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Compare Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

If you’re naturally a peacemaker and enjoy helping those on opposite sides see each other’s perspectives, a master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree could help you take the next step in your career.

This degree prepares students to work in a variety of industries, including mediation and arbitration, human resources, and counseling. Arbitrators and mediators earn an average salary of $64,030, while human resources managers earn an average of $130,000 per year.

Most programs require 30-40 credits to graduate, and the average tuition cost for graduate students for the 2021-22 academic year was $19,749.

How to Choose a Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Degree Program

Choose your area of study

Students pursuing a master’s in negotiation and conflict management have the option of specializing in international conflict, organizational conflict, or conflict management in the justice system. Which option is best for you depends on your career goals and areas of interest. International conflict suits those interested in working for global nonprofit organizations or the government, while students planning on working in mediation could benefit from advanced training on the civil court system.

When choosing an area of study, make sure the program fits with your logistical needs. Check if it’s offered in person, online, or through a hybrid model. Consider whether you’re able to attend full-time or part-time and how the number of required credits impacts how long it will take you to finish.

Research schools and programs

Start narrowing down your search by excluding programs that don’t fit your needs or budget. Check the program’s website to find out what type of program is offered and how many credit hours are required. Take advantage of open houses and information sessions, which are often hosted both in person and virtually to accommodate prospective online students. Always make sure the program has a recognized regional or national accreditation.

If you have specific questions, schedule a meeting with an admissions counselor to ensure you get accurate and up-to-date information on what the program offers, as well as its admissions requirements and costs.

Prepare for tests and applications

Graduate programs usually require fairly in-depth applications. They require transcripts from all higher education institutions you’ve attended, and some schools may require a Bachelor of Science degree or additional science lab courses if you have a Bachelor of Arts. Competitive programs often have minimum undergraduate GPA requirements of 3.0 or above.

Some programs may require a passing score on the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT exam, while other institutions make this optional. Always check with an admissions counselor to determine exactly what you need. Supplemental materials you may be asked to provide include recommendation letters and a personal statement explaining why you want to pursue this option.

Select your program

Once you’ve received your acceptance letters, review your options with your goals and needs in mind. If a remote asynchronous class is most important to you, rule out options that only have in-person instruction. Review the credit requirements, and decide whether you will be able to attend full-time or part-time and how that affects your cost and time commitment. If you’re stuck between two options, consider the classes available, faculty on staff, and what resources the college provides to students to help you decide.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

While it’s possible to pay for a master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree out of pocket, there are financial assistance programs worth exploring. Set up a meeting with a financial aid counselor to discuss whether assistantships, scholarships, or private loans may be options for you. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement benefits or partner with certain schools for discounted rates. Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline every year because scholarships and financial aid programs often use it to determine eligibility.

Best 10 Accredited Master's in Negotiation and Conflict Management Degree Programs

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#1
New York, NY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Columbia University School of Professional Studies

Intelligent Score: 99.98
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $57,864

Out-of-state: $57,864

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $49,024

Out-of-state: $49,024

Test scores

SAT: 1460-1570

ACT: 33-35

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
7%
On-campus students
6%
Graduation Rate
96%
Students enrolled
30,000
Student to faculty ratio
6:01
Average Salary
$78k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,536

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

40

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 212-854-9889

#2
Washington, DC | 4 years | Online | Private

Georgetown University

Intelligent Score: 98.83
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $57,384

Out-of-state: $57,384

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $53,136

Out-of-state: $53,136

Test scores

SAT: 1380-1550

ACT: 31-35

Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
17%
On-campus students
N/A
Graduation Rate
94%
Students enrolled
19,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$81k
Average Student Debt
$16k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,452

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

34

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 202-687-6114

#3
Los Angeles, CA | 4 years | Online | Public

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Intelligent Score: 98.44
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,742

Out-of-state: $17,622

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,176

Out-of-state: $7,176

Test scores

SAT: 870-1060

ACT: 15-20

Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
76%
On-campus students
N/A
Graduation Rate
52%
Students enrolled
27,000
Student to faculty ratio
25:01:00
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$14k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $523

Out-of-State: $919

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

33-36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 310-243-3696

#4
Kennesaw, GA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Kennesaw State University

Intelligent Score: 95.1
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $4,450

Out-of-state: $15,704

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $5,328

Out-of-state: $5,328

Test scores

SAT: 1030-1200

ACT: 19-25

Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
83%
On-campus students
6%
Graduation Rate
47%
Students enrolled
41,000
Student to faculty ratio
22:01
Average Salary
N/A
Average Student Debt
$24k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $296

Out-of-State: $1,066

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 470-578-4377

#5
San Diego, CA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

University of San Diego

Intelligent Score: 94.23
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $52,120

Out-of-state: $52,120

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $27,936

Out-of-state: $27,936

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
59%
On-campus students
91%
Graduation Rate
80%
Students enrolled
9,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$55k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,296

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 619-260-7919

#6
Amherst, MA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

UMass Boston

Intelligent Score: 93.51
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $15,791

Out-of-state: $35,779

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $14,014

Out-of-state: $14,014

Test scores

SAT: 1200-1390

ACT: 27-32

Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
65%
On-campus students
4%
Graduation Rate
83%
Students enrolled
32,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$44k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $403

