10 Great Deals: PhD in Conflict Resolution Online

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Is solving conflicts is one of your prized skills? Do you love to bring adversaries together? You should consider earning an advanced degree in the field. A PhD in negotiation and conflict management, achieved online, will maximize your career options. It will also enhance your earnings potential. There is no clear-cut, one-size-fits-all career trajectory for this field. So applicants for a PhD in conflict resolution come to the degree program from a wide variety of backgrounds. No matter how long you have been in your career or even if you are changing careers, you are always wise to invest in your own upgrade. This means more education. And because you are earning your advanced degree online, you will have the needed flexibility to fulfill your personal, day-to-day obligations. The following points may answer any questions you have about the field of negotiation and conflict management or online colleges and universities.

What does “negotiation and conflict management” mean?

Negotiation and conflict management utilize techniques that solve disagreements and difficulties between different parties in a wide range of settings. Negotiation requires recognition of areas of common ground between participants. Conflict management refers to the actual methodology for achieving a win-win outcome.

What kinds of skills does a negotiator and conflict manager need?

Essential skills include basic communication techniques that will achieve cooperation and compromise in a broad spectrum of adversarial situations. Just as fundamental to success is understanding the underlying causes of a particular conflict and a plan for negotiating the path to resolution. Successful negotiation and management of conflict require comprehension of both verbal and physical language that may contribute to the worsening of a stressful situation. Those successful in preventing out-of-control conflicts will know how to deal with a dangerous spark before it becomes a wildfire. They are also able to perceive the way others see them and to control their own appearance and manner as needed.

What is a typical educational and professional background?

Many students who enter the doctoral program for negotiation and conflict management have worked as:

  • professors
  • lawyers
  • analysts
  • researchers
  • policymakers
  • CEOs
  • theorists

They also typically share a deep-seated belief in the value of societal connections. They tend to view their life work as a focus on the repair or improvement of relationships, which may exist:

  • between two people
  • within a larger community
  • throughout the world
    Management or leadership experience in business is a plus. Another plus is strong scores on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Students should also have an understanding of:
  • social and behavioral science
  • economics
  • information systems.

What does a negotiator and conflict manager do?

A day’s work may include:

  • counseling
  • facilitating
  • serving as an arbitrator

It may be a combination of all three roles.

Where does a negotiator and conflict manager work?

The jobs may be found in a range of fields, including:

  • education
  • law
  • healthcare
  • government
  • business
  • consultants
  • theoreticians
  • program evaluators
  • administrators

Managers may operate their own businesses or be employed by others.

Why is a Ph.D. important in the field of negotiation and conflict management?

One significant factor in determining salary is the level of education. Earning a Ph.D. demonstrates that one has achieved the highest level of expertise in the field. In addition, an advanced degree connotes prestige and authority upon the holder. In turn, it gives prestige to the company which employs the degree-holder.

What are some typical job titles?

A few job titles include:

  • conflicts manager
  • conflicts supervisor
  • director of a negotiation center
  • project manager
  • program analyst
  • human resource manager.

What is the expected salary for a negotiation and conflict manager with a Ph.D.?

Depending on experience and location of the job, starting salaries range from $83,000 to $90,000. In 2015, a human resources manager earned an average of $117,000.  A mediator and conciliations manager earned $69,000. A university business professor, trained in and teaching negotiation and conflict management, earned $77,000.

What is the projected job growth for someone with a PhD in conflict resolution online?

The job market for conciliators, arbitrators, and mediators should grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026. This is faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What does the PhD in conflict resolution online cover?

Courses in different colleges and universities will vary. Typically students will explore:

  • principles of business
  • critical negotiation skills
  • strategic leadership
  • challenges of leadership

Many programs will also stress the use of collaborative, interactive ways to manage and resolve conflict. Practitioners will be trained in ways to:

  • achieve common ground
  • set up ways to communicate with others
  • build relationships
  • develop sensitivity in multicultural settings

Theory will be the basis of students’ understanding of conflict. They will also be grounded in real-world solutions.
Many applications of negotiation and conflict management occur in the worlds of business and commerce. So many colleges and universities offer the program through their schools of business.

Why should I get the Ph.D. in negotiation and conflict management online?

