What You Should Know About This Degree
Although Negotiation and Conflict Management is a specialized field, it is applicable to multiple industries. The majority of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators work in local and state government, but many are employed in healthcare and social assistance and across the span of the corporate world.
A master’s degree in Negotiation and Conflict Management can be a valuable accompaniment to a J.D. degree or a master’s in Healthcare Management or Educational Administration. Conflict can arise in just about any situation, so there is a need for negotiators in many settings.
There are no national-level licensing requirements to become a conflict management specialist. Many negotiators are active in groups such as the International Association for Conflict Management and the Association for Conflict Resolution, which offer opportunities for further education or credentialing.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Negotiation and Conflict Management programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? All programs require you to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and most require a GPA of at least 3.0. Check with your chosen school to see if they require you to have taken the GRE or GMAT tests — some do, but not all. You’ll need to submit an application, recommendation letters, and more to request a place in the incoming class.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? The time it takes to earn a master’s degree in Negotiation and Conflict Management varies by program, and is also impacted by whether you attend school full-time or part-time. A full-time student might be able to complete their program in a year or more; for part-time students, plan on at least two years to completion.
Most institutions have admissions counselors available to talk to you throughout the day, either via phone, email, or online chat. These individuals can be an invaluable resource, and can help you determine if a program is a good fit for your needs.
An admissions counselor may also be able to help you apply for school-based financial aid. In addition, you may be able to receive scholarships, grants, or loans from your place of employment or any professional organizations to which you belong.