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Best Online Conflict Resolution Degree Programs (2026)
Updated September 7, 2026BLS dataCollege ScorecardOn this page
Key takeaway: Conflict resolution (CIP 30.0501, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution) is the mediation, negotiation, and dispute-systems degree. Arizona State University sells a master’s. It is used in courts, HR, community agencies, and international NGOs. It is not a JD, not a counseling license, and not legal studies. In IPEDS 2024, 65 institutions reported bachelor’s-or-higher completions in the CIP codes used for this guide, and 55 of those institutions reported offering distance-education programs (IPEDS 2024). Compare accredited programs below.
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is a small occupation (BLS). Most graduates do this work as a function inside another job: HR specialist, social worker, compliance officer, or attorney. The degree is a skill stack, not a protected title.
These accredited schools offer online programs. Request information to compare programs, costs, and formats.
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BOCSCORE
Graduation rate 30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
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Retention rate 15%
Fully online availability 10%
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BOC
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Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
$64,330
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
$62,890
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
$59,550
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Projected job growth (2024-2034) for conflict resolution careers. Source: BLS Employment Projections. Chart: Best Online College.View the data behind this chart
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
3.5%
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
3.4%
Compliance Officers
3.0%
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
0.2%
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
-1.7%
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Arbitrators, Mediators, and ConciliatorsSOC 23-1022
$75,530Median annual pay
Median hourly$36.31
Mean annual$91,010
Employment (US)9,210
Pay range (25-75%)$57,360 - $108,000
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and AdvisorsSOC 21-1012
$64,330Median annual pay
Median hourly$30.93
Mean annual$71,430
Employment (US)353,310
Pay range (25-75%)$51,270 - $82,870
Child, Family, and School Social WorkersSOC 21-1021
$59,550Median annual pay
Median hourly$28.63
Mean annual$64,000
Employment (US)392,550
Pay range (25-75%)$48,270 - $76,070
Compliance OfficersSOC 13-1041
$80,730Median annual pay
Median hourly$38.81
Mean annual$88,400
Employment (US)417,070
Pay range (25-75%)$61,280 - $109,010
Paralegals and Legal AssistantsSOC 23-2011
$62,890Median annual pay
Median hourly$30.24
Mean annual$69,700
Employment (US)392,880
Pay range (25-75%)$50,340 - $80,080
Social and Community Service ManagersSOC 11-9151
$80,390Median annual pay
Median hourly$38.65
Mean annual$88,880
Employment (US)209,330
Pay range (25-75%)$64,290 - $103,200
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All OtherSOC 19-3099
$101,110Median annual pay
Median hourly$48.61
Mean annual$107,690
Employment (US)37,100
Pay range (25-75%)$80,860 - $129,960
Human Resources SpecialistsSOC 13-1071
$75,940Median annual pay
Median hourly$36.51
Mean annual$81,990
Employment (US)912,430
Pay range (25-75%)$58,610 - $99,380
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
It does not license you as a counselor, social worker, or lawyer. Court mediation rosters have their own hour and observation requirements that a master’s may or may not satisfy. Read your state’s court rules before you enroll for that purpose.
A conflict resolution degree covers negotiation, mediation practicum, dispute systems design, intercultural conflict, research methods, and a supervised clinic or capstone. Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is a small occupation (BLS). Most graduates do this work as a function inside another job: HR specialist, social worker, compliance officer, or attorney. The degree is a skill stack, not a protected title.
Can I earn a conflict resolution degree online?
Yes. In IPEDS 2024, 65 institutions reported bachelor’s-or-higher completions in the CIP codes used for this guide, and 55 of those institutions reported offering distance-education programs (IPEDS 2024).
Is conflict resolution accredited?
There is no national programmatic accreditor for conflict resolution. Court-rostered mediators are credentialed by state court systems, not by the degree. Institutional accreditation is the academic check.
What do conflict resolution graduates earn?
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators The national median annual wage was $75,530, with the 10th percentile at $47,220 and the 90th at $155,440 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS). Employment was 9,100 in 2024, projected to grow 4.3 percent through 2034, with 300 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034). Individual outcomes vary by employer, geography, and experience.
