Online Master’s Programs in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Negotiation and conflict resolution professionals work in many industries and help individuals, companies, and communities analyze, manage, and resolve conflict. Earning a master’s degree in negotiation and conflict resolution online can open the door to careers in law, business, and other industries.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the negotiation and conflict resolution field to grow by 10% between 2016 and 2026 — faster than the average field in the U.S. Organizations increasingly recognize the benefit of hiring skilled individuals who can help resolve conflicts without needing to rely on the expense of the court system. Prospective students can choose from many master’s in negotiation and conflict resolution online programs.

Coursework for master’s in conflict resolution programs varies depending on a program’s focus. Some programs focus heavily on negotiation in the business world, while others center around conflict resolution across cultures or within families.

Negotiation and conflict resolution students gain critical thinking, decision-making, interpersonal, and communication skills. They learn about fundamental theories and practical strategies related to conflict resolution, negotiation, and mediation. They also explore research methods and ethical issues relevant to the profession.

The typical online master’s in negotiation and conflict resolution takes about two years to complete and includes 30-45 credits. Online and on-campus programs typically offer the same types of coursework and include similar graduation requirements. Online programs may offer accelerated options that let students graduate more quickly. Programs with in-person internship or practicum requirements may take longer to finish.

The type of courses available in online master’s in negotiation and conflict resolution programs vary by school and program focus. However, most programs include some courses on conflict resolution, negotiation, and mediation strategies and processes. The list below describes a few common classes.

Master’s in negotiation and conflict resolution programs often offer specializations, which let students develop a focused area of expertise. Available concentrations differ depending on the school, and not all programs offer specializations. The list below describes a few sample specializations.

Students earning a master’s degree in negotiation and conflict resolution online often complete a capstone project or experience. Capstone projects are typically completed during the last semester of a program and serve as a culminating experience for students.

A capstone project lets learners synthesize the knowledge they acquired throughout the program to produce a research or practical project. This project often involves identification of a practical problem relevant to conflict resolution and a plan to solve it. Most conflict resolution master’s programs do not require participants to complete a thesis, which tends to be more research-intensive than a capstone.

Accreditation signals that a school meets minimum quality standards set by an independent organization. Attending a regionally accredited college can greatly improve a student’s academic experience and help them acquire the skills needed to succeed in the field. Currently, there are no specialized accrediting agency that specifically evaluate negotiation and conflict resolution master’s programs.

Choosing a trustworthy program takes a little bit of research. Prospective students should consider program characteristics like the presence of qualified faculty members, accreditation status, and the type of courses available. Graduation rates and postgraduation employment information can also offer valuable information about a program’s quality.

Red flags that may indicate less trustworthy programs include a lack of institutional accreditation. Also, programs that fail to include a lot of information on their websites are more likely to be low quality.

Graduates of master’s in negotiation and conflict resolution online programs qualify for career opportunities in many industries. They may work inside and outside of the legal system and for nonprofit and for-profit organizations. See below for a sampling of career opportunities for conflict resolution professionals. However, note that a master’s degree in negotiation and conflict resolution does not guarantee eligibility for these careers; some of these jobs may require additional certification or licensure beyond a master’s in conflict resolution.

Source: BLS, 2019

The BLS projects faster-than-average job growth for most negotiation and conflict resolution careers between 2016 and 2026. Organizations should continue to seek out help from alternative dispute resolution professionals because it provides a less expensive route to resolving conflicts than trials and litigation. Many employment, real estate, and customer contracts stipulate dispute resolution through arbitration or mediation.

Professional organizations in the negotiation and conflict management field present many benefits to students and recent graduates. Membership can open the door to networking opportunities, discounted admission to annual conferences, and access to job boards and career services assistance. Many professional groups offer discounted membership rates to students and new professionals.

Students typically pay for their online master’s in negotiation and conflict resolution by using multiple funding sources. Common ways that students pay for their degrees include taking out student loans, applying for scholarships and grants, and earning fellowships or assistantships. Many online master’s students also continue working part time or full time while pursuing their education.