Best Online Master's Degrees in Conflict Resolution
People with specialized training in conflict resolution help mediate and ease communication between disputing parties. Graduates of online conflict resolution degree programs are well suited for a variety of professional roles. Depending on their education level and work experience, they may provide counseling, lead anger management and communications classes, or help people develop child custody plans or settle property disputes. Students in this field study communication techniques, legal statutes, psychology, sociology, and leadership principles.
The accreditation of any degree program you are considering should be a top priority. Accreditation helps ensure that schools provide a worthwhile education for their students and meet established academic standards. The and the each offer a database of current accredited schools and degree programs. Read More
Most Popular Accredited Online Schools for Conflict Resolution Master's Degrees
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Recommend Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | Not Provided | 71% (1397 reviews) | |
| Creighton University | $19,676 | 91% (98 reviews) | |
| Abilene Christian University | $24,174 | 95% (55 reviews) | |
| Regent University Online | $17,828 | 83% (146 reviews) | |
| University of Missouri | $31,029 | 98% (193 reviews) | |
| Brenau University | $14,552 | 92% (52 reviews) | |
| Bay Path University | $19,235 | 93% (45 reviews) | |
| American University | $33,239 | 90% (290 reviews) | |
| American Public University System | $8,160 | 79% (346 reviews) | |
| California Southern University | Not Provided | 64% (88 reviews) | |
| California State University - Dominguez Hills | $18,002 | 90% (98 reviews) | |
| Dominican University | $19,500 | 82% (55 reviews) | |
| Maharishi International University | $29,530 | 78% (9 reviews) | |
| Nova Southeastern University | $24,140 | 89% (489 reviews) | |
| Touro University Worldwide | $9,000 | 68% (37 reviews) | |
| University of Maine | $30,948 | 93% (56 reviews) | |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | $22,676 | 91% (114 reviews) | |
| Wayland Baptist University | $15,954 | 79% (43 reviews) |
What Is a Conflict Resolution Degree?
A master’s degree in conflict resolution provides students with the skills to forge relationships between individuals, communities, organizations, and nations, with an eye toward improving communications and reducing conflict. Students who obtain a graduate degree in conflict resolution may go on to pursue careers as mediators, human resources directors, counselors, consultants, and more.
Master’s degrees in conflict resolution typically take about two years to complete. Applicants should have obtained a bachelor’s degree prior to applying. In some cases, schools may require that applicants complete entrance exams at the graduate level, like the GRE.
Can You Get a Conflict Resolution Degree Online?
Yes, it’s possible to obtain a graduate degree in conflict resolution online. Online degrees provide freedom and flexibility for graduate students, allowing them to complete degrees while also balancing other work and family responsibilities.
Many online degree programs are reputable and well-regarded by employers; however, students should be sure to look for programs that are accredited and have a good track record of student success.
Financial Aid for Online Master's Students
In some cases, students may be able to obtain financial aid when applying for an online master’s degree. Some schools may offer need-based or merit-based scholarships and aid, which can help make graduate studies more affordable for qualifying students.
Students may also qualify for student loans to help cover the cost of tuition and living expenses. Those interested in applying for financial aid should be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit all necessary paperwork and documents as early as possible.
Core Courses
Online degrees in conflict resolution provide students with the skills they need to effectively manage conflicts and negotiate solutions. From interpersonal conflicts to community-wide conflicts, the study of conflict resolution helps students learn how to mediate between different groups.
Courses in conflict management draw from fields including psychology, sociology, history, and law. Check out some of the most common core classes for conflict management students at the graduate level:
Foundations of Conflict Analysis
In this course, students learn how to interpret and analyze conflicts in different settings. They investigate not only how conflicts arise but also how their own values and beliefs shape their interpretations of and responses to conflict. Developing self-awareness can help students better understand and navigate conflicts in a variety of contexts.
Introduction to Negotiation
Negotiation is one of the fundamental skills taught in a conflict resolution graduate degree program. Whether negotiating between individuals, organizations, or even whole countries, students need strong communication and negotiation skills in order to succeed. Introduction to Negotiation is a foundational course that allows students to learn more about theoretical and practical approaches to conflict resolution.
Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication is one of the most important concepts in conflict resolution. By studying communication styles and techniques, students can better understand where communication breaks down and how conflict develops, as well as how to potentially improve communication and resolve conflicts. Classes in interpersonal communication inform students about how social and cultural elements can impact communication styles.
Mediation
Classes on mediation teach students hands-on skills and practical approaches to mediating conflict. Students practice mediating between individuals in a diverse array of circumstances while also examining their own communication skills and biases. Types of mediation covered may include divorce and family mediation and court-mandated mediation.
International Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
While some conflict resolution courses focus on interpersonal conflict between individuals, this class focuses on conflict at the international level, with an emphasis on peacebuilding. Students learn how international conflicts arise as well as what cultural, political, and religious factors may affect conflicts. They also learn strategies for mediating conflicts between nations and fostering strong international diplomatic relations.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Conflict Resolution?
There are a wide variety of career paths available to students with a graduate degree in conflict resolution. Graduates may choose to focus on interpersonal conflict between individuals, conflict at a community-wide level, or even conflict at a national level.
Some common occupations include human resources managers, counselors, mediators, arbitrators, and more. See below for more details, including salary information and job growth from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Mediator
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators specialize in resolving conflicts between disputing parties. Often, mediators help individuals resolve conflicts before they escalate to a legal setting. Mediators may work for private companies or for state or government agencies.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers are in charge of mediating conflicts between employees and employers. They may also be in charge of other tasks related to the organization, such as onboarding, managing pay and benefits, resolving disputes between coworkers, and more. Many human resources managers have a master’s degree, which can make them more competitive on the job market.
Lawyer
For students with a degree in conflict resolution, pursuing a law career is one way to put their skills to use. While some conflicts can be resolved outside of the courtroom by mediators or arbitrators, other conflicts can only be resolved by lawyers in court. Students interested in becoming lawyers typically also need a specialized law degree. Lawyers may work for businesses, individuals, or government agencies.
Political Scientist
If you’re pursuing a degree in conflict resolution and interested in negotiating conflicts at the international level, then a career as a , but in a lot of cases, it may take some time to pay off the student debt that accumulates during the course of your studies.
Limited networking
Online degrees may limit opportunities to practice real-world skills. Conflict resolution is a discipline that is — to some extent — dependent on in-person communication. While an online degree in conflict resolution can still provide a lot of value, it may be more difficult for students to practice in-person strategies for resolving conflicts.
High-stakes and high-stress
Depending on the particular type of conflict resolution you choose to pursue, it can be a high-stakes and high-stress endeavor. Students who want a more relaxed work experience may want to consider other career options.
Resources
There are a variety of professional organizations and groups that conflict resolution students might consider joining in order to further their career:
- : This organization provides resources for individuals to learn more about resolving conflicts as well as free online resources and an online certificate course.
- .