Full program description
12 CE Hours
Self-Paced
Earn a Certificate
Course Overview
The Workplace Conflict Resolution Certificate is designed to help leaders and professionals move beyond reactive or defensive approaches to conflict. Instead of avoiding tension or defaulting to win‑lose outcomes, you will learn to view workplace conflict as a strategic opportunity for clarity, collaboration and ethical decision‑making.
Across five integrated courses, this certificate builds progressively from foundational conflict concepts to advanced, interest‑based negotiation strategies. Using self‑assessments, proven frameworks and real‑world workplace scenarios, you will explore how communication styles, power dynamics and implicit bias influence behavior and decision‑making in conflict situations.
The curriculum emphasizes core principles of effective negotiation, including separating people from problems, identifying interests rather than positions, analyzing BATNA and ZOPA and using objective criteria to create value. By learning how to diagnose disputes early and invent options for mutual gain, you will be equipped to de‑escalate conflict, protect organizational culture and negotiate wise agreements that last.
Designed for working professionals, this noncredit, self‑paced certificate allows you to build high‑impact conflict management and negotiation skills on your own schedule. Upon successful completion of all five courses, you will earn a Creighton University digital badge that validates your expertise and can be shared on LinkedIn and professional profiles.
Required Text:
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (3rd edition, 2011) by Roger Fisher, William L. Ury, Bruce Patton
ISBN-13: 9780143118756
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date: 05/03/2011
Participants will need to purchase this book independently.
Who Should Enroll
This noncredit course is ideal for:
-
- HR Professionals and people managers
- Managers and team leaders
- Healthcare, legal and business professionals
- Compliance professionals and consultants
- Anyone responsible for addressing workplace complaints or employee concerns
No prior leadership or HR training is required. Open to learners from all industries and backgrounds.
Course Instructor
Denise M. Hill, JD, MPA
Denise M. Hill is an attorney, mediator and educator with decades of experience in conflict resolution, negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. She is an attorney with the Whitfield & Eddy Law Firm, where her practice focuses on ADR, health, employment, administrative and corporate law.
Trained in interest‑based negotiation by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Denise is certified by the International Society of Alternative Dispute Resolvers and the American Health Law Association Dispute Resolution Service. She helps individuals and organizations prevent, manage and resolve complex conflict through ethical decision‑making, value creation and durable agreements.
Denise has taught negotiation and conflict resolution for more than 20 years at Creighton University School of Law, Drake University and Des Moines University. A nationally recognized speaker, author and President of the American Academy of ADR Attorneys, she is known for her practical, principled approach to resolving workplace conflict.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Build a structured, ethical approach to diagnosing and resolving workplace conflict
- Strengthen negotiation skills grounded in interest‑based and value‑creating strategies
- Improve communication, judgment and relationship management in high‑stakes situations
- Gain practical tools you can immediately apply to leadership, HR, legal and advisory roles
- Earn a digital badge recognizing your professional achievement and skill development
This course aligns with SHRM‑BASK competencies critical for effective relationship management and organizational effectiveness, including:
Behavioral Competency
-
- Interpersonal Cluster → Relationship Management → Conflict Management
-
Interpersonal Cluster → Relationship Management → Negotiation
Organization Knowledge Domain
-
-
Organizational Effectiveness & Development
-
Employee & Labor Relations
-
FAQ
What is the career outlook for individuals who complete this program?
Strong conflict resolution, negotiation and communication skills are in consistent demand across industries, particularly in leadership, healthcare, legal, HR and professional services roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth for occupations that rely on interpersonal problem-solving and negotiation, including managers, mediators, HR professionals and legal practitioners. Employers increasingly prioritize skills such as communication, emotional intelligence and conflict management as essential for leadership effectiveness and career advancement.
This noncredit course builds transferable, future ready skills that support professional growth, leadership readiness and long-term career resilience.
How long does it take to complete?
This certificate is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience. Most learners complete the program in approximately 12 hours, though time may vary based on individual learning pace and reflection.
How is the course structured?
This certificate includes five self‑paced online courses designed to build progressively from foundational concepts to advanced application. Courses can be completed fully online and on your own schedule, making the program ideal for busy professionals balancing work and life commitments.
Can I earn Continuing Education credits?
This course is approved for SHRM‑BASK credit. Depending on your profession and state licensing requirements, you may also be eligible for CE or CLE credit. Learners should confirm eligibility with their accrediting organization.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
We do not offer tuition assistance for noncredit lifelong learning courses or certificates. However, Creighton alumni, faculty, staff and eligible partner employees, along with their spouses and dependents, may qualify for a 15% discount. One discount per offering. Other restrictions may apply. Learn more.