Conflict is everywhere. Fortunately, skilled, fair-minded mediators can play a powerful role in the resolution of disputes between people and organizations.
Graduates of this program are qualified to work as professional mediators or they may work in job positions that require conflict resolution skills in areas such as government, social service, education, health care, human resources, project management, customer service, law, politics, insurance and sales. Common employers include corporations, educational institutions, health care organizations, insurance companies and banks. The degree can enhance a professional’s ability to manage conflict in their current organization. Professionals in the fields of organizational development, business, law and criminal justice can make ready use of the variety of skills learned in this program. Recent college graduates will gain marketable skills to add to their resume.
Location:
Chicago
Start Term:
Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Type:
8-week class schedule, Master's
Roosevelt’s is the only such degree in conflict and mediation in the Chicago region that includes the Chicago Center for Conflict Resolution’s Certification, as well as practicums with real mediation clients. That means students have the opportunity to perform actual supervised mediation during the program. The University’s longstanding dedication to social justice principles provides a helpful ethical framework for the curriculum.
The MA in Conflict and Mediation is offered in a combination of online and in-person classes at the Chicago Campus, most lasting eight weeks. Students take 10 courses; the program can be completed in two years, taking one class at a time. The Conflict Simulation course, which is taught by professionals from the Center for Conflict Resolution, is offered in part at the organization’s offices in Chicago. A Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Negotiation, which includes four of the classes in the MA is also available. See "More Opportunities" below for more information on the Certificate.
Office of Graduate Admission
Expectations & Requirements
Standards
Students will gain skills in conflict management, negotiation and collaboration, all of which are highly valued in today’s complex workplace. The program provides students with an education that focuses on an understanding of the relationship of communication to conflict. Students learn the central principles, theories and hypotheses, which are essential to managing conflict effectively. Coursework includes the full range of societal conflict, from familial and interpersonal conflict to public and community conflict.
* Conflict & Mediation is an interdisciplinary field that involves certain legal skills and concepts. However, Roosevelt University does not seek or receive approval from the American Bar Association for the Master of Arts in Conflict & Mediation program. Roosevelt’s Paralegal Studies Program is the only program at Roosevelt that is approved by the American Bar Association.
Sample Courses
- Facilitation: In this highly interactive course, participants will learn to use facilitative skills. Students will develop skills in setting ground rules, applying communication strategies, and diagnosing and intervening barriers to positive facilitation.
- Theories of Conflict and Mediation: Designed to introduce students to the foundation and theories of conflict management, this course includes an interdisciplinary introduction to conflict, its sources and major theories.
- Negotiation Tactics: This course provides students an understanding of the fundamentals of negotiation theory through a format that includes lecture, role-play, focused exercises and case study. Covered concepts include game theory, distributive and integrative bargaining, principled negotiation, psychological barriers to settlement, and negotiation ethics.
Outcomes
In Demand Career Opportunities
More Opportunities
Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
Students may now take four courses offered in our MA program, and in a year or less, earn a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution & Negotiation. The certificate provides students with training that focuses on skills needed to de-escalate conflict and move toward resolution. Students will be able to demonstrate abilities in the areas of negotiation and facilitation and will learn about different types of alternative dispute resolution processes. Students will gain a deeper understanding of conflict resolution and mediation in a particular field through a special topic course.
All of the courses in the certificate can be applied to the MA in Conflict & Mediation degree at Roosevelt. The certificate includes: CNMN 475 Negotiation/Negotiation Tactics, CNMN 440 Facilitation, CNMN 430 ADR Continuum and a special topic course. Professionals seeking to enhance their ability to resolve conflict in their current organization, individuals looking to change careers and recent college graduates will all gain valuable, marketable skills in a short time.
Testimonials
"My professors provided me with excellent real-life examples, situations and perspectives, which greatly prepared me for my current work. I am very confident in my ability to use my conflict management skills."
Jessica Lusky
2021
Program Manager, Center for Conflict Resolution,
“Roosevelt’s exceptional Conflict & Mediation program provides prerequisite skills for a career as an effective mediator professionally in both the for-profit and the not-for-profit arenas. The curriculum is designed to enhance abilities to listen, relate, mitigate, and create psychological safety, where conflict can be an opportunity for transformation. The skills and practices have cross-over benefits to improve and untangle students’ approach to personal conflict, which impedes well-being.”
Gerald (Gerry) D. Bouey
Program Instructor and Managing Partner, TBG Leadership & Consulting
"My role also allows me to mediate various case types, from Stalking No Contact Orders to fee disputes. We work to create a safe space for the parties to discuss their conflict, but we also hope to empower them during the session."
Chinanita Leslie
BA English '17, Paralegal Certificate '18, MA Conflict and Mediation '20,
Admission Info
- Online Application
- $40 Application Fee
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities within the United States. Coursework completed outside the U.S. requires a Foreign Credential Evaluation to be submitted.
- Resume/curriculum vitae
- Letter of Intent outlining your personal and professional goals, why you are interested in this program, and how it will help you achieve your goals
- Admission Interview
- English Language Proficiency: All international students and individuals who completed a degree program outside the United States are required to meet this requirement.