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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](/programs/legal-studies). 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.
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.
| Occupation | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | $75,530 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $64,330 |
| Compliance Officers | $80,730 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $80,390 |
| Occupation | Avg. annual openings |
|---|---|
| Human Resources Specialists | 81,800/yr |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 39,300/yr |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 35,100/yr |
| Compliance Officers | 33,300/yr |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | 31,000/yr |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 18,600/yr |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | 3,200/yr |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | 300/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS national medians. Median means half of workers in the occupation earned more and half earned less.
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). See how to become a mediator. Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors. The national median annual wage was $64,330, with the 10th percentile at $45,020 and the 90th at $104,770 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS). Employment was 376,300 in 2024, projected to grow 3.5 percent through 2034, with 31,000 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034). Compliance Officers. The national median annual wage was $80,730, with the 10th percentile at $48,220 and the 90th at $133,720 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS). Employment was 418,000 in 2024, projected to grow 3.0 percent through 2034, with 33,300 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034). Social and Community Service Managers. The national median annual wage was $80,390, with the 10th percentile at $53,150 and the 90th at $132,260 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS). Employment was 219,800 in 2024, projected to grow 6.4 percent through 2034, with 18,600 openings per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034).
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.
The online bachelor’s in conflict resolution is the entry credential in this CIP. The online master’s in conflict resolution is the advancement or specialization credential. Compare legal studies, human resources, counseling before you enroll if those titles match the job you actually want.
Common occupations include arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators, educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors, compliance officers, social and community service managers.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 OEWS national medians include $75,530 for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators, $64,330 for educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors, $80,730 for compliance officers, $80,390 for social and community service managers. Individual outcomes vary.
Data verified: September 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
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