Overview
Lead Through Conflict. Strengthen Collaboration. Improve Health Care Outcomes.
Conflict is an inevitable part of health care, where professionals from diverse disciplines work together in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Effective leaders must be able to navigate difficult conversations, foster collaboration and resolve conflicts in ways that strengthen teams, improve communication and support patient-centered care.
The Conflict Resolution for Health Care Leaders Certificate is a 9-unit graduate certificate jointly offered by the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science and the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego. Designed for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their leadership effectiveness, the program combines six units of coursework through the Kroc School and three units through the Hahn School. Through evidence-based strategies, applied learning experiences and interprofessional collaboration, students develop practical skills they can immediately apply within health care organizations.
Program at a Glance
| Credential | Graduate Certificate |
|---|---|
| Total Units | 9 units |
| Tuition | $7,500 |
| Format | Online |
| Offered By | Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science and the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies |
| Curriculum Structure | 6 units through the Kroc School and 3 units through the Hahn School |
Why Conflict Resolution Matters in Healthcare
Healthcare is built on teamwork, but high-pressure environments, competing priorities and difficult conversations can create conflict among team members, patients and families.
When conflict goes unresolved, communication suffers, teamwork breaks down and patient care can be affected.
The Conflict Resolution for Healthcare Leaders Certificate equips healthcare professionals with practical strategies to navigate conflict, strengthen collaboration and lead positive change across healthcare organizations.
Who Should Enroll?
Designed for professionals across the health care continuum, this certificate helps participants strengthen their leadership, communication and collaboration skills.
- Professionals seeking to lead positive change in health care organizations
- Nurses and nurse leaders
- Physicians and advanced practice providers
- Health care administrators and managers
- Clinical educators and faculty
- Social workers and care coordinators
- Public health professionals
- Emerging health care leaders
What You'll Learn
Develop the skills to lead through conflict, strengthen collaboration and create healthier work environments. Graduates of the certificate will be prepared to:
- Navigate and resolve conflict in complex health care environments
- Foster collaboration among interprofessional teams
- Facilitate difficult conversations and mediate disputes
- Apply evidence-based conflict resolution strategies
- Lead positive organizational change that supports team effectiveness and patient-centered care
Curriculum and Learning Experience
The Conflict Resolution for Health Care Leaders Certificate combines evidence-based conflict resolution theory with practical application to prepare professionals to lead effectively through conflict in complex health care environments.
Coursework is offered through the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, bringing together expertise in conflict resolution, peace building and health care leadership. Students learn alongside professionals from a variety of disciplines while exploring strategies to strengthen communication, collaboration and organizational effectiveness.
The 9-unit certificate includes 6 units through the Kroc School and 3 units through the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. Learning experiences emphasize real-world application and include:
- Case studies grounded in health care settings
- Simulations and experiential learning activities
- Applied projects addressing organizational challenges
- Dialogue facilitation and conflict intervention design
- Collaborative discussions with professionals from diverse disciplines
| Course | School | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MSNC 600: Health Care Leadership | Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science | 3 |
| CMRJ 635: Interprofessional Conflict Resolution in Health Care | Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies | 3 |
| CMRJ 650: Facilitation and Dialogue Intervention Design | Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies | 3 |
| Total | 9 |
How to Apply
Applications to the Conflict Resolution for Health Care Leaders Certificate are managed through the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies.
Fall 2026 applications are being accepted through Aug. 1, 2026.
For questions about the certificate, admission requirements or the application process, please contact the Kroc School admissions team at krocadmissions@sandiego.edu.
Ready to take the next step? Review admission requirements and begin your application today.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Professionals who complete the certificate gain practical skills to manage conflict, facilitate difficult conversations, strengthen team collaboration and lead organizational change in a variety of health care settings.
No. The certificate is appropriate for both current and aspiring leaders, as well as health care professionals who want to improve their communication, collaboration and conflict management skills.
Coursework explores conflict commonly encountered in health care and related settings, including interprofessional team conflict, workplace communication challenges, organizational conflict and difficult conversations involving patients, families, colleagues and community partners.
Yes. The certificate helps professionals develop leadership, communication and collaboration skills that are increasingly valued in health care organizations.
No. A health care degree is not required to apply. The certificate welcomes professionals from a variety of backgrounds who are interested in improving communication, collaboration and conflict resolution in health care settings.
Yes. International students are welcome to apply to the Conflict Resolution for Health Care Leaders Certificate. International applicants should consult the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies for application deadlines and contact the University of San Diego Graduate Admissions Office for information regarding admission requirements and required documentation.
Prospective students with questions about the Conflict Resolution for Health Care Leaders Certificate, admission requirements or the application process should contact the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies admissions team at krocadmissions@sandiego.edu.
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