Overview

The Master of Science in Conflict Management program prepares students to identify, understand, and tackle conflict like a pro! MSCM students can use these skills to pursue career advancement in an existing work environment or forge a new career path with their conflict management expertise. Students who successfully complete this program will:

  • Understand conflict from an interdisciplinary perspective
  • Understand the diverse ways people respond to conflict
  • Possess the necessary skills to manage various types of conflict
  • Be able to analyze and research conflict in an organizational environment
  • Be able to design conflict intervention procedures and strategies appropriate to a particular situation or environment
  • Be able to evaluate the efficacy of a given intervention or system of interventions

The MSCM program is unique. We offer a unique learning environment wherein you take most classes with the same people throughout the program, learning alongside a limited number of peers.

    • The MSCM program is a cohort-based learning environment. We admit a limited number of students that start in the fall of each year.
    • Taking classes with the same group of students from start to finish creates a unique and enriching learning environment. Cohort peers share insights from their unique and diverse professional backgrounds and challenge each other.
    • In a typical cohort, many undergraduate academic backgrounds are represented, from Human Services to Psychology to Political Science to English. Several students typically hold advanced degrees, such as a law degree, and we often have several international students. We are proud to have a diverse program, which provides opportunities for enriching dialogue and discussion. 
    • The MSCM program is a full-time 16-month graduate course of study and commitment that caters to the schedule of working professionals.
    • Classes are held on weekends, Fridays from 3:30pm - 8:00pm and Saturdays from 8:30am - 5:00pm.
    • The cohort will take one class at a time with a total of 9 credit hours each semester. For example, the students will complete Conflict Theory in three weekends, then progress to Alternative Dispute Resolution Continuum, and then to Negotiation Theory. In this way, classes build on the knowledge and skills as they go, and students take one course at a time. 

  • MSCM students learn negotiation, conflict theory, mediation skills, and core concepts and skills related to cross-cultural and international conflict management practice. 

    • Foundations: 1st Semester
      Students build a foundation in theories and practices of the field.
    • Applications: 2nd and 3rd Semesters
      Students learn how to interpret research and apply best practices and theories to various contexts, such as interpersonal disputes, community issues, organizational challenges, and to intercultural and international arenas.
    • Specialization: Final Semester
      Students specialize and hone their learning via their field study. Each student will choose to conduct research, engage in an internship, or develop a workshop or training to teach others. 

  • The MSCM degree program accepts professionals from various backgrounds and academic disciplines. We teach skills for conflict resolution that can be applied in a new or existing environment. There are many career opportunities that utilize conflict management skills. Here are some job titles from our recent graduates: 

    • Patient care advocate
    • Diplomat
    • Employee Relations Specialist
    • Humanitarian Relief Specialist
    • Child Advocate
    • Organizational Consultant
    • Ombudsman
    • Facilitator
    • Divorce and Family Mediator
    • Juvenile Court Mediator
    • Arbitrator
    • Victim-witness Advocate
    • Crisis Negotiator
    • CIA, FBI, Homeland Security
    • Secret Service
    • Consular Afficer
    • Human Rights Advocate
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