Alternative Dispute Resolution
Apply for September 2025 and get your chance to win $5,000 toward tuition* See details.
Program Overview
From resolving community disputes, labour grievances and government accountability office complaints to representing clients in courts and tribunals, our well-rounded Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) graduate certificate program benefits those wanting to be trained dispute resolution specialists, as well as agents representing parties in various dispute resolution processes.
With a core curriculum spanning community mediation, administrative tribunals, court dispute resolution processes, employment/labour law, family law, elder mediation, conflict resolution in health care and conflict management system design, the program uses intensive workshop training and community engagement to teach the core principles of negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Applying these principles, students learn to resolve disputes between individuals, within families, businesses, stakeholders in the health sector, government and community agencies.
It is an ideal program for recent university graduates wanting to enhance their academic credentials, as well as those currently employed in areas such as law, human resources, insurance, community organizations, health care, education, social work, real estate and government.
Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience by applying the theory and skills they’ve learned at the Conflict Resolution Centre. This program is approved by the ADR Institute of Ontario, Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario, and the Ontario Association of Family Mediators.
Courses
At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:
In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.
Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.
Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.
Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.
The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.
International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
| Course code and Name | Delivery Type by Location | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Name | North | Lakeshore | IGS | DL/Online |
| Semester 1 | |||||
| ADR 5000 | Introduction to ADR: Mediation and Negotiation | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| ADR 5001 | ADR Mechanisms within the Court Process | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| ADR 5002 | Administrative Tribunals: Practice | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| ADR 5003 | Ethics, Diversity, Inclusion & Power in ADR | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| ADR 5005 | Community Mediation | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| ADR 5010 | Introduction to Elder Mediation | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| Semester 2 | |||||
| ADR 5006 | Advanced Negotiation and Mediation: Case Analysis | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| ADR 5007 | The ADR Entrepreneur: Process Design | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| ADR 5009 | Employment and Labour Dispute Resolution | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| ADR 5100 | Family Mediation | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| ADR 5115 | Serving Vulnerable Persons & Managing Unideal Circumstances in ADR | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| ADR 5130 | Conflict Resolution in Healthcare | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
| Semester 3 | |||||
| ADR 5120 | Field Experience - Alternative Dispute Resolution | N/A | In-Person | N/A | N/A |
Work-Integrated Learning
Students gain practical and professional skills through a mandatory four-week, unpaid (160 hours) which may be completed full time in the third semester.
Humber Advantages
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Read our Alumni Success Stories
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Alternative Dispute Resolution Program Inspires Alumna to Create Pet Mediation Service
In 2021, Katie Mayerson, a seasoned professional with an honours Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Education, and thirteen years of experience working at a community health centre in Toronto, decided it was time for a change. Driven by her commitment to a life of service and a desire to expand her skills, Katie enrolled in the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program in 2022.
Alumni Tells How the Program Helped Launch Her Career in ADR
Joya is a certified Community Mediator, Assistant Researcher of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Ontario for Humber College, and the Career Program Manager for Dress for Success Toronto. Read the article to learn more about her experience in Humber’s ADR Graduate Certificate Program.
ADR Alumnus Excels Beyond Graduation
Brett graduated from Humber’s ADR Graduate Certificate Program with honors in 2019 and through his practicum at the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, was able to work with the Human Rights Legal Support Center on Ontario Human Rights Tribunal mediations. Read more about his experience after graduation and how a Humber education advanced his career.
IMPG Student Lands Exciting Role at CHUBB Insurance
Current Insurance Management program (IMPG) student and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) alumna, Lauren Ratcliffe, was recently extended a role at CHUBB Insurance. Lauren's ADR skillset set her apart and made her the ideal candidate for the role.
Your Career
Upon completing the program, graduates may find employment as a dispute resolution officer, conflict resolution facilitator, community outreach co-ordinator, conciliator, early resolution officer, court information referral co-ordinator or client service representative, employee relations officer, or labour relations officer. They may also work independently as an ADR .consultants.
Professional Accreditations & Recognition
Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario
The program is recognized by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario as meeting the educational requirements for membership. Specific courses and program components may also be accepted for additional recognition toward industry certification(s).
Additional requirements may apply.
Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.
Related Programs
Program Availability
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Block-Based | Lakeshore | Suspended |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Block-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
| Jan 2026 | Block-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Block-Based | Lakeshore | Suspended |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Block-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
| Jan 2026 | Block-Based | Lakeshore | Opening Soon |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now!
Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Block-Based | Lakeshore | Suspended |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Block-Based | Lakeshore | Open |
| Jan 2026 | Block-Based | Lakeshore | Opening Soon |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
Upcoming Recruitment Events
News Feed
Finding Inspiration From Graduates Working In the Industry
Thu, January 09, 2025
Humber’s Alternative Dispute Resolution program invited alumni to share their career journeys with current students at the ADR Town Hall career networking event.
Inside ADRIC’s 50th: A Student Perspective on the Future of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mon, November 04, 2024
Attending the ADRIC's 50th Annual National Conference in Toronto was an invaluable experience, providing a unique opportunity to learn from leaders.
From Paralegal to Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Wed, October 30, 2024
While earning her Paralegal diploma, Devyn was inspired by a mediation course and a mentor’s advice to pursue Alternative Dispute Resolution.
No news at this time.
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.
