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: 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 annual salary of $50,000, and data projects employment opportunities to grow at an average rate of 6% 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 cost of a graduate program is $20,000. Candidates for an online master’s in negotiation and conflict management will likely pay closer to $27,000.
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 host 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. Schools often host a legal, business, or public administration master’s program emphasizing conflict resolution. There are even dual-degree programs where students can earn a J.D. or an MBA alongside their conflict management coursework.
Before applying to a graduate program, 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
After deciding where to apply your conflict management skills, search for accredited master’s programs. No accrediting body is specific for negotiation and conflict management degrees, but you should vet that an official accrediting agency recognizes the institution itself. In most cases, federal aid and professional licensure only apply to accredited schools.
There are a few leading questions to consider while researching online master’s programs in negotiation and conflict management.
- How will I complete coursework? The modality by which faculty deliver information online varies from school to school. In some programs, you’ll learn via self-guided tutorials and independent projects. In others, you’ll attend regular class sessions via video-conferencing software.
- 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 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 research online master’s programs, you can start with the degree website. From there, you should speak with a school admissions counselor or attend an information session to get your specific questions answered.
Prepare for tests and applications
There is no formal testing assessment for those interested in an online master’s in negotiation and conflict management. The main requirement for application to these programs is a completed undergraduate degree that meets a specified GPA minimum (usually a 3.0). 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.
Select your program
Now that you’ve done the research and received an official acceptance, you must choose which program fits you best. Which program received top rankings, has the lowest tuition, or best matches your personal goals? For example, if you’d like to focus your career on legal mediation, you might opt for a program emphasizing legal studies alongside conflict management theory. Or, you could choose based on the quality of the resources available to online students or the program’s overall flexibility. Ultimately, you should reflect on your priorities before making the final decision.
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 programs qualify for financial aid 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 an admissions or financial aid counselor.
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 study case studies to master 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 pathways for conflict management professionals. This course seeks to help students reflect on their practice and long-term occupational goals.
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 expected components 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?
According to U.S. News & World Report, you can expect to pay somewhere between $15,000 and $40,000 to earn a master’s degree in negotiation and conflict management online. Degrees require 30 to 48 credits on average to complete, and the typical per-credit cost is $665. Online programs can be more affordable than traditional programs, but they often include similar fees for orientation, document processing, student support services, student activities, and technology. 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 J.D./M.S. in Negotiations and Conflict Management, require at least four years.
Meggie is a higher education professional and a copywriter. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Master of Education in Higher Education in 2012. Since graduating, Meggie has worked in several institutions across various specialties, including college admissions, campus sustainability, residential life, and student support services. Currently, she works full-time for an education-based, nonprofit organization in Vermont.