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Resolve your vocational crisis with one of the nation’s best master’s in negotiation and conflict management degrees.
Are you passionate about resolving complex issues with compassion, ingenuity, and sustainability? Can you envision yourself leading teams of equally inspired people to enact change at micro and macro levels?
Then a degree in conflict resolution may be for you!
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Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What kind of master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree should you get?
Each of the 10 programs on our list will provide a foundation in conflict resolution fundamentals. No matter which school you graduate from, you’ll be ready to tackle complex problems and negotiate tricky scenarios. However, each of these programs vary from one another in specialization, title, and scope.
For example, while Georgetown offers an interdisciplinary degree that borrows from several of its departments, the California State University Dominguez Hills provides post-graduate certification and specialization.
Be sure to find the best fit for you and your career goals. Here at College Choice we’ve been sure to note the nuances of each program, including those that offer joint degrees and immersive internship opportunities.
And speaking of opportunities, though most of the degrees below are traditional, on-campus programs, perhaps you should consider online education. Distance learning is a flexible, affordable way to earn your degree. So, be sure to check out College Choice’s Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with a master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree?
With one of these master’s degrees in conflict resolution you will be prepared for work in diverse career settings (more on that below). That means the average salary of those with such a degree can vary. But rest assured, the field is notably lucrative and stable.
For example, arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators earn around $60,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, with added specialization and certification, which these degrees surely provide, you can make upwards of $78,000, according to PayScale.
Finally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10 percent industry growth in the next few years alone. Meaning, upon graduation you will be in high demand!
What can you do with a master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree?
With one of these degrees in hand you can find yourself working in an array of industries, from healthcare to government, education to administration. Which is to say, a master’s in negotiation and conflict management unlocks innumerable vocational doors.
And because several of the 10 programs below encourage you to combine the degree with one in another field, your options only expand. You will have the skills and knowledge to go into law, medicine, political science, social work, analysis, and more.
Indeed, graduates from these 10 programs have gone on to become:
- Government mediators
- Third-party neutrals
- Legal consultants
- Union representatives
What are the requirements for a master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree?
To earn a master’s in negotiation and conflict management you are looking at one year of full time study at least. Though most of these programs are more involved, requiring two years and an internship, to graduate.
In the first term or the first full year you will explore conflict resolution principles. This includes classes on mediation, negotiation, resolution strategies, and more. From there you will have the opportunity to explore specialized areas of conflict and negotiation through electives such as intercultural conflict, environmental conflict, and more.
Finally, most programs require an internship so you can apply your education to real-world situations. We’ve been sure to note which programs have practicum or internship requirements.
What are the best master’s in negotiation and conflict management degrees?
While some of these programs are offered through large research universities and others through smaller public schools, all 10 share one thing in common: they are the nation’s best graduate conflict management programs.
To find the best we first examined each school across the nation offering the degree. From there we narrowed our list by determining key factors such as national reputation and retention. Then we took into account the salaries of graduates and tuition rates to get an idea of the return on investment.
Our comprehensive research thus led us to the nation’s best programs for training new leaders in negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution.
Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Master’s In Negotiation And Conflict Management Degrees
Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Columbia University in the City of New York offers a top-ranked program in negotiation and conflict management as one of its 140 master's degrees. The master of science in negotiation and conflict resolution program builds advanced knowledge and skills, helping students increase their career opportunities. Graduate programs prioritize flexibility through their enrollment options, which help degree-seekers balance school with work or other responsibilities.
Learners strengthen their theoretical and practical understanding of conflict management through the program's challenging curriculum. Internships and experiential learning opportunities build professional connections and provide real-world experience. Candidates may also be able to choose a concentration, building specialized skills in a specific area of negotiation.
Columbia University in the City of New York at a Glance:
Location: New York, New York
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 5%
Graduate Tuition In State: $47,600
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $47,600
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 59%
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Most Affordable Master’s In Negotiation And Conflict Management Degrees
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgetown University offers 87 master's programs, including a highly-ranked negotiation and conflict management master's degree. Students can increase their earning potential and advance their careers in the master of arts in conflict resolution program. Graduate programs prioritize flexibility through their enrollment options, which help degree-seekers balance school with work or other responsibilities.
During the program, learners complete a challenging curriculum that builds comprehensive knowledge of negotiation and conflict management. Internships and experiential learning opportunities build professional connections and provide real-world experience. Enrollees specialize their negotiation and conflict management education by choosing electives and concentrations.
Georgetown University at a Glance:
Location: Washington, D.C.
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 14%
Graduate Tuition In State: $51,336
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $51,336
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 55%
Percent Online Enrollment
15%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Most Affordable Master’s In Negotiation And Conflict Management Degrees
The University of San Diego
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The negotiation and conflict management master's degree at the University of San Diego is one of 39 master's programs offered at the school. Students advance their career opportunities and increase their earning potential with a degree from the master of science in conflict management and resolution program. Graduate programs offer flexible enrollment options that make it easier for degree-seekers to fit classes into their schedule.
The program's curriculum blends theoretical and practical approaches to encourage a comprehensive understanding of negotiation and conflict management. Internships and experiential learning opportunities build professional connections and provide real-world experience. Candidates may also be able to choose a concentration, building specialized skills in a specific area of negotiation and conflict management.
The University of San Diego at a Glance:
Location: San Diego, California
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 49%
Graduate Tuition In State: $27,288
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,288
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 82%
Percent Online Enrollment
8%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Most Affordable Master’s In Negotiation And Conflict Management Degrees
Kennesaw State University
- Kennesaw, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
For students seeking career advancement, Kennesaw State University offers a master's program in negotiation and conflict management. The public university offers programs on its Kennesaw, Georgia, campus, as well as online options designed for degree-seekers who require additional flexibility. The master of science in conflict management builds on undergraduate knowledge, and applicants without a negotiation and conflict management background may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling.
College resources and support services help master's candidates participate fully in campus life and meet graduation requirements. Academic advisors can help with course selections, while financial aid counselors ensure learners can fund their education. Master's degree-seekers also take advantage of writing centers, career advising, and library services.
Kennesaw State University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 43
Total Online Master's Programs: 20
Admission Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 21-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,328
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,188
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Most Affordable Master’s In Negotiation And Conflict Management Degrees
Salisbury University
- Salisbury, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Salisbury University offers several career-focused graduate programs, including a master's in negotiation and conflict management. From its Salisbury, Maryland, campus, the public institution offers graduate programs in several enrollment formats, including online options designed for working professionals. During the master of arts in conflict analysis and dispute resolution program, learners take graduate-level courses in negotiation and conflict management to enhance their understanding of the field.
Master's candidates participate in campus life and benefit from the university's support services. For example, career counselors host job fairs and offer resume workshops for specific industries. Master's degree-seekers also participate in training events, networking opportunities, and tutoring sessions.
Salisbury University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 15
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Admission Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,769
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,599
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,000
Percent Online Enrollment
19%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
