Frequently Asked Questions

• What can I do with this degree?

  Conflict management is an interdisciplinary field. We have successful graduates in many fields, such as negotiation, healthcare, human resources, mediation, arbitration, ombuds, education, counseling, and many others. The skills you learn in the MSCM program are easily transferable and key for career development. Our graduates work in court systems, human resources, as private consultants, with international and domestic NGOs and non-profits, corporations, in the healthcare industry, disaster services, and in the legal field.

• Why should I apply to this program?
  The M.S. in Conflict Management has been highly ranked by College Choice several years in a row. We offer evidence-based skills training in negotiation, mediation, workplace conflict, and international disputes, with a firm foundation in the core concepts and theories that explain why and how these skills produce results. As a public institution, our program is also one of the most affordable conflict management programs currently available in the US.
• What makes this program special?
  Conflict is everywhere. Learning effective skills to analyze and intervene in conflict is a highly useful skillset. The MSCM program balances learning concepts and theories with practice and skills development. With over 100 hours of skills clinics, you have ample opportunity to work one-on-one with professionals in the field who will coach you in transferring theory and concepts to practice.
• What factors do you consider when making admission decisions?

  We want to know how you plan to use conflict management skills and concepts. Successful applicants indicate why they want to join this program, and how they intend to use this degree upon graduation.

• How long does it take to complete the program?
  The MSCM program is 16-months. All incoming students start the program at the same time in August and graduate together in December of the subsequent year, 16-months later. This is a cohort-based program, meaning that you advance through your educational program with your fellow students.
• Can I work full time and still enroll in this program?

  Yes! The MSCM program is an accelerated “executive-style” program, meaning that classes are offered on weekends (Friday afternoons and Saturdays). Most of our students work full-time.

• What is the workload and time commitment?
  The program is intense, but manageable with a typical 40–50-hour work week. This is an accelerated, executive-style 16-month program with classes on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Do you offer financial assistance?
  Various forms of graduate assistantships are available through the university. We encourage students to apply to the MSCM program by the priority application deadline for first consideration for funding from the university. If you receive other forms of financial assistance (i.e., via Veterans Affairs, federal financial aid), please work with those respective offices on campus.
• What are your class sizes?
  Our cohorts are limited to approximately 25 students per year. Limiting the number of students in each cohort means that students have a personalized experience in the classroom and can get the maximum benefit from skills clinics.
• What opportunities do I have to specialize in a particular topic?
  We offer two specializations: The Justice and Organizations Specialization and the International Conflict Management Specialization. The Justice and Organizations Specialization focuses on concept and skills development relevant to organizational conflict management, and prepares students to work in court systems as well as public, private, and non-profit sectors. The International Conflict Management Specialization provides knowledge and skills development for working effectively in international contexts, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international corporate settings. See our Specializations page for more information.