What Will I Learn in a Dispute Resolution Degree Program?

A degree in dispute resolution will allow you to help parties who are in conflict to work out their differences. These degree programs will teach you about resolving conflicts through a variety of sources, so this area of study offers a very well-rounded education. Your classes will typically include core courses on mediation, negotiation and conflict management theory, but you will also draw upon sociology, psychology, communications, international relations, law and organizational behavior. Degree programs in dispute resolution will typically offer hands-on experience in mediation, whether it's through courses and labs or internships.

MBA in Dispute Resolution

What Can I Do With a Dispute Resolution Degree?

A dispute resolution degree is most often pursued for a career as an arbitrator, mediator or conciliator—positions that specialize in alternative dispute resolution. You'll take part in private hearings that are less formal than trials, and work to create settlements among disputing parties. You may work for a client or as a neutral party. Most of your work will be done in private offices or meeting rooms, and you may even be able to work primarily from home, traveling only for specific meetings. In addition to work in dispute resolution, this degree can be helpful in furthering your career in other fields, such as human resources, social work or law enforcement.

What Is the Career Outlook for Dispute Resolution Degree Students?

Dispute resolution is an expanding field, and careers within it are expected to grow faster through 2018 than the average for all occupations. There is an increasing demand for negotiators as a rising number of parties prefer to avoid formal litigation, and are pursuing arbitration and mediation as a way to decrease costs, delays, publicity and negative feelings. You should not have trouble finding work in dispute resolution, but competition is high because turnover is low. Workers in dispute resolution tend to stay at their jobs for years. If you would like better opportunities, a specialization or certification is recommended.