Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
The 51²è¹Ý Dispute Resolution Program offers rolling admissions throughout each term, as well as the academic year. For priority admission deadlines, please see the list below.
For the Cost of Attendance (tuition), visit the Bursar's webpage. Textbooks and assessments/instruments required typically cost about $100 to $200 per class depending on the class, method of delivery, etc. There are a few classes in the program that require an additional cost not included in the tuition. These course fees are for items such as instruments, assessments and manuals.
Psychology of Conflict - $35.00
Negotiation and Dispute Resolution - $20.00
Communication and Dispute Resolution - $5.00
Conflict Coaching - $107.00
Instructors use Canvas to administer both face-to-face and hybrid courses. Students will need a personally-owned device to access course materials and participate in class. Please refer to the Digital Course Requirements for device specifications.
Federal financial aid is available to students in the Master of Arts degree and in the Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution program. Please go to to apply. Students using federal financial aid programs must enroll in two classes per term to be in compliance. Click here for financial aid and loan information.
In some cases, the Simmons School awards financial support based on financial need and/or academic merit. You are encouraged to apply for tuition support as part of your program application, which can be found at .
Employers often provide tuition assistance for graduate programs that enhance the training of their employees. Be sure to check with yours to determine if you are eligible.
Admission to the Dispute Resolution Program requires submission of transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended, including transfer credits. If your school participates in 'E-scripts,' we can accept transcripts sent directly from your school to gradappmaterials@smu.edu. If sent through the physical mail, please mail to:
Graduate Application Processing
PO Box 518
Dallas, TX 75275-0518
If English is not your native language, and you have not previously taken any academic coursework within the United States, you will be asked to submit a TOEFL score (Test of English as a Foreign Language). This test is administered by the Educational Testing Service, PO Box 6151 Princeton, New Jersey 08541 (). The score must be reported to the Dispute Resolution office directly from The Educational Testing Service. It is important when applying that you indicate on the TOEFL form the code number 5891 so that your score is sent to Dispute Resolution Program.
All foreign transcripts must be accompanied by a professional evaluation and an official transcript, including an English translation if it is not in English. It is the applicant’s responsibility to procure this evaluation and to assume financial responsibility for it. An exception to this requirement is an exchange agreement between 51²è¹Ý and a foreign institution which is modeled after the U.S. education system.
Because of the importance of this information, 51²è¹Ý only accepts evaluations from the following agencies of proven reliability:
PO Box 745 Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113-0745
Telephone: 212-966-6311
TOLL FREE: 1-800-937-3895
E-mail: info@wes.org
PO Box 2585
Denton, TX 76202-2585
Telephone: 940-383-7498
https://www.iacei.net/
7101 SW 102 Avenue
Miami, FL 33173
Telephone: 305-273-1616
Fax: 305-273-1338
E-mail: info@jsilny.com
The above services' evaluations should include an explanation that the institution is recognized by the ministry of education in the home country and is generally considered to offer at least the equivalent of U.S. higher education credit. In addition, it should include an explanation of the credits, the grading system and course levels, as well as a course-by-course evaluation.
The expertise and reliability of a professional evaluation report is recognized worldwide and is likely to be accepted by other academic institutions, employers and state licensing boards. However, the report is not binding to 51²è¹Ý and it will be considered a recommendation for 51²è¹Ý's independent decision of the credit to be given. Information and applications from the agencies are available online.
Please request that the Evaluating Service mail the evaluation and all supporting documents directly to:
Graduate Application Processing
PO Box 518
Dallas, TX 75275-0518
OR
gradappmaterials@smu.edu.
51²è¹Ý's singular approach to integrating rigorous learning with hands-on experience will prepare you to achieve your educational goals and expand your world in ways you never imagined. Ours is a community of people forging their own paths. We'd like to help you shape yours.
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