Online Degrees For Those Who Want To Keep The Peace

While disputes and disagreements are not always avoidable, there’s no reason why these types of conflict can’t be handled without antagonism and hostility. Students with a passion for finding equitable resolutions between parties who are in disagreement are a good match for an online degree in conflict resolution. These are the types of students who can identify the issues causing conflict, get to the root of the problem, and then help everyone involved come to an amicable resolution.

What Are The Different Types of Conflict Resolution Degrees Available Online?

Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies

The Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies provides students with a systematic perspective on the challenges that individuals, families, organizations, and communities face. It typically involves five core courses as well as five electives. Core courses may include Indigenous Peace Practices, Skills and Techniques of Conflict Management, and Transitional Justice. Electives may include Community Engaged Researched, Crisis Management, Restorative Justice, International Human Rights Advocacy, and Gender and Peacebuilding.

Master of Arts in Conflict Management and Resolution

The Master of Arts in Conflict Management and Resolution degree aims to teach students how to objectively approach disagreements and help prevent them from escalating further. It prioritizes empathy in conflict resolution and equips students to help involved parties find common ground and ways to express their points of view. The coursework typically includes Negotiation, Mediation, Managing Conflicts in the Workplace, and Foundations of Family Conflict Dynamics.

Master of Science in Leadership and Negotiation

A lot of conflicts can be avoided by setting realistic and achievable goals and objectives while also having a flexible mindset and the ability to adapt to any situation. These skills and more are taught to students in typical online master of Science in Leadership and Negotiation degree programs. Courses may include Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Negotiation, Advanced Leadership and Negotiation Concepts, Gender, Leadership and Negotiation, and Leading and Negotiating in a Virtual and Multicultural World. This type of degree is ideal for students who want to keep the peace in business environments by stepping into leadership roles.

Master of Arts in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding

The Master of Arts in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding degree teaches students vital listening, speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Typically, it also includes comprehensive studies of the skills and methods required to become effective mediators, negotiators, and conflict managers. Course topics often include Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools, Ethics of Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, Theories of Conflict, Communication and Conflict, and Negotiation Tactics. This type of degree is popular amongst those at the beginning of the mid-career point in industries such as government, business, or nonprofit organizations.

Are There Any Online Certificates In Conflict Resolution?

While a degree is the best option for students interested in careers involving conflict resolution, online certificates are also available. These are typically more affordable or even free and can help students decide whether they want to commit to a full degree. Examples of online certificates include Conflict Management, Conflict Transformation, Conflict Resolution in the Workplace, Negotiation Fundamentals, Introduction to Conflict Analysis, and more.

In What Industries Are Conflict Resolution Most Useful?

Conflict resolution is helpful in almost every industry, as interpersonal conflict can occur in any setting. Being able to resolve these conflicts can boost the well-being of everyone involved and also increase productivity. After earning a degree in conflict resolution, students can embark on career paths such as mediators, arbitrators, conciliators, negotiators, human resources managers, and intermediaries, to name just a few. Career options are also available in intergovernmental organizations and nonprofits, as well as areas such as humanitarian aid, human rights, peace and security, fundraising, and more.

What Are The Most Common Causes of Conflict?

• Relationships - Relationship conflict arises from poor communication, negative emotions, and distrust.
• Interests - Interest conflict occurs when different parties compete for the same things, such as money or resources. 
• Information - Information conflict happens when people either have insufficient information or disagree about the relevancy of the information they are presented with.
• Structural - Structural conflicts can occur when there is a power imbalance, and one group is oppressive to another.
• Values - People have different values, and trying to impose certain values on others or diminish their values can cause conflict can arise.

What Professional Organizations Are Available For Students With An Interest In Conflict Resolution?

In addition to earning an online degree to enhance their career prospects, a number of organizations are available that can provide students with helpful information. These range from professional associations to nonprofit organizations. Below are some of the most well-known ones in the industry.

Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR)

Website: https://acrnet.org/ 

The ACR has made it its mission to enhance the practice and public understanding of conflict resolution. They host several yearly events and have a resource center with useful information.

Conflict Resolution Network (CRN)

Website: https://www.crnhq.org/

The CRN offers a wealth of free materials for anyone interested in conflict resolution. These include podcasts, summaries, guides, and much more.

International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution

Website: https://www.cpradr.org/

CPR has been around since 1977 and is an independent nonprofit organization promoting the prevention and resolution of conflict. They offer events and classes related to conflict resolution as well as membership options that come with an array of resources.

Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI)

Website: https://mediatorsbeyondborders.org/

MBBI has made it its mission to build local skills for peace and promote mediation worldwide. They believe deeply in non-violent intervention to address conflict, and membership comes with networking opportunities, opportunities to take on volunteer and leadership roles, fieldwork opportunities, and more.

Conclusion

As long as there are things for people to disagree about, there will be a need for professionals with conflict resolution skills to help keep the peace. This makes it a valuable and versatile degree option for students who want to help others solve disagreements.