By Kjerstin Pugh ('17SPS), Deputy Program Director, M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
The M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NECR) offers two pathways to complete the 36-credit program: on campus at Columbia’s Morningside Campus in New York City, or online with a two-week summer residency. Both formats are designed to meet the needs of full-time students and working professionals, offering flexibility and community in equal measure.
Flexible Learning: On Campus or Online
Students pursuing the on-campus option begin their journey with an in-person orientation, where they connect with faculty, fellow NECR students, alumni, and other members of the School of Professional Studies (SPS) community.
Courses begin the following week. NECR classes are scheduled to accommodate traditional nine-to-five work commitments, with sessions held in the evenings and on weekends. Weekend classes typically run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and incorporate hands-on learning through roleplays, simulations, and other experiential activities. In their first semester, students take core courses that establish foundational theories and competencies to support the rest of their academic journey.
Students enrolled in the online program can participate from anywhere in the world. The program begins with a live Zoom orientation, where students meet the program team and begin forming connections with their cohort through breakout sessions. Courses are primarily asynchronous and organized into weekly modules, though most include two live class sessions per course, as well as weekly office hours and group work to foster community and engagement.
In the summer, all online students participate in a required on-campus residency. By this point, they will already know their cohort well, making the residency a joyful opportunity to connect in person. They’ll attend classes on Columbia’s campus, meet with faculty and program staff at a celebratory welcome dinner, and take advantage of all New York City has to offer—from visits to the United Nations to Brooklyn street art tours.
After the two-week residency, some students choose to stay in New York City to take additional electives, while others return home and continue their coursework online.
Designing Your Academic Journey
Both on-campus and online students will have the opportunity to take 15 elective credits. To meet the diverse career interests of our students, electives range from mediation to social justice, ombuds to family business, peacebuilding practica to change management, and many more. NECR also offers 1.5 credit electives called Special Topics which are designed to address emergent issues within the field of conflict resolution.
An NECR student can take up to 9 credits outside the program, including pre-approved courses from other SPS programs or graduate schools across Columbia University. This flexibility empowers students to design a personalized academic experience aligned with their goals and interests. Support is available throughout their journey from a dedicated NECR Academic Advisor, in addition to the Program Director, Deputy Program Director, Associate Director, and faculty members.
NECR students may choose to take electives on campus or online, depending on their schedules, visa status,* and preferences. Advisors and program staff will help them determine the best options for their needs.
For example, Conrad Loprete (’25SPS, NECR) enrolled in the online program but opted to take several electives on campus. “Looking back on my experience in NECR, it was the flexibility of the two modalities that enhanced my experience and made it so meaningful,” he shared. “It permitted me to continue to work full-time without major disruptions and allowed me to experience the powerful energy and connectedness to classmates and instructors that in-person learning encourages.”
“The in-person classroom experiences really stood out and made commuting to and from New York City a pleasure and never a burden. Learning from and also with classmates from other SPS programs complemented my educational experience. Participating in classrooms both online and in person was so gratifying, and the friendships I developed within my diverse cohort—and across other cohorts—continue to resonate with me,” Loprete said.
Hands-on Learning and Professional Growth
Another integral part of the NECR experience is the capstone process. Across three sequential capstone courses, students analyze the root of a conflict, identify underlying issues and needs, create intervention strategies, and use network mapping to foster sustainable change. Upon completion, many students publish parts of their capstone, reference their work in job interviews, or use the experience to transition their careers.
Throughout the program, students benefit from a wide range of learning and networking opportunities, including:
- Monthly NECR webinars featuring experts in the field
- Faculty office hours
- Program director office hours
- Informational interviews with alumni
- NECR and SPS networking and social events
- Capstone presentations
- Workshops
- Conferences
Upon graduation, students become part of a global network of over 600 alumni. As a member of this community, alumni are invited to participate in program events, conduct informational interviews with students, join panels and workshops, and take advantage of ongoing professional development opportunities.
*International students should work closely with their advisor and International Scholars and Students Office (ISSO) to comply with current visa requirements and regulations, if applicable, which may impact which elective modalities they may take, and when.
About the Program
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. 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.
The program has on-campus and online (with residency) modality options. The spring 2026 application deadline for the M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution online program is November 1. Learn more about the program here.
