What You Should Know About This Degree
A master’s in negotiation and conflict management is a skills-based program that gives graduates tools that they can use in a variety of different careers, rather than providing training for a specific job. If you are considering a master’s in negotiation and conflict management, you should be clear on your career goals and how this degree will help you achieve them. You may need to demonstrate to potential employers how this degree is applicable to the particular job you are seeking.
Because a master’s in negotiation and conflict management teaches you how to interact with people in a way that avoids or resolves conflict, many programs have an experiential learning component. These learning experiences will give you a hands-on opportunity to use your negotiation and conflict management skills, and they can include on-campus residencies, internships, or service-learning experiences. Review the program’s curriculum before applying to confirm if you will be required to fulfill in-person components, and make the necessary arrangements to accommodate them in your schedule.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a legal mediator, arbitrator or conciliator, you may have to obtain a state-issued certification to work on certain cases. This usually involves completing a certain amount of training hours set by the state, which may or may not be fulfilled by your master’s program.
What’s Next?
When researching online master’s in negotiation and conflict management programs, you can ask the following questions:
- Are GMAT or GRE scores required? Many business-oriented master’s programs require standardized test scores, like the GMAT or GRE, as part of the application process. If you need to take these exams, you should make arrangements to do so as soon as possible, as it can take several weeks to process your scores.
- How are classes delivered? Online classes are usually delivered in one of two ways. Asynchronous classes do not have set meeting times. Instead, students can access their lessons and assignments at any time. Synchronous classes meet remotely at pre-scheduled times throughout the term. Determine which type of delivery format works best for you before selecting a program.
At this time, you should also begin gathering your application materials as well as confirming application submission deadlines and procedures. This will help your admissions process go smoothly.
Financing your graduate degree is another important consideration. Explore your options for student loans, private and institutional scholarships, assistantships, and employer tuition benefits if you are currently working.