The desire to resolve interpersonal, social, structural, and cultural problems that develop in both public and private settings gives rise to mediation. Problem mediation aims to peacefully resolve a conflict and to promote understanding on social, legal, and political levels. In recent years, Catalonia, Spain, and the entire European Union have seen a significant increase in the professional field of mediation. In the last five years, the need for mediators has grown significantly in the public sphere, and more recently, an increase in need has been noticed among businesses and organizations in the private sector. Jobs in this industry are expected to expand by 10% between 2016 and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which has a higher rate of growth than the average job in the U.S.

Curriculum

The degree in Mediation/Conflict Mediation offers students specialized instruction in conflict management and mediation, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to act in the family, community, business, or organizational spheres and advance conflict prevention, management, and resolution. Students who take the course are also prepared for careers in research. It provides highly specialized training in mediation strategies and techniques as well as research approaches in the field, combining methodologies with a strong practical and participatory focus. Graduate degrees in this discipline normally require at least 30 semester credits, and full-time students often need two years to get their master's degrees in mediation and conflict resolution. Some programs mandate that students complete a pre-designed sequence of courses as a cohort, preventing students from accelerating or delaying their graduation date.

Tuition

A master's degree in conflict resolution in US can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000 in tuition, depending on several factors. These factors include the location, the price per credit hour, the difference in tuition between in-state and out-of-state students, and the overall number of credits needed. While private schools typically charge rates on the higher end of the tuition range, public universities frequently charge local students substantially less.

Placement

Numerous institutions and organizations, both public and private, rely on skilled mediators to assist in resolving potential conflicts. To aid in settling disputes among family members, mediation services are frequently used by family law businesses. To assist in the resolution of claims, insurance firms use mediators with degrees in liability claims. Hospitals have roles available for mediators that work with patients to guarantee high-quality care. To help in a variety of situations, the government also employs mediators. Students who earn this degree can also work as a mediator, who contributes skills in workplace risk reduction, conflict resolution, and mediation in organizations and/or businesses, researcher and educator, or the creator of mediation and conflict resolution intervention programs.