Online Conflict Resolution & Negotiation Degrees
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Conflict resolution and negotiation is a career field concerned with non-litigious ways of bringing two parties to a mutually agreeable solution. Professionals in this field may work for businesses, government, schools and colleges, or as consultants. Various degrees are appropriate for entering this field, including master's degrees in conflict resolution, law, or public policy. Due to the expense and publicity involved in lawsuits, more businesses and organizations will be turning to arbitrators, mediators, and other conflict resolvers in the coming years. Professionals in this field earn $39,000-83,000 a year.
While the legal system is our nation's way of ensuring that two disagreeing parties are heard by a judge or jury to determine the fairest resolution, this process isn't always quick. Legal fees can add up quickly, and the publicity of a lawsuit can be painful or embarrassing. Out-of-court conflict resolution and negotiation is one way to avoid the downfalls of litigation. Mediators, arbitrators, and conciliators are the professionals trained to lead two parties to a solution that takes both sides' needs into account, while also being discreet and offering a conclusive outcome. They are also used in labor relations and business negotiations when the use of litigation is not appropriate.
Various education paths can prepare individuals for careers in conflict resolution. Post-graduate certificates offer an introduction to the communication techniques and practical negotiation skills involved in this career, while advanced degrees provide more depth. Master's degrees in related fields, such as law and public policy, are also relevant. Doctoral degrees allow individuals to specialize in a particular area of conflict resolution and negotiation. While new jobs will be created in this field in the coming years, the low turnover in this profession may make open positions difficult to find.
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Learn more about Colorado Technical University - Online Grad
Career Specializations
- Labor Relations Specialists: These professionals work within businesses to manage the relationship between employees and management. They may facilitate meetings with unions, field complaints, and handle workplace safety issues.
- Arbitrators: Arbitrators help two parties resolve disputes outside of court. During arbitration, the two groups decide on many of the procedural parts of the agreement process before negotiating begins.
- Mediators: Mediators help two groups overcome a conflict and come to a solution that is agreeable to all involved. Mediators are usually used when the two parties want to mend their relationship.
- Conciliators: Conciliators are similar to mediators, in that they are responsible for facilitating the interaction between two disputing parties. Conciliation may be a binding or nonbinding discussion, depending on what the involved parties decide before conciliation begins. (BLS)
Degree Levels Available for Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
- Post-graduate Certificate: 1 year to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
- Doctoral Degree: 4-5 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
The educational requirements for careers in conflict resolution and negotiation depend on where and in what capacity the individual would like to work. The training requirements for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators vary widely. Those who want to bring mediation skills into their current management position may want to pursue the shorter, post-graduate program.
Individuals more interested in consulting as arbitrators or mediators might want to instead pursue the two-year master's program in conflict resolution and negotiation. These programs include courses in communication, negotiation tactics, intercultural conflict, ethics, and other theories and practical skills involved in arbitration and mediation. Other degrees, including the Juris Doctor degree or master's programs in public policy and law, could also be good preparation for these positions. Labor relations specialists can pursue master's programs in labor relations, which include classes in employment law and occupational safety, as well as negotiation and mediation. The doctoral degree in conflict resolution and negotiation can prepare graduates for advanced positions in mediation and arbitration, or for post-secondary teaching positions.
Professionals in government-sponsored positions as arbitrators, mediators, or conciliators are often required to complete additional state-run training courses and mediation programs. These are usually 40-60 hours long. (BLS)
The licensing or certification requirements for arbitrators and mediators vary widely from state to state. New Hampshire, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia are currently the only states with required certification programs. Federal mediators and conciliators must also meet special training requirements.
Besides these mandatory programs, arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators can also seek out voluntary certification programs. These are usually offered by industry groups, such as the American Arbitration Association.
Salary Information
The middle half of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators earn $39,000-83,000 a year, with the average wage at $56,000. Those just entering the field with a master's degree can expect offers from $39,000-56,000. The federal executive government has the highest wages for these workers, at $121,000 a year, followed by colleges and universities, then professional, scientific, and technical services. Professional, scientific, and technical services, state governments, and local governments are the largest employers of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators. (BLS)
Job Outlook
The job market for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators should be moderately good in the 2008-2018 period. More businesses, organizations, and individuals are pursuing ways to resolve disputes other than expensive and time-consuming litigation. Arbitration and mediation are attracting attention because they are a more private and conclusive way to resolve these disputes. Some court systems require individuals to undergo mediation, as well as litigation, in particular types of lawsuits; this practice will also lead to the creation of new jobs.
While new jobs will be created in mediation, arbitration, and conciliation, growth may be stemmed somewhat by the very low rate of job turnover in this profession. Applicants can increase their job prospects by earning a doctoral degree or by obtaining voluntary credentials. (BLS)
Related Careers
Lawyers, with their Juris Doctor degrees, often perform arbitration and mediation duties outside of courts. Lawyers may also go to court for their clients, write up legal contracts, and offer legal advice. It takes three years to complete most Juris Doctor degree programs.
Social workers may also facilitate conciliation and mediation meetings in some instances. These professionals have extensive training in communication and human services, so it is not surprising that they might also help two parties come to a mutually beneficial agreement. Most social work positions require a master's degree in social work.