If you are already knee-deep in your career and adult obligations, an online program makes perfect sense. By tackling your advanced degree from your home office, you set your own schedule and take care of all your other responsibilities, too. You will find that many colleges and universities charge tuition for online classes at a reduced rate. You will also not spend time or money traveling to a classroom. Some programs offer accelerated courses of study. Here, the degree can be completed in less time. This gives you an earlier start on your new career with a Ph.D. in negotiation and conflict management.
Specifics about certificates and licenses may differ from state to state. You should make sure that the online degree you are interested in will fulfill your state’s licensure requirements. Online Ph.D. programs in negotiation and conflict management may include an internship. This gives you the chance to put your classroom learning and experiences to the test. Colleges and universities may require a certain amount of time spent on-campus. You should investigate the specifications for the program you are interested in.

How do I find the online Ph.D. program that is right for me?

You can assess an online college in some of the same ways as a traditional college. Look for:

  • accreditation awarded by recognized associations
  • a solid faculty/student ratio
  • course offerings that appeal to you
  • affordable tuition

You can check all these qualities online, as well as other attributes you deem essential.
Technology support and after-graduation resources for finding employment will significantly affect your online experience. A school’s tech support centers should be available to students 24/7. The more student-friendly colleges and universities will maintain excellent career support resource centers. Be sure to utilize these services to the fullest extent.
Important to note:  the program title for a doctoral degree in negotiation and conflict management will vary among different colleges. You will find the following names listed:

  • doctor of psychology–mediation and conflict resolution
  • doctor of philosophy in human and social services–conflict management and negotiation
  • doctor of philosophy in management–conflict management concentration
  • doctor of business administration, organizational leadership
  • doctor of business administration with strategic management cohort
  • doctor of philosophy in conflict analysis and resolution
  • doctor of philosophy in transformative social change

In each case, however, the subjects of negotiation and conflict management serve as the core elements.

Will I get a different diploma with an online degree?

The diploma you will be awarded for an online Ph.D. degree in negotiation and conflict management will be the same diploma students who attend the brick and mortar buildings. If you wish, you can attend the same graduation ceremony. The word “online” will not appear anywhere on the diploma. In addition, your instructors are likely to be the same ones you would have had if you’d attended the traditional school.

How will I pay for an online degree?

In many cases, students in online programs will be charged the same course per hour rate whether they are out-of-state or in-state students. The length of time it takes to finish any degree program depends entirely on the amount of time devoted. In general, a full-time student enrolled in a doctorate of negotiation and conflict management program will  spend three to five years completing a degree. You can expect about two years of study to be followed by research and writing a dissertation.
Between 90 to 120 semester credits of study are the norm. This is 30 to 40 college courses. Applications for federal student aid and scholarships will be applied for in the same way as for an education at a brick-and-mortar college.

What kind of skills does online college require?

Indicators of student success are the same for online programs as for traditional schools. Personal accountability is essential. If discipline and organization are not very high among your priorities, then you have no business attempting an advanced degree. Most schools offer an online test that will show whether you have the necessary skills. Many of the same skills you used while earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree will still be needed in online graduate school. In addition, there is a technical side to online schooling. If you’ve been able to find and read this article on your own, you probably have the skills needed to complete an online doctoral degree.

How were these rankings of PhD in conflict resolution online arrived at?

Several areas of evaluation were analyzed while compiling this listing of the 10 best deals on online Ph.D. in negotiation and conflict management programs. The bullet points below show those areas in detail. If a tie on points occurs in school rankings, then the deciding factor will be the tuition cost. Another focal point is the school’s student/faculty ratio, as well as whether the school offers tuition breaks for out of state online students. In the last case, case bonus points will be awarded. More details on awarding points can be found at this link.

