The role of conflict resolution graduate education in training the next generation of practitioners and scholars.

From a handful of pioneering courses, conflict resolution graduate programs are now located in many countries around the world. A central focus of many academic programs is to help students understand the root of conflict from diverse disciplinary perspectives, with psychological science playing a central role, and help them identify appropriate and effective forms of intervention. At the heart of most conflict resolution processes is the goal of effectively managing diversity. If societies are not able to constructively deal with conflict, then there is a greater likelihood of social fragmentation and increased potential for violence. This article provides an overview of the current state of graduate education in the conflict resolution field with a particular focus on the education and skills students are receiving to pursue careers focused on managing diversity. The article specifically addresses the relationship between social psychology and conflict resolution, and explores the structure of programs and disciplinary training of faculty, highlights innovative curricular methods for preparing students for the field, explores key ethical issues, and offers recommendations for academic programs and further research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)