Conflict Resolution: Degrees and Jobs for Military and Veterans

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers connected to Conflict Resolution will grow between 7 to 11% in the following decade in human resources, mediation and analysis.

Application Requirements

Application requirements will vary based on the school and program, as well as level of degree, but all associate-level candidates should have at least a high school diploma with a GPA of 3.0. Some programs may require applicants to take the GRE college admissions test. Personal skills such as exhibiting empathy, patience, strategic conversations and problem-solving will give you an extra edge. For those applying for post-graduate degrees, a bachelor degree in conflict resolution or some related fields will be required. Many flexible online and in person programs are available nationwide as the need for these careers across the nation is growing.

Certificate Programs in Conflict Resolution

An undergraduate certificate in Conflict Resolution can be a great introductory program to this field of study. Undergraduate certificate programs offer an overview of conflict resolution theories, tools, techniques, and goals. Students can earn an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program or in conjunction with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree.

A graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution is also quite popular across many academic and career fields. These graduate certificates are usually designed for students already possessing most or all of their baccalaureate credits to enhance or diversify their studies. Graduate certificates are also popular with professionals already working in a related field and for those wishing to enhance their marketable skills and earning power.

Associate Degree in Conflict Resolution

An Associate Degree in Conflict Resolution will cover the core teachings of conflict resolution, including analyzing the genesis of conflicts and their patterns, intervention tactics, communication, negotiation, mediation, and engagement.

An Associate degree prepares students to enter the workforce with a set of marketable skills that set the foundation for conflict resolution or provide the stepping stones toward higher degrees in the field. An undergraduate degree in Conflict Resolution provides students with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education to manage conflicts in the workplace in complex, collaborative, and diverse environments.

Bachelor’s Degree in Conflict Resolution

An undergraduate degree in Conflict Resolution will provide students with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education. A Bachelor’s in Conflict Resolution is designed to give students the skills to manage conflicts in the workplace, in complex collaborative environments, and in varied situations involving diverse populations.

Bachelor degree programs take an average of four years to complete at an accredited university but open more career options than associate degrees. Bachelor's degree in Conflict Resolution are also required to continue to pursue a master's degree in Conflict Resolution.

Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution

A Master’s Degree in Conflict Resolution is a solid choice for those hoping to maximize their leadership skills in any career. To specialize within this field, other related MA programs include International Peace and Conflict Resolution (MA) and Master of Theological Studies as well as flexible options like Online Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Management.

Entering into a masters program would require a completed bachelor program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and potentially GRE or other entry exams or work experience depending on the school offering the program.

What Can You Do With A Degree In Conflict Resolution?

Careers for those with degrees in Conflict Resolution studies and related fields may be eligible to work in various settings including governmental, law enforcement, corporate and the public sector including in schools and other public institutions.

What do people in this field do?

• Mediators facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties in business and family law as well as real estate, to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system. The median annual salary for a mediator is $66,000.
• Human Resources Managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. The median annual salary for a Human Resources Manager is $121,000.
• Human Service Assistants Provide client services in various fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. The median annual salary for a Human Service Assistant is $36,000.
• Investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. The median annual salary for an Investigator is $53,000.
• Arbitrators conduct legal moves that include analyzing documents, interviewing defendants and plaintiffs and arranging negotiations between the two. Most arbitrators, in addition to having knowledge of conflict resolution, come from a law background. The median annual salary for an Arbitrator is $70,000.
• Litigation lawyers help resolve conflicts in civil cases, often in family law with custody, divorce and other non-federal matters. They attend and participate in the official litigation process from trial to appeal. The median annual salary for a Litigation Lawyer would be $109,027. Similar jobs include Family Law Facilitator, who also works through the family law system and proceedings, offering advice and legal suggestions, despite not being lawyers. Their average salary is around $68,000.
• Social worker duties span healthcare, housing, and many social services directly impacting communities. Managing conflict is a key part of a social worker’s job, so it’s a field many people with conflict resolution education go into. Advocacy, mediation, negotiation, and other conflict resolution methods are often included in social work. The average salary of a social worker is around $57,000. A similar job would be a Victim Advocate.
• School counselors assess students' academic, personal, and social needs to identify student behavioral issues. School counselors provide solutions to students, parents and teachers. The average salary would be near $58,000.
• Crisis intervention specialists are the mental health experts called when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, including self-harm and suicide risk. They work to help all involved to stay safe until the direct danger has subsided.The average salary is around $45,000.
• Community Violence Specialists use data on local communities to confront patterns of violence using collected data and patterns to counteract and prevent future violence. To be a Community Violence Specialist, you need to have stellar communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as strong interpersonal abilities. Communication is key in this position. The average salary for a Community Violence Specialist hovers near $44,000

GI Bill-approved Schools Offering Degrees in Conflict Resolution

Once you have chosen a field of study within conflict resolution, determine which university and degree program is best for you using the program’s accreditation status,  the location and accessibility of the program, whether online or in person, to choose from universities and colleges which offer degrees in Conflict Resolution.

Conflict Resolution Programs:

• Nova Southeastern University - In-person and online
• George Mason University - In-person and online
• Pepperdine University - In-person and online
• University of North Carolina at Wilmington - In-person
• Georgetown University - In-person
• Cornell University - In-person and online
• Columbia University - In-person

How to Fund a Degree in Conflict Resolution: Using the G.I. Bill

For veterans interested in earning their degree in Conflict Resolution, funds from the GI Bill may apply for undergraduate and graduate courses. Tuition assistance amounts are based on the class load for applicable classes for full-time and part-time students for both graduate and undergraduate courses.

You may still be able to use your GI Bill funding at different schools simultaneously as long as both are for courses in your degree plan and the institution considers them essential to finishing your degree. Both conditions must be met to qualify.

Any leftover GI Bill funding you don’t spend on the initial degree may be used to further your education. Payments are sent after class finishes monthly.

Post 9/11 GI BIll recipients will have their funding sent to their school. Book or supply money will be sent directly to the student and housing assistance to ensure you can study and live comfortably while moving toward your future career.

Spouses of active-duty military service members from all branches except the Coast Guard, whose rank is E-1 to E-6, W-1 to W-2, or O-1 to O-3, on Title 1 orders fit the requisites for tuition assistance through MyCAA. In addition to the spouses’ qualifications, the applicant will need to have completed their high school diploma.

This does not apply to spouses of members of the National Guard. Title 10 orders specify that members must be active, full-time service or deployment.

Using MYCAA

MyCAA supports spouses wanting to continue to learn new skills. Providing up to $4,000 worth (at press time, your experience may vary) of tuition assistance total, payments will arrive in two payments of $2,000. These funds can be used toward associates degrees, licensing, certification, and national tests including the CLEP/College Level Examination Program tests.

MyCAA does not cover the financial need for supplies, uniforms, devices, books, or courses outside the program of study such as electives. Fees, transportation, child care, entertainment, reimbursement, study abroad programs or other non-academic courses do not meet the standard for MyCAA.

Using Funds from MyCAA

Apply through the MyCAA Scholarship Spouse Portal to begin the process and secure funding. Make sure to begin the process two months before studies begin so you know if you may need additional loan or scholarship options through FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

You may also explore the option of qualifying to use your spouse’s post 9/11 GI Bill for your own education if criteria are met.