About the Program

Conflict resolution professionals work in a range of fields, including business, law, education, health care, and government. They act as arbitrators, mediators, facilitators, ombudsmen, and counselors. They must understand the root causes and dynamics of conflict and how to resolve disputes through reasoned negotiation.

Columbia’s part-time master’s program in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution combines theory and applied training to prepare students to develop practical models for negotiating and resolving disputes among parties with differing objectives and desires. This graduate program was developed in cooperation with Columbia’s Center for International Conflict Resolution in the School of International and Public Affairs and the International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at Teacher’s College.

Courses examine the psychology of bargaining, coalition development, and value distribution, and they emphasize the importance of organized preparation and establishing process. The graduate program’s training philosophy is grounded in a commitment to interactive, dialogue-based methods of managing and resolving conflict. The focus is on building common ground, establishing dialogue, applying practical skills, ensuring representation and recognition, and forging relationships.

Program Objectives

Columbia’s Negotiation and Conflict Resolution graduate degree program is designed to train professionals to be effective negotiators and problem-solvers. The curriculum emphasizes a pragmatic approach to resolving conflicts that arise in human resource management, community and labor organization, education and health administration, law and business. Through examination of theory and practical methodology, the program focuses on constructive communication, ethical understanding, cultural awareness and sensitivity, counseling, and resolving conflicts in ways that are favorable for all parties.