Negotiation and Conflict Management Program Guide

What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management?

Negotiation is an ideal career path for those who like to work to settle differences. In management, this means finding ways to compromise until an agreement is met while avoiding arguments and disputes. Individuals should possess skills in persuasion, analysis and interpersonal relationships. An online master’s in negotiation and conflict management can help you advance in your career in conflict management while working and managing a personal life. When choosing a program, it’s important to do your research and choose one that most suits your goals.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management

CONCENTRATION

DESCRIPTION

POTENTIAL CAREERS FOR THIS CONCENTRATION

Health Care

Focuses on the problems that arise in a health care setting, including between patients and physician and surgeons and hospitals. Coursework may include information on federal privacy rules in regard to health care.

Compensation and benefits manager, training and development specialist, employee assistance plan manager, human resources information system analysts

Environment

Prepares an individual to face environmental problems that deal with air, water and waste.

Environmental project manager, remediation technician, environmental project manager and remediation engineer

Ombuds

Ombuds work to resolve disputes between individuals and people and organizations. They actively promote peacemaking.

Conflict resolution offer, tenant ombudsman, center director, public affairs specialist and director of compliance

Curriculum for an Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management

Classes involved in the online master’s degree in negotiation and conflict management concentrate on the problems that arise in a business and how managers can address and resolve these issues. Additional coursework varies depending on the concentration. Consider some of the courses you might encounter when completing your degree:

COURSES

DESCRIPTION

Intrapersonal Dynamics in Conflict

Explore the different types of communication styles that affect intrapersonal dynamics.

Conflict and Cooperation

Defines the social process of cooperation when individuals work with one another.

Advanced Mediation

Focuses on helping two or more individuals or organizations find common ground.

Workplace Conflict

Equips students to identify the most common conflicts that occur in a workplace and the strategies employed to resolve those issues.

Negotiations

Teaches students how to identify the key components of effective negotiation.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management?

The online master’s in negotiation and conflict management requires approximately 36 hours of coursework that takes from 16 to 24 months to complete when taking classes full-time. Taking classes part-time can extend the program for up to five years. Most colleges and universities offer cohort learning, which means students are assigned to a group of peers who move through the program together and graduate together. This can extend the time for program completion. Self-paced programs let a student take as many or as few classes at once, often making it possible to complete the program early.

Certifications and Licenses an Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Prepares For

CERTIFICATION

DESCRIPTION

Court-Certified Mediator Certification

This requires 20 to 40 hours of approved mediation training and fulfill specific state requirements.

Harvard Negotiation Institute

This certification requires a five-day course that focuses on aspects of negotiation and mediation.

Family Financial Settlement Certification

Applicants must complete a 40-hour approved course, observe two mediations conducted by a certified family financial mediator or an NCAOC custody mediator and demonstrate a basic understanding of family law.

Accreditation for Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management

When searching for an online master’s in negotiation and conflict management program, it’s important to look at the type of accreditation status. This can affect your ability to get federal aid and determine the value of your degree. Regional accreditation is the most valuable. It ensures the college and program meet rigorous industry standards. National accreditation is given to two-year colleges, faith-based organizations and trade schools. The U.S. The Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation ensure the standards of accreditation are maintained.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management Graduates

Job Placement: Master’s v. Bachelor’s

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs that require master’s degrees are expected to grow by around 17 percent from 2016 to 2026. This is because jobs that once required a bachelor’s degree may now require a master’s degree due to the competition for positions.

Expected Salary

In addition to an increase of the number of master’s degrees that are needed, the average salary for those with a master’s degree is around $12,000 more per year than those with a bachelor’s degree. Salary depends on the industry and the number of years of experience of the individual. Consider the follow annual average incomes per year.

For those willing to relocate while looking for a job in arbitration and negotiations, there are plenty of metropolitan areas to choose from. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of these locations are in cities with large populations.

Career Opportunities

Individuals who seek an online master’s in negotiation and conflict management can seek a career in a variety of different industries from legal to health care. Those with a master’s degree may command a higher salary and increase the likelihood of advancement.

JOB TITLE

JOB DESCRIPTION

MEDIAN SALARY

PROJECTED GROWTH RATE

Arbitrator

Arbitrators negotiate issues that arise between two parties by helping them come to an acceptable agreement. They may interview claimants and conduct arbitration meetings.

$59,770 per year

Community Service Manager

Community service managers supervise social service program and community organizations and help provide social services to the public.

$64,200 per year

18%

Political Scientist

Political scientists study the origin and operation of political systems. They also research political ideals and related issues.

$115,110 per year

Corporate Dispute Arbitrators

Corporate dispute arbitrators help resolve conflicts in a corporate setting. These individuals serve as a neutral third party to help organizations settle a dispute.

$72,475 per year

Paralegal

Paralegals assist lawyers in preparing cases for trial, gathering needed information, filing papers, drafting documents and scheduling appointments.

$49,500 per year

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations provide support to those with an online master’s in negotiation and conflict management. They connect individuals with other professionals in the industry for advice, job leads and continuing education.

Association for Conflict Resolution: The Association for Conflict Resolution provides its members with a referral list, continuing education and a variety of publications. The group also holds an annual conference for its local sections and chapters.

National Association for Community Mediation: The NACM Helps advance members in their careers as mediators. The association has an active blog, offers continuing education opportunities and hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

American Arbitration Association: The AAA connects professionals with companies and individuals seeking arbitration. The group also offers its member a host of resources.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management

Online degrees typically cost less than tradition on-campus degree programs, but those seeking a degree often still need financial assistance to pay for college courses. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find scholarships, loans and grants available through the federal government. If additional assistance is needed, there are a variety of public and private resources available.