COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in both educational theory and classroom practice, ensuring students are well-prepared for diverse teaching environments. The core courses focus on essential teaching competencies, beginning with Instructional Design for Teaching and Literacy Theory and Methods, which develop effective lesson planning and literacy instruction skills. Students also explore Educational Foundations, Equity, and Social Justice, gaining an understanding of inclusive and equitable education, along with Teaching Multilingual Learners and Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms to address the needs of diverse student populations. Practical experience is a central component of the program, with three progressive Clinical Experience courses that provide hands-on teaching practice in real classroom settings. Additionally, Contemporary Issues in Education encourages students to critically examine current challenges and trends in the field. To further specialize, students choose between Multiple Subject or Single Subject teaching pathways. The Multiple Subject track includes courses in developing and advanced teaching methods for elementary-level instruction, while the Single Subject track focuses on subject-specific teaching strategies for secondary education. Overall, the curriculum integrates theory, pedagogy, and real-world practice to prepare competent, adaptable, and socially aware educators.The Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) curriculum combines foundational training with flexible electives to build expertise in managing and resolving conflicts across diverse contexts. The required coursework, totaling 12 units (or 10 for law students), ensures that all students develop core competencies in dispute resolution. This includes completing one arbitration-focused course, with options such as Arbitration Law, Arbitration Practice and Advocacy, or international arbitration courses covering theory and practice. Students also study Cross-Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution, Mediation Theory and Practice, Negotiation Theory and Practice, and Psychology of Conflict Communication, which together provide a strong grounding in understanding, analyzing, and resolving disputes effectively. Non-law students additionally take an Introduction to US Law course to build legal context. These core subjects emphasize communication, cultural awareness, and structured problem-solving approaches essential for conflict resolution.Beyond the core, students complete 14 elective units (16 for law students), allowing them to tailor their studies based on career interests. The wide range of electives includes advanced topics such as mediation, arbitration, and negotiation, as well as specialized areas like environmental disputes, family mediation, labor conflicts, healthcare disputes, and international investment disputes. Students can also explore emerging areas such as online dispute resolution, dispute resolution and technology, and conflict coaching. Practical learning opportunities are available through clinics, advocacy courses, moot court experiences, and international programs in global locations like London, Geneva, Hong Kong, and Beijing. Additional options include leadership and conflict management, restorative justice, and ethical practices in dispute resolution. Overall, the curriculum provides a comprehensive blend of theory, practical skills, and specialization, preparing graduates to handle complex disputes and serve as effective mediators, negotiators, and conflict resolution professionals in various industries.