Defining Mediation
This program is presented in workshop format as a 40-hour program over five weeks. Learning derives from lectures, group discussions, hands-on activities, and mock mediation exercises. The course culminates with the presentation of a “Certificate of Mediation” issued by UT San Antonio in recognition of successful course completion.
- This training fulfills the requirements for mediator credentialing in Texas, meeting the standards outlined in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 154, and may also satisfy foundational criteria for mediation in other states.
- Meets the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (TMCA) training criteria, enabling you to apply for a credential upon course completion.
This course will cover the basic principles and concepts of Mediation:
- Defining mediation
- Federal and state recognition of mediation
- History of mediation
- Understanding the role of a mediator
- Understanding the dynamics of conflict
- Differing definitions of neutrality
- Understanding confidentiality
- Communication skills in mediation
- Ethics required of mediators
Mediation promotes personal empowerment and prepares people in conflict with opportunities to resolve their conflict.
Intra- and Inter-Personal Skills and Development Training:
- Conflict Management
- Neurology and Conflict
- Dynamics of Conflict
- Effective Conflict Communications
- Building Trust
- Leadership Development
- Team Development
- Understanding Working Styles
- Understanding Conflict Management Styles
- Interest-Based Problem-Solving
- Mediation Methodologies and Skill Sets
This course is designed for and benefits everyone interested in reducing personal and/or group stress, resolving conflict, and constructively engaging others in dealing with, rather than avoiding or escalating conflict.
Virtually anyone can benefit from learning conflict-prepared skills in an ever-increasing conflict-prone world; however, Mediator training would especially advantage those serving in professional career paths such as:
- Legal Profession
- Education
- Law Enforcement
- Public Administration
- Human Resources
- Union Leaders
- Organizational Management
- Business Leaders
Emerging Career:
Mediator
Background
The career outlook for mediators is strong, especially in the state of Texas. Texas ranks first in the nation for total number of mediators employed. Nationally, mediator positions are expected to grow by 5% between 2020-2030. In Texas, mediator positions are forecasted to grow 15% during the same timeframe, triple the national projection.
Industries
Mediators work in a variety of industries including: government, non-profits, education, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and finance.
Marketable Skills
- Use mediation techniques to facilitate communication between disputants, to further parties' understanding of different perspectives, and to guide parties toward mutual agreement.
- Confer with disputants to clarify issues, identify underlying concerns, and develop an understanding of their respective needs and interests.
- Conduct initial meetings with disputants to outline the arbitration process, settle procedural matters, such as fees, or determine details, such as witness numbers or time requirements.
- Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, or precedents to reach conclusions.
- Conduct hearings to obtain information or evidence relative to disposition of claims.
Program Schedule
The Mediator Certificate Program is delivered virtually over five weeks for a total of 40 hours. Learning derives from lectures, group discussions, hands-on activities, and mock mediation exercises.
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Introduction to Mediation, Tools, & Styles
In this session you will learn the challenges in dispute resolution, an overview of the mediation process, the power of self-awareness, and sources of conflict.
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Stages of Mediation
Review of the entire 7 stages of the mediation process: planning, mediator’s opening statement, client’s initial statement, agenda building, negotiations, caucus (optional), and agreement/closure.
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Practice and Implementation
Participate in mock mediation exercises.
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Final Review and Wrap-Up
Final review and wrap-up.
Meet the Instructor
Nancy Boyle
Nancy is the managing partner of Forward Mediation®, Conflict Rescue®, and Ask a Mediator®, serving communities throughout Texas and New Mexico. She is a member of the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association, the TX Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and is an Approved Trainer through the Texas Mediator Training Roundtable.
As a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator [Texas Mediator Credentialing Association] and a Certified Advanced Practitioner [Academy of Professional Family Mediators], Nancy is best known for her ability to supportively and efficiently help parties keep their conversation moving forward towards a resolution they can live with. She draws on years of high-quality mediation and facilitation experience to ensure thoroughness when handling the most difficult and contentious cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UT San Antonio Mediator Certificate Program is a 40-hour professional training course that introduces participants to mediation, conflict resolution and alternative dispute resolution. Students learn how mediators help people communicate, identify underlying interests, manage conflict and work toward mutually acceptable agreements. The program combines instruction, group discussion, practical activities and simulated mediation exercises.
Completing the program earns participants a Certificate of Mediation from UT San Antonio, but the certificate is not the same as an independent professional credential. The training meets the basic mediation-training criteria established by the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association, allowing eligible graduates to apply separately for mediator credentialing. Additional experience, application or professional requirements may apply depending on the credential or organization pursued. For a broader explanation of training, experience and professional considerations, read our guide to becoming a mediator in Texas.
The UT San Antonio Mediator Certificate Program currently costs $1,000. Tuition covers the 40-hour virtual training experience, including instructor-led lessons, group discussions, activities and mock mediation practice. Discounts may be available to graduates of the UT San Antonio Paralegal Certificate Program. Review the current registration listing for the latest tuition, discount eligibility and payment deadlines.
The Mediator Certificate Program includes 40 hours of training completed over approximately five weeks. Classes are generally held several times each week according to a scheduled virtual cohort calendar. Because the course includes live instruction, group activities and mock mediations, participants should review all meeting dates before registering and plan to attend the required sessions.
Yes. The Mediator Certificate Program is delivered through a live virtual classroom. Participants interact with the instructor and classmates during scheduled sessions rather than completing the entire course independently. Students should have a reliable computer or tablet, internet access, audio and video capabilities, and a quiet location where they can participate in discussions and mock mediation exercises.
Participants learn the foundations and history of mediation, the role and responsibilities of a mediator, confidentiality, neutrality and ethical practice. The curriculum also covers conflict dynamics, communication, trust building, conflict-management styles, interest-based problem solving and the stages of the mediation process. Students practice techniques for clarifying issues, identifying interests, managing difficult interactions and helping parties work toward resolution.
Yes. The program includes role-playing activities and real-time mock mediations based on realistic disputes. Participants practice the stages of mediation, apply conflict-resolution and communication techniques, and receive feedback from the instructor and classmates. These exercises allow students to move beyond theory and begin developing the practical judgment, confidence and interpersonal skills needed to facilitate a mediation.
No specific legal background or previous mediation experience is required to benefit from the basic mediator training. The program is appropriate for professionals in law, education, human resources, law enforcement, public administration, organizational leadership and business, as well as individuals who want stronger conflict-management skills. Separate courts, employers or credentialing organizations may establish additional education, experience or professional requirements for particular mediation opportunities.
Ask your questions directly to the UT San Antonio Mediator Program Instructor
September 10 - October 8, 2026
Mondays, 5:30-9:30pm CST
Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00pm CST
Thursdays, 6:00-9:00pm CST
Virtual Classroom
Discounts available for UT San Antonio Paralegal Program Alumni.
Students should bring a tablet, laptop, notebook, or other note-taking means.