Close Menu
Online

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (Master of Science)

Knowing how to both manage conflict and put it to good use can be the difference between simply putting out fires and moving your business—and your career—forward. Creighton University’s Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NCR) can provide the knowledge and skills you need to become an effective conflict manager in healthcare, law, ministry, education, business and more.

Conflict is inevitable in any work, community, or relationship setting, and every organization needs employees and leaders who are skilled in facilitation and conflict resolution. But conflict doesn’t have to be negative. In fact, when managed appropriately and effectively, conflict can open new doors, enhance trust, and strengthen relationships—leading to increased engagement, productivity, and results.

Earning your master’s in conflict resolution shows that you know how to successfully harness conflict for positive results. You’ll study organizational behavior and practice techniques that you can initiate or implement in your workplace or community from day one.

Earn your degree in conflict resolution on your schedule

Creighton’s Negotiation and Conflict Resolution master’s program is perfect for busy professionals who desire the flexibility to study on their own terms. If you’d like to earn your master’s without putting your life on pause, this online master’s degree could help you meet your goals.

Build your professional network and expand your perspective

Students and faculty in Creighton’s Negotiation and Conflict Resolution master’s program come from a wide variety of backgrounds, careers and life experiences. While you learn, reflect and grow, you’ll discover that this diverse academic family creates a rich learning community that excels at sharing perspectives and insights in a supportive and interactive environment.

As part of a thriving alumni community, you’ll expand your professional network and will reap the benefits of these new relationships for many years to come.

Request Info
Testimonial from Jonathan Hernandez, MS, a Creighton University Graduate School alumnus
A female student writing on a whiteboard

Retired General Anthony Zinni describes why he chose to pursue his Master's in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Creighton University.

Image
Cindy Costanzo, PhD, RN, FNAP, Senior Associate Dean and Interim Program Director

Cindy Costanzo, PhD, RN, FNAP | Senior Associate Dean and Interim Program Director, Graduate School

“The NCR program is nimble. We update curriculum as needed to ensure we are teaching our students cutting edge concepts and training them on topics that help them fill a real need in the world.”

Program Details

Program Goals and Curriculum

The MS in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program is ideal for those looking to effectively manage conflict across a wide variety of industries and settings. The program can typically be completed in about two years on a part-time basis, but highly motivated full-time students can earn their degree in as little as 16 months.

To earn this master’s degree, you must complete 33 credits:

  • Core Foundational and Process Courses
    • Negotiation
    • Introduction to Conflict Engagement
    • Facilitative Conflict Engagement Residency
    • Leadership and Conflict Engagement
    • Dynamics of Conflict Resolution and Engagement
    • Systems Thinking in Conflict
    • Culture, Gender, and Power Differences in Conflict
    • Oral Narratives and Conflict: An Applied Interdisciplinary Approach
  • Electives
    • Healthcare Collaboration and Conflict Engagement
    • Structural Injustices
    • Online Dispute Resolution
  • Practicum
    Students complete an 80-hour practicum over 16 weeks, culminating in a final paper and a virtual presentation (via Skype, Zoom, etc.) 

Faculty

With increasing self-knowledge, leaders are empowered to work mindfully toward a more just community, workplace and world. Our respected faculty at Creighton strives to help students strengthen that ability and work to achieve their goals.

Certificate and Dual Degree Options

Certificates
Creighton University offers graduate certificates for students who wish to increase their conflict resolution skills without committing to a full master’s degree program. Options include:

Graduate Certificate in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution  (15 credits)

  • The Certificate in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution serves as the foundation of the master’s program. In as little as eight months, students can learn effective techniques to engage and manage conflict. Decide to go for master’s later? Only a few more classes can get you there.
  • Online

Dual-Degree Programs
Students can complete a dual-degree program to earn two degrees at once, saving both time and money. The following dual-degree options are available in negotiation and conflict resolution:

Admission Requirements

Not accepting applications at this time.

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program, applicants must:

  • Complete an application
  • Possess a bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Provide official transcripts from all educational institutions attended. Read more about sending transcripts here
  • Include a resume or curriculum vitae
  • Submit a personal statement (see application for specific requirements)
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from persons other than friends or family members

A personal interview may be requested in addition to the above requirements. The interview may be conducted in-person or virtually.

International students are welcomed into this program so long as they complete it from their country of residence, as F-1 visas will not be issued. 

International applicants must:

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition rates change in the fall of each year. Visit our financial aid site for more details.

Financial Aid
To help make your graduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. We also encourage you to apply for available graduate student scholarships and fellowships.

Have questions? Email or call a friendly financial specialist at 402.280.2731 for any additional questions you may have.

Dates and Deadlines

The information below details the enrollment deadlines and starting dates of courses for the current academic year. If you have any questions about dates, deadlines, or application materials, please contact an enrollment specialist for personalized assistance.

Not accepting applications at this time.

Still Have Questions?

Reach out to an Enrollment Specialist