Ranking the Top PhD in Conflict Resolution Online Programs

#10 – Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Chicago, Illinois

Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership Online

Website
Points: 2
Enrollment: 1,363
Tuition: $24,300
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology was founded in 1979. The school offers an online doctor of philosophy in organizational leadership. It can be completed full time in three years. Coursework in the program includes emerging theories of leadership and systems theory. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology charges an online graduate tuition rate of $1,403 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#9 – University of the Rockies

Denver, Colorado

Doctor of Psychology, Mediation and Conflict Resolution Online

Website
Points: 4
Enrollment: 1,089
Tuition: $18,336
The University of the Rockies traces its history to 1998, and they offer psychology and management degrees online. The school offers an online doctor of psychology, mediation and conflict resolution. It’s a 62 credit hour program that includes coursework in business research and deescalation. The University of the Rockies charges an online graduate tuition rate of $1,082 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#8 – Saybrook University

Oakland, California

Doctor of Philosophy in Transformative Social Change Online

Website
Points: 6
Enrollment: 619
Tuition: $23,589
Saybrook University was established in 1969 to help women and men more effectively take roles in leadership. The school offers an online doctor of philosophy in transformative social change. It’s a 68-83 credit hour program that includes coursework in conflict resolution theory and methods and peace building. Saybrook University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $1,470 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.

#7 – Colorado Technical University

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Doctor of Business Administration Online

Website
Points: 9
Enrollment: 25,548
Tuition: $12,139
Colorado Technical University is a for-profit school that was established in 1965. The student/ faculty ratio is 28:1. Their online doctor of business administration is a 96 credit hour program that includes coursework in economic theory and qualitative research methods. The career development services department at Colorado Technical University offers tools, resources and connections to help you pursue the career of your dreams. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#6 – Abilene Christian University

Abilene, Texas

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Conflict Resolution Track Online

Website
Points: 10
Enrollment: 4,910
Tuition: $19,890
Abilene Christian University was founded in 1906. The school mascot is Willie the Wildcat. The student/faculty ratio is14 to 1. The school offers an online doctor of education in organizational leadership, conflict resolution track. It’s a 54 credit hour program which includes coursework in leadership in diverse contexts and self-assessment in leadership. Abilene Christian University charges an hourly tuition rate of $1,334 per credit hour. They also offer a discounted block tuition rate that lowers the rate to $550 per credit hour, after you have completed 36 hours. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#5 – Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership, Individualized Option Online

Website
Points: 10
Enrollment: 8,389
Tuition: $12,726
Regent University was founded in 1977 with the mission of “Christian leadership to change the world.” The student/faculty ratio is 41:1. Their online Ph.D. in organizational leadership – individualized option is a 60 credit hour program. It includes coursework in kingdom business leadership strategies and exegetical research methods. Regent University’s tuition for this online program is $995 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#4 – Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Online

Website
Points: 12
Enrollment: 21,625
Tuition: $18,373
Nova Southeastern University was established in 1964. The student/faculty ratio is 17 to 1. The school offers an online doctor of philosophy in conflict analysis and resolution. It’s a 76 credit hour program which includes coursework in communication dynamics and negotiation theory. Nova Southeastern University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $1,075 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#3 – Walden University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Doctor of Philosophy in Human and Social Services, Conflict Management and Negotiation Online

Website
Points: 14
Enrollment: 52,565
Tuition: $12,844
Walden University was established in 1970 as a private, Public Benefit Corporation. The student/faculty ratio is 18 to 1. The school offers an online doctor of philosophy in human and social services, conflict management and negotiation. It’s an 83 quarter credit hour program that includes coursework in grant writing and advanced program evaluation. Walden University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $615 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#2 – Sullivan University

Louisville, Kentucky

Doctor of Philosophy in Management, Conflict Management Concentration Online

Website
Points: 15
Enrollment: 3,462
Tuition: $13,080
Sullivan University was founded in 1962 and will help place you in a job at graduation time. The student/faculty ratio is 13:1. The school offers an online doctor of philosophy in management, conflict management concentration. It’s a 74 credit hour program including coursework in organizational theory and human capital management. Sullivan University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $850 per credit hour for this program. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#1 – Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Doctor of Business Administration, Strategic Management Cohort Online

Website
Points: 16
Enrollment: 75,756
Tuition: $8,051
Liberty University was established in 1971, and the school mascot is the Flame. It has a student/faculty ratio of 19:1. The school offers an online doctor of business administration, strategic management cohort. It’s a 60 credit hour program including coursework in strategic thinking for decision making and advanced business research methods. Liberty University offers an online graduate rate of $605 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

By Jennifer W. Eisenberg
May 2018

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This concludes the list of the top ten PhD in conflict resolution online.

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