Manage Conflict with Confidence and Impact Positive Change

Conflict is an unavoidable part of life. How you approach and manage it makes all the difference. Nova Southeastern University’s M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution program focuses on pragmatic approaches to solving problems inherent in human social relations. At NSU, you’ll be exposed to an array of techniques and strategies to help people achieve nonviolent, non-litigious solutions for conflicts that arise on individual, professional, community, national and international levels. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of arbitrators, mediators and conciliators is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, which is a much faster rate than the average for all occupations. NSU prepares you to meet the demand through academic learning, practice, and independent research in conflict resolution theory. You’ll have opportunities to study and develop your skills across various social, organizational, and cultural settings. The mediation and negotiation skills you’ll gain in NSU’s M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution program will make you a highly sought-after employee in practically every field. This program will also prepare you to pursue further doctoral studies.

When You're a Shark, the Sky's the Limit

The world needs conflict resolution more than ever. Communication that helps us collaborate to solve problems and better our environments so we can thrive within them is a critical competency for today's professionals. Get to know some of our graduates that completed a graduate degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and went on to do great things. 

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 15th, 2024

Summer 2025: Friday, April 18th, 2025

Fall 2025: Friday, July 18th, 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.) 

3 Personal Statement of approximately 500-1000 words. Tell us why you are interested in the program, as well as your professional goals, your assessment of your abilities to manage the challenges of graduate school, and any other information you would like to provide.
4 An academic writing sample (it can be an academic paper, submitted journal writing, or a piece of professional writing). 
5 Submit (2) Letters of Recommendation 
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. 

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
Image of Brett McAllister

Farah Amro

Graduate Admissions Counselor
NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences

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