Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution

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Degree:

Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution

Application:

$0 application fee. No essays/exams.

Whether you’re an attorney, manager, educator, HR leader, or policy advisor, a Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution equips you to resolve disputes, communicate effectively, and lead with confidence across diverse workplaces. Through real-world scenarios, you’ll build expertise in mediation, negotiation, and facilitation while gaining hands-on experience with digital dispute-resolution tools and other cutting-edge technologies.

Career-Focused Curriculum for Busy Learners

National University’s flexible online MA in Conflict Resolution gives career-minded professionals the practical skills to tackle complex conflicts. You’ll develop ethical, inclusive, and solution-focused leadership skills, preparing you to pursue advancement in a variety of areas, including law, business, government, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.

Degree Requirements

The program consists of 30 quarter units. Students must successfully complete all 10 (ten) courses in the program to be awarded the Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution degree.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

10 Courses

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: It is recommended that undergraduate students enrolling in the course have completed their lower division studies.

This foundational course provides an overview of the field of conflict resolution, exploring its cultural and historical development, key theoretical frameworks, and major approaches. Students will analyze different types of conflicts and examine various strategies for conflict resolution. The course emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, cultural sensitivity, and power dynamics in conflict resolution processes.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: CRS 500; It is recommended that the undergraduate student has
completed lower division studies before enrolling in this course.

In this course, students delve into the intersection of negotiation and social justice. They will explore the ethical dimensions of negotiation, with a focus on promoting fairness, equity, and inclusivity. Students will
learn integrative bargaining techniques to create value and foster collaborative problem-solving. Case studies and simulations will be used to enhance practical negotiation skills.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: It is recommended that students have completed CRS 500, 505 before enrolling in this course. ; It is recommended that the undergraduate student has completed lower division studies before enrolling in this course.

The course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the ethical considerations and principles of neutrality that underpin the practice of conflict resolution. This course explores the complex ethical dilemmas faced by conflict resolution practitioners and examines the concept of neutrality in navigating conflicts impartially.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: It is recommended that students have completed CRS 500, 505, 530 before enrolling in this course.

This hands-on course provides students with experiential learning opportunities in the areas of facilitation and mediation. Students will develop facilitation skills to guide groups through difficult conversations and consensus-building processes. They will also learn mediation techniques to help parties in conflict reach mutually acceptable agreements. The course includes practical exercises and real-life case studies.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: It is recommended that students have completed CRS 500, 505, 530, 610 before enrolling in this course.

This course explores the theory and practice of arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Students will examine the legal framework, procedural rules, and ethical considerations in arbitration. They will analyze current issues and trends in arbitration, such as the use of technology, cross-cultural challenges, and the enforceability of arbitral awards. Case studies with real-world impact will enhance students’ understanding.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: It is recommended that students have completed CRS 500, 505, 530, 610, 615 before enrolling in this course.

This course focuses on advanced negotiation strategies and techniques in specialized contexts. Students will explore negotiation in specific domains such as international diplomacy, business transactions, environmental disputes, and labor relations. They will develop specialized negotiation skills tailored to these contexts, including cross-cultural communication, complex multi-party negotiations, and power dynamics analysis.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: It  is recommended that students have completed CRS 500, 505, 530, 610, 615, 620 before enrolling in this course.

This graduate-level course in Restorative Justice explores the principles, theories, and practices of alternative approaches to justice and conflict resolution. It examines how restorative justice can address the needs of victims, offenders, and communities affected by crime and harm. Students will critically analyze the strengths and limitations of restorative justice models and develop the skills necessary to implement and evaluate restorative justice programs.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: It is recommended that students have completed CRS 500, 505, 530, 610, 615, 620, 625 before enrolling in this course

This graduate-level course explores the intersection of conflict resolution and technology, focusing on how technological advancements can be leveraged to facilitate and enhance conflict resolution processes. Students will examine various technological tools, platforms, and strategies that can be employed in conflict analysis, negotiation, mediation, and dispute resolution. The course will cover both theoretical frameworks and practical applications of technology in conflict resolution, emphasizing ethical considerations and the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating technology into conflict resolution practices.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: It is recommended that students have completed CRS 500, 505, 530, 610, 615, 620, 625, 630 before enrolling in this course.

This course delves into the intricacies of conflict resolution and litigation, providing students with comprehensive insights into amicable dispute resolution techniques, contested dispute resolution, and formal legal proceedings. Participants will gain proficiency in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration methods . While the purpose of conflict resolution is to avoid litigation, those processes are not always successful. Therefore, this course also exposes students to the procedural and strategic aspects of litigation in various jurisdictions.

4.5 Quarter Units

Recommended: Prior completion of: It is recommended that students have completed all other courses in the program prior to enrolling in this course.

The thesis component of the Master of Arts, Conflict Resolution Studies program provides students with an opportunity to conduct in-depth research and contribute to the field of conflict resolution. The thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge, research methodologies, and critical analysis to a specific topic of interest within the realm of conflict resolution. The thesis should reflect the student’s mastery of the program’s learning outcomes and showcase their capacity for independent research andscholarly inquiry.

Career Outlook

Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.

Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:

Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area

  • Top Jobs in this field
  • Median Salary
  • Job Openings
  • Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

  • $67,202

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 494

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.
Median Salary:
$67,202 annual +39% above US average
Job Openings:
494 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $42,876
  • Medium
    $67,202
  • High
    $144,510

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Mediation
  2. Legal Hearings
  3. Social Work
  4. Conflict Resolution
  5. Arbitration
  6. Case Management
  7. Dispute Resolution

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • American Arbitration Association
  • State of New York
  • Cox Automotive
  • State of Florida
  • Asaph Documents
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • City of New York
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Postsecondary Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers

  • $83,891

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 170,915

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median Salary:
$83,891 annual +74% above US average
Job Openings:
170,915 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $46,447
  • Medium
    $83,891
  • High
    $178,851

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Social Sciences
  2. Ethnic Studies
  3. Talent Management
  4. Pedagogy
  5. Latin American And Latino Studies
  6. African-American Studies
  7. Sociology

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • DePaul University
  • California State University-Fresno
  • California State University-Fullerton
  • Wisconsin State Journal
  • California State University-Chancellors Office
  • California State University-Monterey Bay
  • The University of Texas at Austin
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Social and Human Service Assistants

  • $45,082

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 56,491

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Median Salary:
$45,082 annual -6% below US average
Job Openings:
56,491 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $33,078
  • Medium
    $45,082
  • High
    $64,738

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Social Work
  2. Human Services
  3. Psychology
  4. Discharge Planning
  5. Case Management
  6. Medicaid
  7. Good Driving Record

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Molina Healthcare
  • Sunrise Senior Living
  • Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania
  • StoryPoint
  • American Heart Association
  • The Salvation Army
  • Eben Ezer
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Social Science Research Assistants

  • $57,686

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 6,086

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Median Salary:
$57,686 annual +20% above US average
Job Openings:
6,086 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $35,385
  • Medium
    $57,686
  • High
    $107,056

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Social Sciences
  2. Political Sciences
  3. Data Analysis
  4. Economics
  5. Data Collection
  6. Sociology
  7. Public Policies

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • The Borgen Project
  • TELUS
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Stanford University
  • The University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Minnesota
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

  • $78,271

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 39,666

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Median Salary:
$78,271 annual +62% above US average
Job Openings:
39,666 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $46,001
  • Medium
    $78,271
  • High
    $130,787

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Marketing
  2. Project Management
  3. Data Analysis
  4. Social Work
  5. Psychology
  6. Auditing
  7. Special Education

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Caliber Healthcare Solutions
  • Terraboost Media
  • Year Up
  • Project Time & Cost
  • Acosta Group
  • Baptist Health Jacksonville
  • PMA USA
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Human Resources Specialists

  • $72,832

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 100,514

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.
Median Salary:
$72,832 annual +51% above US average
Job Openings:
100,514 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $45,036
  • Medium
    $72,832
  • High
    $128,879

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
  2. Applicant Tracking Systems
  3. Employee Relations
  4. Full-Cycle Recruitment
  5. Recruitment Strategies
  6. Auditing
  7. Talent Acquisition

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • General Motors
  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Intermountain Health
  • Amazon
  • Lowe's
  • CVS Health
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Human Resources Managers

  • $139,136

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 21,643

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Median Salary:
$139,136 annual +189% above US average
Job Openings:
21,643 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $82,964
  • Medium
    $139,136
  • High
    $297,402

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Employee Relations
  2. Performance Management
  3. Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
  4. Talent Management
  5. Employee Engagement
  6. Labor Law
  7. Project Management

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Amazon
  • General Motors
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • Prime Therapeutics
  • Cengage Learning
  • CVS Health
  • GAF Materials Corporation
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Human Resources Assistants

  • $49,455

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 11,547

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.
Median Salary:
$49,455 annual +2% above US average
Job Openings:
11,547 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $36,029
  • Medium
    $49,455
  • High
    $67,239

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Administrative Support
  2. Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
  3. Data Entry
  4. Auditing
  5. Employee Onboarding
  6. Employee Relations
  7. Applicant Tracking Systems

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Securitas
  • Walmart
  • Hilton
  • Metro One Loss Prevention Services Group
  • Uline
  • Piedmont Healthcare
  • Marriott International
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Compliance Managers

  • $101,354

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 108,223

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
Median Salary:
$101,354 annual +110% above US average
Job Openings:
108,223 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $45,588
  • Medium
    $101,354
  • High
    $224,726

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Auditing
  2. Regulatory Compliance
  3. Project Management
  4. Compliance Management
  5. Risk Management
  6. Risk Analysis
  7. Compliance Risk

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • CVS Health
  • KPMG
  • TD Bank
  • Walmart
  • Cardinal Health
  • Amazon
  • Prime Therapeutics
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • Diagnose conflicts analytically, ranging from simple to complex.
  • Cultivate effective communication skills for constructive dialogue in conflict resolution processes.
  • Apply integrative bargaining techniques for negotiating integrative outcomes.
  • Implement facilitation and mediation fluency in various professional contexts.
  • Explore current issues and trends in conflict resolution, for example the use of technology in conflict resolution, cross-cultural challenges, legal considerations, or emerging practices.
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research in the field of conflict resolution.

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To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

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Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 250,000 alumni worldwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

NU’s MA in Conflict Resolution is an online graduate program designed for students who want to develop advanced skills in mediation, negotiation, and dispute resolution while learning to lead with ethical, inclusive, and solutions-focused approaches.

This program is ideal for attorneys, managers, educators, HR leaders, policy advisors, and other professionals seeking to resolve conflicts effectively in law, business, government, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.

NU’s MA in Conflict Resolution is fully online and designed for busy learners. You’ll complete 10 courses at your own pace, allowing you to balance work and life while pursuing your studies.

Graduates will be able to diagnose conflicts, communicate effectively, negotiate integrative outcomes, implement facilitation and mediation strategies, explore current trends and technologies, and conduct independent research in conflict resolution.

Yes. Courses incorporate cutting-edge tools for online mediation, remote facilitation, and digital dispute resolution, giving you hands-on experience with the technologies increasingly used in professional conflict management.

Yes. Students engage in real-world scenarios, digital dispute-resolution tools, and practical experiences through courses like the Facilitation/Mediation Practicum and the Conflict Resolution Thesis.

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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