Overview
Conflict management is the art of expediting measures to avoid conflict where possible and to solve conflicts as they arise. Conflict managers are an essential part of organizations, be it nongovernmental organizations, businesses, or even the government. A degree in conflict management equips a person to handle the various responsibilities the job.
A conflict manager deals with dispute resolution, business administration, and professional communication. An aspiring student can choose to specialize in any of these fields. A student with a degree in conflict management would have acquired skills in negotiations, conflict management, decision making, and strategic planning. The degree also imparts knowledge about managing projects and individuals, relationships with clients and vendors, cultivating partnerships, handling projects, and international business relations.
Benefits
In order to avoid conflicts, loss of employee morale, and bad reputation, conflict resolution personals is vital in any organization. This implies that conflict managers will remain an asset to all kinds of organizations. A degree in conflict management can open pathways to careers in arbitration, negotiation, mediation, and human resource management. A fresher with a conflict management degree can expect to earn around $15 to $25 per hour.
Costs
The cost of obtaining a degree in conflict management from an online course ranges from $650 to $1,050 per three credit course. For full time degree programs, the cost varies from $23,500 to $51,250 annually. Related expenses include housing, food, and study materials.
Schools
A course in conflict management can be a certificate course or culminate in Bachelor, Master of Science, or Master of Business Administration degree. There are various schools that offer courses in conflict management and resolution. San Diego State University, Southern Methodist University, and Cornell University are some universities that can be recommended for full time courses. Abilene Christian University and North Eastern University offer online courses in conflict management. Depending on the needs and convenience of the student, one can choose to enroll in an online course or a full time course at a university.
Testing & Preparation
The tests and preparation required for admission into a conflict management and resolution program depend on the school. More often than not, schools require Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score be submitted for admission into a Bachelor's program. For a management degree, taking the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) test will be an added advantage. All non-native English speakers are expected to undertake the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test for admission.
Financial Aid
Students who want to pursue higher education can apply to The Rotary Foundation for financial assistance. United States Institute for Peace Solicited and Unsolicited Grant Programs in the American Political Science Institution offers grants to students pursuing programs in conflict management. Students can also apply for loans from Federal Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, US Bank, and Sallie Mae. The Federal Work Study (FWS) program allows students to support their education by working part time.
