Conflict Management—M.A. & Graduate Certificate

Personalized Support for Your Goals

Every aspect of our Conflict Management program and curriculum reinforces our goal of providing you with the tools to diagnose, manage and heal conflicts in all settings. At Lipscomb University, we are committed to incorporating real-world experiences into the classroom by having you study under globally recognized conflict management practitioners. To help you succeed in the program, we also provide frequent advising to ensure a personal relationship and focused mentorship opportunity for all graduate degree candidates.

Nationally Recognized Resources

The Lipscomb University Institute for Conflict Management assembles the best thinkers from a wide range of fields—law, business, sociology—to examine why conflicts arise and develop and teaches skills based on best practices in this important area of public life.

• Institute for Conflict Management
• Rule 31 Training

Flexible Schedule

The Conflict Management program is designed with professionals in mind so you can balance work and school commitments. With few exceptions, each course meets for two Friday and Saturday sessions. You can take between one and five classes per semester and choose the pace that works best for you.

Networking

Both our deeply connected faculty and our experiential learning opportunities offer a myriad of ways for you to form relationships with leaders in the industry. These meaningful connections will guide and support you throughout your career.

International Experience

At Lipscomb University, we offer international experience opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and shape a global perspective. In the summer, you could travel to Europe and absorb different cultures to increase your global awareness while working toward your master’s degree in Conflict Management.

Small Class Sizes

With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, our Conflict Management program fosters an engaging learning environment where you’ll have opportunities to participate in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small-size conflict management classes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.

Toni Hawkins, Conflict Management Practitioner/Owner Bluebird Resolution Group Conflict Management & Training

"Much in the same way our bodies are made up of all kinds of parts, each with their own unique contributions to helping our body function, the Institute for Conflict Management has all kinds of courses and professors with different expertise, experiences, and teaching styles. I benefited from all of it. I use what I learned in the subject and about myself according to the situation."

State Representative Mark White, Tennessee General Assembly, District 83 Chairman - House Education Administration Committee

"Conflict is as natural as waking up each morning. How we deal with conflict is not so natural. Having received my degree in Conflict Management from Lipscomb University has totally changed how I look and deal with conflict. Having the skills to address issues that come before me everyday in my business and personal life has been most valuable. I highly recommend this degree to anyone and everyone.”

Paige Harley, MA, Divorce mediator, Creator Dos' and Don'ts of Divorce

“If you are looking for the gold standard- look no further. I have had the benefit of training with the best around the country in the field of conflict management and my Lipscomb experience was bar none. The instructors offer practical tips along with solid research-based instruction that will give you a valuable tool for helping others no matter if this is in addition to your professional endeavors or is a stand alone educational pursuit.”

Luis Ore, Former Deputy Secretary of Conflict Management with the Prime Minister Office of Peru - SGSD PCM Executive Director, ORASI Consulting Group Peru

"Looking back, my time at Lipscomb was a breakthrough in my career path. I was inspired to spread the word to change the world with peacebuilding best practices and collaborative approaches. I filled a powerful tool box packed with personal values and life skills to facilitate dialogue and build consensus among diverse and multiple stakeholders to foster better relationships toward sustainable development and growth."

Kelsy Campbell, Community Life Coordinator at Lipscomb University

"I am so thankful to be earning a master's in Conflict Management while working in Student Life at Lipscomb. Working directly with students has allowed me to practice my conflict management skills. No matter my future career, I know that I will be using the skills I am learning in class. That is my favorite part about this master's degree. It is so practical and applicable to everything in life."

Dani Olafson, M.A. in Conflict Management Candidate

"I decided to earn my master's in Conflict Management because of the practical
application of psychology to the real world. Students at Lipscomb are pushed to apply
what they learn inside the classroom in their daily lives. Practicing real-life scenarios in
the classroom allow students to use their newly acquired skills.
Lipscomb's positive reputation coupled with their Conflict Management program made the decision to apply a no-brainer!"

Tabitha Liburd

“Each course provided a new opportunity to reflect, learn and create new normals, which I will continue to practice. Entering this field marks an official shift from a career in law to a career in conflict management, and I am excited to see how that unfolds.”

Mackenzie Mitchell

"Whether you are in the working world, fresh out of undergrad or have multiple degrees under your belt, this program is worth doing. Even with a law degree, I have found that the skills it teaches are not intuitive but require focused study and personal growth. Lipscomb’s Institute for Conflict Management provides the framework necessary to understand and master these skills in the real world...The network of people you meet through this program is truly unmatched. On graduation, you can expect to find yourself with several mentors in your corner."

Murtaza Sharifi

"I chose to study Conflict Management at Lipscomb because I am interested in international issues and diplomacy, and this program will help me as a first step towards that endeavor...The program helps add to an individual's expertise in negotiation, mediation and an understanding of conflicts in general."