Potential Careers With a Degree in Dispute Resolution
Conflicts are bound to arise in a world filled with diverse perspectives and interests. Whether in the workplace, within families, or on a global scale between world leaders, there’s a consistently high demand for skilled mediators and dispute-resolution specialists.
Working in dispute resolution requires specialized training. Earning a degree in this growing field allows professionals to learn the conflict resolution process, opening up career opportunities that focus on helping individuals and organizations navigate conflicts effectively.
What Is Dispute and Conflict Resolution?
Dispute or conflict resolution refers to resolving conflicts or disagreements between parties in a fair, impartial, and often legally binding manner. It involves various methods and techniques to find a mutually acceptable solution, avoiding the need for formal litigation or legal proceedings.
Dispute resolution can occur in legal, business, community, family, or international contexts. It may involve negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or other alternative methods. The goal is to promote effective communication, understanding, and resolving underlying issues.
Dispute resolution is becoming more popular in the workplace. Left unchecked, disputes and conflicts in the workplace can cause a loss of productivity, reduced employee morale, and high staff turnover. The significant consequences of not addressing conflicts make managing workplace disputes a top priority for many organizations.
Dispute resolution is also the key in two of the three methods of conflict resolution: mediation and arbitration (the third is litigation). As noted by Harvard Business Review, mediation is “effective at allowing parties to vent their feelings and fully explore their grievances.” They also note that mediation and arbitration, which involves allowing a neutral third party to help resolve a case, are less expensive than litigation.
A Variety of Dispute Resolution Careers
Earning a master’s degree in dispute resolution allows professionals to work in diverse settings. Each of the following positions involves applying the theories and strategies of dispute resolution to solve conflicts neutrally and fairly.
Mediator
Mediation represents a cornerstone of dispute resolution. Mediators act as neutral third parties who manage communication between conflicting parties, helping them find common ground and reach mutually agreeable solutions. Mediators work in many settings, including family courts, community centers, corporate environments, and international diplomacy.
Arbitrator
Arbitrators play a similar role to mediators but have the authority to make binding decisions on resolving a dispute. They commonly work in labor disputes, commercial contracts, and international trade disagreements.
Conflict Resolution Consultant
Organizations of all sizes and industries value conflict resolution consultants. These professionals work closely with businesses to identify potential conflicts, develop effective conflict resolution strategies, and implement conflict prevention programs.
Ombudsman
Ombudsmen are independent advocates who act as a bridge between an organization and its stakeholders, including employees, clients, or the public. They address concerns, resolve disputes, and ensure ethical standards are upheld.
Human Resources Specialist
In any workplace, conflicts can be disruptive and detrimental to productivity. Human resources specialists with a background in dispute resolution are highly sought after to help manage and mediate workplace disputes.
Community Relations Coordinator
Community organizations, nonprofits, and local government agencies frequently require professionals who can navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Community relations coordinators promote positive relationships between community groups and resolve conflicts.
Legal Consultant
Lawyers and legal firms often seek the expertise of dispute resolution specialists to assist in resolving cases without a lengthy and costly litigation process. Dispute resolution skills are particularly valuable in family law, employment law, and civil disputes.
Touro University Worldwide’s Masters in Dispute Resolution
Touro University Worldwide offers a comprehensive online Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution program tailored for graduate students. This program prepares students with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate conflicts within the workplace. Boasting 36 credits, the online curriculum comprises eight-week courses, enabling students to attain their master’s degree in just one year.
The program focuses on cultivating vital skills like negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and facilitation. A solid foundation in dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution techniques complements these skills. Students learn to manage conflicts in workplace settings involving individuals, groups, and organizations. The program’s faculty members bring a wealth of experience to the virtual classroom, incorporating the most up-to-date techniques and strategies in dispute resolution.
Graduates of the online MA in Dispute Resolution program emerge well-prepared for careers in dispute resolution. They are primed for positions such as managers, union representatives, advocates, consultants, arbitrators, and mediators.
A degree in dispute resolution is a versatile qualification that opens doors to a range of fulfilling and impactful careers. Whether you’re passionate about helping individuals through personal conflicts or interested in contributing to smoother operations within organizations, the skills you gain in a dispute resolution graduate program are invaluable.
