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Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Transforming conflict on an interpersonal, community, and organizational scale.

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Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution skills are essential for forging and stewarding successful relationships between people, communities, and organizations. Columbia University’s Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution prepares students to analyze the root causes and dynamics of conflict and to transform disputes through reasoned and resourceful interventions. With courses led by some of the world’s premier scholar-practitioners in negotiation and conflict resolution, the program focuses on developing self-awareness, tenacity, and interpersonal competency; building common ground; opening lines of communication; ensuring representation and recognition; and building sustainable possibilities for resolution. Flexible program options meet the needs of young and mid-career professionals as well as career-changing professionals.

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Fast Facts

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Legacy Columbia University has a rich heritage in conflict resolution theory beginning with the work of Morton Deutsch, and is widely recognized as a leader in the discipline.
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Career Conflict resolution professionals work in a range of fields, including business, law, education, healthcare, and government.
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Impact Conflict resolution professionals regularly act as arbitrators, mediators, facilitators, and ombuds.

Upcoming Events

Join us for information sessions as well as forums, talks, and webinars on foundational and emerging topics in the field.

Webinar Recordings

This series presents an inside view on the diversity of work that is currently taking place in the conflict resolution field.

Watch Past Events

Watch past guest speakers, commemorative events, and talks.

Program Options
Program Option Course Formats Program Start-Time Time Commitment
Master of Science (full‑time)

On-campus*

Spring or Fall term

16-21 months
Master of Science (part‑time)

On-campus*

Spring or Fall term

6-7 terms
Master of Science (part‑time hybrid)

Online plus 3-week on-campus Intensive Study during summer

Spring term only

1 calendar year
Executive Education

On-campus

May 11–22, 2020

2 weeks

* Select courses are available online or in hybrid format.

Featured Faculty, Students & Alumni

NECR Alumna: How Columbia Has Impacted My Career and Motivated Me to Give Back

NECR Alumna Debora Delgado Pursues Thoughtful Entrepreneurship in Management Consulting

Mark Benavides, ’16SPS, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, on Applying Frameworks in Law

All Impact Stories

In the News

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NECR Alumna: How Columbia Has Impacted My Career and Motivated Me to Give Back

NECR Alumna Debora Delgado Pursues Thoughtful Entrepreneurship in Management Consulting

Mark Benavides, ’16SPS, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, on Applying Frameworks in Law

View All News

Connect with Us

Learn more about Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, or contact the program admissions counselor.

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Admissions Counselor

212-854-9666

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As admissions to our programs are highly competitive, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements.

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