An online graduate degree in negotiation and conflict management prepares students for a career path in mediation or arbitration. These professionals work across several sectors, including education, law enforcement, business, government service, social work, and labor relations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals who work as arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators earn an average salary of $71,540, and this occupation is expected to grow by 5% over the next decade.
If one can complete a full-time courseload, a typical master’s in negotiation and conflict management program requires a two-year commitment. However, many individuals who seek an online degree option do so for flexibility; you may choose to work while attending graduate school part-time. According to data compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree is $20,513.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Program
Choose your area of study
The exact title for a degree in this field varies from institution to institution. Many schools offer a Master of Science in negotiation and conflict management or a Master of Arts in negotiation and conflict management. Some instead offer a Master of Dispute Resolution. You may also be able to enroll in a legal, business, or public administration master’s program with a concentration in conflict resolution. There are even dual-degree programs where students can earn a JD or an MBA alongside their conflict management coursework.
Before applying to a graduate program, think about your career goals and determine the sector in which you’d like to work, whether in a legal, business, social work, or international relations capacity. Any program will equip you to handle tough negotiations, but it helps to study the professional context in which you’ll use your conflict management tools.
Research schools and programs
You should only consider institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in negotiation and conflict management program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). This accrediting organization has particularly high standards for business-related programs.
Also, look for answers to the following questions:
- Is the program more theoretical or practical? Determine what kind of assignments are typical for the program. Many online master’s in negotiation and conflict management programs feature a capstone project or an internship component. Research what kinds of internships and projects past students have engaged in and whether those seem in line with your professional interests.
- Does the program mandate any on-campus requirements? Some programs are entirely online, whereas some feature in-person orientations or short-term intensive study sessions.
- What student accommodations do you need to succeed? Before applying to a program, speak with an admissions counselor about the flexibility and student support services available to online students, especially if you have a disability that could create a barrier to learning.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
The application process varies by school and program. You will likely need to submit transcripts proving you earned an undergraduate degree with a specified GPA minimum (usually a 3.0), and letters of recommendation and a personal statement are often required as well. There is no formal testing assessment for those interested in an online master’s in negotiation and conflict management.
If your school of choice has firm admissions deadlines, be mindful of submitting application materials on time. Even online programs have limited capacity. International students will need to complete additional steps to fulfill visa requirements.
Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Most schools post their per-credit rate on their websites so you can get a general sense of the sticker price for each program. However, these costs only sometimes reflect all the expenses of a graduate degree. You have to factor in the cost of books and supplemental student fees. Conversely, you might qualify for university scholarships or assistantships. Many graduate students qualify for financial assistance through the federal government, so remember to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may be eligible for veteran’s tuition benefits if you served in the military. If you work full-time, your employer might have a tuition assistance program. Do your due diligence and speak with a financial aid counselor for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
For this list, we concentrated on graduate-level programs in negotiation and conflict management. There are a few different types of degrees students can earn in this subject, including a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Legal Studies (MLS).
We narrowed our search to programs that can be completed entirely or primarily through distance learning courses to ensure accessibility for the greatest number of students, regardless of their schedule or geographic location.
This list consists entirely of schools that are regionally accredited, which means they meet high standards of quality for postsecondary education. Some programs are also accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
We evaluated each program based on reputation, outcomes, flexibility, faculty, and cost. Then, we calculated an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 for each program. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Program?
Prospective students interested in an online master’s in negotiation and conflict management can expect to learn current theories on conflict and resolution. You’ll learn essential communication strategies to help disparate parties reach a meaningful agreement. The mediator role is valuable across many professional fields but is more common in law, business, government, and social work. You’ll complete most of the coursework through online, independent study, but many programs require a capstone project or internship that demands more in-depth, real-world application.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in negotiation and conflict management program
- Negotiation. Students learn basic negotiation skills by investigating real-world examples of conflict. Learners often engage in role-playing exercises to develop their negotiation skills.
- Ethics of Conflict Resolution. Students review case studies to learn about conflict resolution principles such as neutrality, consent, and confidentiality.
- Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Conflict Management. This course introduces students to complicated, nuanced arguments regarding global conflicts. Students will study the origins and strategies behind terrorism and debate steps for resolution.
- The Conflict Management Profession. Graduate students will explore the different career pathways for conflict management professionals. This course seeks to help students reflect on their practice and long-term occupational goals.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Negotiation And Conflict Management?
Career outlook
In addition to arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators, you can also become qualified for various other occupations with a master’s in negotiation and conflict management.
For example, every human resources department needs workers who are adept at conflict management. As for negotiation, this can be a highly valuable skill for many different industries, including sales, business administration, and talent management.
To give you an even better idea of your potential career paths, here are some examples of specific jobs that you can get with this degree:
- Arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator — Help opposing parties settle disputes by facilitating communication between parties, interviewing claimants and witnesses, and preparing settlement agreements.
- Median annual salary: $71,540
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New job openings projected: 400 annually
- Human resources manager — Oversee the administrative functions of an organization, which often involves ensuring regulatory compliance and settling disputes.
- Median annual salary: $136,350
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New job openings projected: 15,500 annually
- Social worker — Help individuals and families deal with problems in their everyday lives, such as health, behavioral, and financial issues.
- Median annual salary: $58,380
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New job openings projected: 63,800 annually
Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in negotiation and conflict management degree program?
The exact application requirements for an online master’s in negotiation and conflict management degree program varies dramatically, though most schools list their required materials on the program website. In general, you should plan to submit the following:
- A completed application (with a fee)
- Copies of your undergraduate transcripts
- A personal statement
- A resume
- Letters of recommendation
- (Optional) GRE or GMAT scores
Some of the more competitive programs might also include an interview component. Contact an admissions counselor if you have any questions about the application process.
How much does an online master's in negotiation and conflict management degree cost?
The average cost of graduate school tuition is $20,513 per year. Private schools tend to be much more expensive than public schools, though public schools usually charge out-of-state students a higher tuition rate than in-state students. Many schools will directly list their per-credit cost and supplemental fee structure on the program website.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in negotiation and conflict management degree?
The average timeframe to complete this program is four semesters or two academic years. However, those who instead engage in coursework part-time will need longer; if you choose to work full-time and attend graduate school part-time, it will likely take three to four years to graduate. Dual degree programs, such as a JD/MS in negotiations and conflict management, require at least four years.
Is an online master’s in negotiation and conflict management worth it?
Earning a master’s in negotiation and conflict management is an excellent investment for your career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers with a master’s degree tend to make more money and face less unemployment than those who only have a bachelor’s.
Once you decide to pursue a master’s, the next question is whether you will earn your degree online or on campus. The flexibility of online programs make them an excellent fit for students who have a full-time job or other significant responsibilities outside of school. Some online courses can even be completed at your own pace, making it even easier to find time for your studies.