on course availability and plan your course of study, you should contact Leslie Roberts, program advisor, at leslie.roberts@unt.edu

How to enroll at Unt

High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the Texas Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program or the equivalent in high school.

In your junior year, take the SAT or the ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In your senior year, apply for admission at www.applytexas.org by March 1 and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT. For details, visit www.unt.edu/credit.


Transfer students

If you’re attending a Texas community college, you should consult our Transfer Articulation web page, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor/advisor to discuss your degree plan. Proper planning will help you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources. More than 3,500 students transfer to UNT each year. The center is in the University Union, Room 320. More information is at transfercenter.unt.edu