Transform Conflict into Opportunity

In a world facing increasing uncertainty and insecurity, communities and institutions need skilled leaders who can bridge divisions, reduce violence and hate, and transform conflict relationships and systems in pursuit of a more peaceful world. The 30-credit Master of Science in Conflict Resolution at NSU prepares you to become one of those leaders. Grounded in both theory and real-world application, our program equips students with the concepts, tools, and practical experience needed to understand and address conflict in today's complex world. Through immersive, hands-on learning and critical engagement with key frameworks, students develop the skills to analyze, navigate, and address conflict across diverse settings. Join us and become part of a field that is not only growing-but urgently needed.

Key Highlights of Our Program

  • Learn from internationally recognized faculty who are active scholars and practitioners in the field of conflict resolution. Our professors bring diverse, real-world experience and cutting-edge research into the classroom, ensuring you receive both theoretical knowledge and practical insights.
  • Students progress through the program in a cohort model, building a strong sense of community and collaboration. This structure fosters peer support, intellectual exchange, and lasting professional relationships.
  • Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers in a wide range of sectors, including non-governmental and governmental organizations, research institutions, corporate settings, international development and humanitarian agencies, human rights organizations, conflict services (mediation, arbitration, coaching, and ombuds), education, and healthcare.
  • Our curriculum combines foundational theory with hands-on experience, enabling students to engage with real-world case studies through courses such as practicums, internships, training, and simulations. The program is designed to prepare you to analyze, navigate, and address conflicts in various settings, using a range of interdisciplinary approaches.
  • Our program emphasizes both a local and global outlook, equipping students to work on complex, multi-faceted conflicts that cross cultural, political, and geographical boundaries.

Who Should Apply

This program is designed for individuals who are eager to develop practical skills and strategic thinking to address conflict in meaningful ways. Whether you're a recent graduate exploring a career in conflict resolution, a working professional seeking to enhance your ability to manage complex situations, or someone in fields such as education, business, healthcare, international affairs, or public service, this program offers the tools and knowledge to advance your impact. If you're interested in exploring conflict more deeply and contributing to positive change in various settings, we encourage you to apply.

Quick Facts

Curriculum

NSU’s M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution is 36 total credits to complete.

Start Dates

Admissions is on a “rolling” basis with program start dates offered in August (Fall term), May (Summer term) and January (Winter term).

Delivery Options

Classes for the M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution are offered at NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus and online. You may enroll as a full-time or part-time student. Virtual students are required to attend two Residential Institutes per academic year.

Tuition

Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.

Application Deadline

Winter 2025: Friday, November 15, 2024

Summer 2025: Friday, April 18, 2025

Fall 2025: Friday, July 18, 2025

Career Outcomes

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

$66,130 Median Salary Per Year

Ombudsman

$57,512 Median Salary Per Year

Human Resources Specialist

$63,490 Median Salary Per Year

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Conflict Analysis and Resolution Curriculum

Core Courses
Credits
CARM 5000
Foundations and Development of Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies (CARM 5000 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARM 5040
Communication Dynamics in Dispute Resolution: The Human Factor (CARM 5040 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARM 5100
Mediation Theory and Practice (CARM 5100 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARM 5140
Negotiation Theory and Practice (CARM 5140 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARM 5200
Research Design and Program Evaluation (CARM 5200 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARM 6120
Culture and Conflict: Cross-Cultural Perspectives (CARM 6120 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARM 6140
Facilitation Theory and Practice (CARM 6140 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARM 6150
Professional Practice and Ethics (CARM 6150 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARM 6180
Supervised Internship (CARM 6180 / Credits: 3 )
3
CARM 6450
MS Capstone (CARM 6450 / Credits: 3 )
3
Elective Courses
Students are required to complete (6) credit hours of electives. ( )

For specific course requirements, refer to the “Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Program (M.S.)" in NSU's Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student catalog.

The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the NSU Halmos College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Catalog. Students are bound by policies and curricula published in the catalog in effect the semester they enter the university unless an agreement is made with appropriate NSU administration officials allowing them to abide by policies published in a later catalog.

Admissions Requirements


1

Completed NSU Graduate Application and $50 Application Fee

2

Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions including degree conferral.  

(Applicants who have not yet completed their undergraduate degree programs may submit official transcripts prior to degree conferral to be considered for provisional admission.  Final official transcripts must be submitted to receive full admission into the program.) 

4 An academic writing sample (it can be an academic paper, submitted journal writing, or a piece of professional writing). 
6 Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher  
7

For non-native English speakers and graduates of foreign institutions (where English is not the primary language instruction).  Demonstrate English-language proficiency is required through one of the following options:

  1. Successful completion of a degree at an approved U.S. institution of higher education where English is the primary language of instruction.
  2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) official score of 213 on the computerized test, 550 on the paper test format, or 79 on the Internet format. 
8. Submit a 'Resume' OR 'Curriculum Vita'

Program Director and Admissions Staff

Pushpa Iyer, Ph.D.

Department Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Conflict Resolution Studies
Image of Pushpa Iyer, Ph.D.

Cheryl Duckworth, Ph.D.

Director of Master’s Program & Associate Professor
Department of Conflict Resolution Studies
Image of Cheryl Duckworth, Ph.D.

Brett McAllister

Director of Graduate Admissions
Halmos Graduate Admissions
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Farah Amro

Graduate Admissions Counselor
NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences

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