Out-of-State: $787

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 617-287-7489

#7
Eugene, OR | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Oregon

Intelligent Score: 93.14
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,962

Out-of-state: $35,881

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $15,417

Out-of-state: $15,417

Test scores

SAT: 1090-1290

ACT: 22-29

Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
84%
On-campus students
48%
Graduation Rate
74%
Students enrolled
22,000
Student to faculty ratio
18:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,427

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

68.5

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 541-346-5129

#8
Baltimore, MD | 4 years | Online | Public

University of Baltimore

Intelligent Score: 92.98
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,014

Out-of-state: $19,374

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $13,824

Out-of-state: $13,824

Test scores

SAT: 930-1078

ACT: 19-31

Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
80%
On-campus students
N/A
Graduation Rate
34%
Students enrolled
4,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$45k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $815

Out-of-State: $1,181

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 410-837-5359

#9
Salisbury, MD | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Salisbury University

Intelligent Score: 92.03
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,264

Out-of-state: $17,330

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $8,769

Out-of-state: $8,769

Test scores

SAT: N/A

ACT: N/A

Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
78%
On-campus students
4%
Graduation Rate
69%
Students enrolled
8,000
Student to faculty ratio
15:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $428

Out-of-State: $775

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 410-543-6000

#10
Portland, OR | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Portland State University

Intelligent Score: 90.37
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,907

Out-of-state: $25,536

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $14,652

Out-of-state: $14,652

Test scores

SAT: 1000-1190

ACT: 17-24

Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
95%
On-campus students
64%
Graduation Rate
49%
Students enrolled
24,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$38k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $478

Out-of-State: $705

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

54

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 503-725-3000

How we rank schools

Our list focuses on programs that offer a Master of Arts or Master of Science in conflict management, negotiation, or dispute resolution — the exact degree titles differ from program to program, but all equip students to work as a negotiator and manage conflict situations. Programs are offered in either on-campus or online formats; some institutions have both as options.

All the programs on our list are approved by the regional accrediting agency that assesses higher education in that area. These include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation ensures that the institution is offering relevant and accurate curricula taught by highly qualified professors.

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Degree Program?

A master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree teaches students how to identify the underlying cause of conflict and use specific techniques to resolve it. Students learn about the dynamics of interpersonal conflict and how these can apply to business situations and organizational dynamics. It explores concepts like the stages of conflict and negotiation tactics and teaches students to resolve conflict in an ethically and culturally respective manner.

These programs often require field work to ensure students have experience applying their knowledge to actual conflicts. A capstone project or research thesis may also be required. In most cases, students can complete a master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree in 1-2 years if they go full-time. Part-time students can expect to complete their degrees in 3-4 years.

Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree program

  • Conflict Theory. This course explains the foundations of conflict theory, including how conflicts arise and escalate. Students will be introduced to an interdisciplinary approach to managing and deescalating conflicts.
  • Basics of Mediation. Students taking this class learn about mediation strategies. The course focuses on mediation related to court cases, such as civil and family court matters.
  • Workplace and Organizational Conflict. This course teaches students about the dynamics of conflicts within organizations and businesses. Students learn how to identify, analyze, and address conflicts between coworkers or management and employees in an ethical manner.
  • Humanitarian Crisis Intervention. Students learn how negotiation and conflict management techniques and strategies can be used to resolve human rights crises and promote peacebuilding. This course may include a review of case studies or simulations to help students replicate and manage conflicts in real-world scenarios.
  • Conflict Management Dispute Systems. This course introduces students to the concept of conflict management dispute systems, specifically within business human resources departments. It prepares students to evaluate and improve current systems in an organization as well as create and implement a new system.

Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Degree Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to a master's in negotiation and conflict management degree program?

A master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree program requires that you already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Because this program awards a Master of Science degree, you may need a Bachelor of Science or be required to take a specific amount of undergraduate credit hours that include labs.

Some schools require that you have a specific score on the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT. However, this may be waived if you already have a master’s degree or had a high GPA (3.5 or above) for your bachelor’s degree. Other application materials often include a resume or CV, a letter of intent, and letters of recommendation. Before you submit your application, meet with an admissions counselor to ensure you understand the program requirements and have the documentation you need.

How much does a master's in negotiation and conflict management degree cost?

The average cost of a Master of Science degree in 2020 was $57,770. However, where you go to school, whether you attend full-time or part-time, and whether it is an in-person or online program can all affect the cost. The average tuition for a graduate degree program was $19,749 for the 2021-22 school year, but this doesn’t include other expenses, such as books or materials.

If you’re attending an in-person or hybrid program, don’t forget to account for the cost of transportation or even relocating if you’re going to an out-of-state school. The best way to get an accurate idea of how much a program costs is to meet with a financial aid counselor at that institution.

How long does it take to earn a master's in negotiation and conflict management degree?

Master’s in negotiation and conflict management programs can have as few as 24 credits or as many as 60, which can have a big impact on how long it takes you to finish your degree. Full-time students will also finish faster than part-time students who can only take one or two courses a semester. Full-time students generally complete their programs in 1-2 years, while part-time students could take 3+ years.

Keep in mind that online and on-campus programs may have different completion times, even if they require the same number of credits. Some programs require students to commit to a cohort, while others let you take classes however they fit best in your schedule.


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