Curriculum

40 points for degree completion On-campus instruction only
Part-time or Full-time program Spring and Fall intake
3-6 terms to complete  
Capstone Thesis
Fieldwork course option

The curriculum emphasizes a pragmatic approach to resolving conflicts that arise in human resource management, community and labor organization, education and health administration, and law and business. Through examination of theory and practical methodology, the program focuses on constructive communication, ethical understanding, cultural awareness and sensitivity, counseling, and resolving conflicts in ways that are favorable for all parties.

The program includes four core courses that ground students in the field. Two additional courses are designed to provide students with a deeper engagement in research and practice. Four electives allow students to focus their work in an area of concentration, such as health care, the environment, or ombuds practice. At least two of these electives must be chosen from courses designed for the program; up to two may be chosen from course offerings in other schools of the University. Three Master's Capstone Thesis Seminars immerse students in the world of negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution through applied research and exposure to professional work in the field with grounding in theory, research and practice.

This is a rigorous and concentrated graduate degree program that demands a serious commitment of time and energy. The Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution can be taken on a full or part-time basis, and is designed to accommodate the professional obligations of students who are employed full-time. During the academic year, some courses are 14 weeks long, meeting on weekday evenings, from 6:10 to 8 p.m. During the academic year, some courses meet on weekday evenings, others meet only on weekends, while a third variation meet on some consistent weeknights and some weekend days. Students are also expected to devote significant time to completing reading and written assignments, and class projects outside of class.

In order to receive the Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, students must complete all requirements within three years (six terms, excluding summer) with an overall grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better.

View sample course configurations for both part and full time schedules