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5 Masters in Conflict Resolution Available Fully Online

Conflict resolution is the process of resolving a disagreement or dispute between parties. It can be done through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. In some cases, conflict resolution may also involve using force to end the conflict. Conflict resolution is a necessary skill for anyone who wants to avoid violence and resolve disputes peacefully. Conflict resolution is a field of study that deals with the ways in which people can peacefully resolve disputes. It is a relatively new field, but one that has already helped to bring about positive change in many areas of conflict, both domestic and international.

There are many reasons why someone might choose to study conflict resolution. For some, it may be a way to help improve their own communication and negotiation skills so that they can better handle conflict in their personal lives. For others, it may be a way to prepare for a career in mediation or arbitration. Still others may be interested in working as peacekeepers or humanitarian aid workers in regions of the world where conflict is common. Most jobs in conflict resolution require a master’s degree. Here are our top picks.

#1 LLM Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution | University of Law, UK

Founded in 1876 and ranked 1st in student satisfaction in the United Kingdom, the University of Law (ULAW) is an excellent choice to study mediation and conflict resolution. The LLM in Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution is available as a full- or part-time study, as well as on-campus or fully online. Lawyers and non-lawyers who want to obtain a Master in Law are eligible to study. However, non-lawyers are required to take a 2-weeks legal course prior to the start of the main curriculum. The LLM is taught by renowned experts, lecturers, and practitioners. Students learn first-hand from their experiences in mediation, dispute resolution, and arbitration techniques and practices. The LLM is strongly practice-oriented and students will take part in engaging in mediation and conflict resolution simulations and scenarios to obtain hands-on skills. Several funding options are available.


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#2 MSc Conflict Analysis and Resolution|George Mason University, USA

The George Mason University is located in Fairfax, Virginia. With a student’s population of 35,000 it is the largest research university in the state of Virginia, and one of the largest in the United States. The Master of Science degree program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution provides students with a lot of concentrations to choose from. Since the programme’s inception, students have concentrated on: social justice advocacy, dynamics of violence, inclusive conflict management, conflict-sensitive development and resilience, and media, narrative and public discourse. Students are also encouraged to chart their own research course, with the approval of the Programme Director. 90 percent of the programme is taken online. Students are expected to complete 42 credits of coursework such as: facilitation skills, engaging conflict, conflict inquiry, conflict analysis and resolution, etc.  Students also have an opportunity for on-campus interactions through a one-week residency programme which is completed on-campus.

#3 Online Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution | University of Pennsylvania, US

The California University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1852 as a university committed to academic excellence and intellectual rigour in the context of personal and institutional integrity. The online master’s degree in conflict resolution at California University of Pennsylvania has a dual component of theory and applied training. Students are trained to develop practical methods for negotiating and resolving conflicts amongst parties. Students in the programme also learn the following: How to use conflict analysis models, tools and processes, How to understand the various system dynamics and differing worldviews, How to apply modern theory for personal understanding and approach to resolving conflicts, etc. The programme is run 100% online. The university uses the same application process for graduate applications for both on-campus and online programmes. Applicants for the Master of Arts degree are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $35. All required academic transcripts and language test results are to be submitted with the application. Details can be found on the school’s application website.

#4 Master of Arts in Negotation, Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding |California State University, USA

California State University Dominguez Hill offers an online Master’s degree in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding aimed at equipping students with valuable conflict resolution and conflict management skills which may be applied to a multiplicity of scenarios and work conditions. Students are trained to apply their skills to police work, counseling, education, human resources management, labour relations, litigation, business negotiations, as well as public management. Other career applications include alternative dispute resolution (ADR), mediation, negotiation, arbitration, public policy, social work, teaching, inter-cultural and community conflicts, corporate contract and purchasing. The programme is available online. The degree can be completed without ever coming to the campus. Classes are asynchronous (tasks completed on- or off-line at the student’s convenience), with on demand video lectures for students to view. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any major and a GPA of 3.0 or above (4-point scale) in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units of upper division course work from any accredited college or university may apply for admission to the degree program with classified status.

#5 MA in Conflictology | Universität Oberta de Catalunya, Spain

The Universität Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) offers a master’s degree in Conflictology in conjunction with UNITAR. Students are expected to take part in the curriculum of the course programme on the virtual campus of UNITAR and part on the UOC one. The aim of the programme is to train students in all facets of conflicts, vis-à-vis its many dynamics. Students are trained to understand conflicts within the context of family, trade, social, political, international, as well as armed conflicts. The department facilitates internships, preparation of research programmes and helps students in the development of their own professional projects giving them access to the largest network of people working to promote peace. Students are expected to take part in the curriculum of the course programme on the virtual campus of UNITAR and part on the UOC. To be admitted on a master’s degree or postgraduate diploma course, students are required to be able to accredit an official qualification. If students are unable to accredit the qualifications, they will be awarded a university extension diploma. However, to be admitted on a specialization course (specialization certificate), students do not need to be able to accredit an official qualification. Students are also required to be able to read and write in English.