Know what to do when conflict arises.
The Institute for Conflict Management (ICM) brings together leading thinkers in law, business, and sociology to study why conflict happens and to teach practical, research-based skills to manage through it. Housed within Lipscomb University's College of Leadership and Public Service, the Institute offers consistent in-person Rule 31 mediation training and the Southeast's first graduate degree in conflict management, giving you real-world tools to manage disputes with confidence.
Graduate Programs in Conflict Management
Gain a core understanding of the principles of conflict management through graduate-level coursework. Then apply your knowledge to real-world situations. Our flexible hybrid setting and ready-to-use skills make our master's program and graduate certificate in conflict management unique, allowing you to solve complex conflicts while earning course credit.
About Our Programs
Rule 31 Mediation Training
Mediation is an informal process where a mediator helps people with a dispute to reach agreement. The mediation process identifies important issues, clarifies misunderstandings, explores solutions, and negotiates settlement. We host five Rule 31 mediation trainings annually in Nashville, covering general civil and family mediation, and we are in full compliance with Tennessee's Rule 31 State mediator listing requirements. Our mediation trainings happen over the course of two weekends so as to not interrupt a typical work week.
Get StartedUpcoming Events
FREE Lunch & Learn: When Conflict Is About Identity, Not Interest
September 23, 2026
In-Person & Online
Rule 31 Civil Mediation Training
October 22-24 and November 5-7, 2026
In-Person Only
Rule 31 Family Mediation Training
November 12-14 and 19-21, 2026
In-Person Only
Rule 31 Civil-to-Family Mediation Crossover Training
November 14 and 19-21, 2026
In-Person Only
Advanced Mediation: Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Mediation Practice
October 16-17