Learn to turn conflict into a more positive dynamic through collaborative problem-solving and alternative dispute resolution, and find yourself in great demand.
“The best part of the Negotiations and Conflict Management master’s program is the care of the faculty and the time that they set aside to make you the best professional you can be. Everyone in the program knows your name. It’s a great support system that I am grateful for.”
-Teisha Miles, B.A. '16, M.S. '19
You can also complete this program as a dual J.D./M.S. in Negotiations and Conflict Management , which allows you to earn both degrees with 12 fewer credits than would be required to earn the two degrees independently.
In this 36-credit Master of Science program—the first-ever program in Maryland—integrates a range of interdisciplinary perspectives to give a broad understanding of what conflict is, why it happens and how to resolve it. When you graduate, you will be prepared for an exciting career managing conflict in many different arenas:
- management and organizational settings, including employee and labor relations
- health care, social work ad human services
- public administration and non-governmental organizations
- law, law enforcement and courts
- local, state and federal government
- international relations
- peacebuilding, social justice and advocacy work
What You'll Learn
You'll learn how to:
- analyze, understand and address various forms of social conflict
- work with individuals, communities, organizations, regulatory bodies, conflicting social and ethnic groups, and even nations
- promote understanding of conflict while mitigating its destructive aspects
- negotiate, facilitate and pursue conflict transformation
- embrace conflict as a catalyst for social change.
Beyond the Classroom
Your capstone internship experience will allow you to gain insight into practical applications of negotiation and conflict management in the field. The program's remarkable range of internships has partnered students with:
- the Department of Energy
- the Office of the Maryland Attorney General
- the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland
- the National Association for Conflict Resolution
- the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- and the Baltimore City Office of the Labor Commissioner, among others.
You are encouraged to join the Negotiations and Conflict Management student association, which keeps students in this master's program informed and educated about relevant issues, provides peer support and guidance, and organizes events that nurture the professional growth of the student body.
Classes are offered evenings, and some courses are offered in the summer for continuing students. Electives are sometimes offered online and opportunities to study abroad are also available.
Employability
Did you know that the ability to recognize and deal constructively with conflict in the workplace ranks among the top employability skills?
In-Demand Skills
According to Vault.com, the ability to negotiate effectively is one of the top five skills that will be in demand in a post-pandemic world.
Among the best.
Our M.S. in Negotiations and Conflict Management is ranked #1 among the top 26 master's in negotiation and conflict management degree programs in the country, according to Intelligent.com.
The Johannes Botes Capstone Achievement Award
Honoring the legacy of Johannes (Jannie) Botes
The Johannes Botes Capstone Achievement Award was established in loving memory of retired professor Johannes (Jannie) Botes, who lost a two-year battle with ALS in January 2015. Prof. Botes had served on the faculty of the School of Public and International Affairs since 1999. He was a world-class educator and scholar in the area of conflict management and resolution, and was much loved by his colleagues and students. In partnership with his family, UB established The Johannes Botes Capstone Achievement Award, an annual award to recognize one student in either the Negotiations and Conflict Management program or the Global Affairs and Human Security program for his or her outstanding work in the final thesis capstone project.
You can learn more about the award and make a gift of remembrance here.
Program Spotlights
Why study negotiation?
Meet Assistant Professor Sarah Federman as she talks about why you should study negotiation and conflict resolution at the University of Baltimore.
James Torrence, M.S. '14, J.D. '17, elected to Baltimore City Council
During the 2020 election, alumnus James Torrence, M.S. ’14, J.D. ’17, was elected to the Baltimore City Council, representing District 7 in Maryland. Torrence is a graduate of both the Negotiations and Conflict Management master’s program as well as the UB School of Law.
Alumnus David Kelly, M.S. '18, delivers keynote address
Negotiations and Conflict Management graduate and current UB Writing Center Coordinator, David Kelly, M.S. '18, was invited to give the keynote speech on anti-racist writing center pedagogy at the Mid-Atlantic Writing Center Association’s 2020 summer virtual conference. David’s speech was a follow-up to his anti-racism workshop at the Baltimore Metro Writing Center Conference, which was hosted by UB’s RLB Library in September 2019.
End-of-semester celebration
Negotiations and Conflict Management students ending the semester with a “Come as You Will Be” party, where they dress and act as if it’s five years in the future.
Lou Geiszl wins 2019 Richard Bucher Adjunct Faculty Award
Adjunct faculty member Lou Geiszl was the recipient of the 2019 Richard Bucher Adjunct Faculty Award. The Bucher Award—which carries a cash prize—recognizes an adjunct faculty member who contributes to the UB community not only through excellence in the classroom, but also through service in a variety of other ways. As a long-time and highly valued member of the Negotiations and Conflict Management program faculty, Lou has consistently demonstrated excellence in the classroom and has actively engaged in various service activities that have greatly benefited both UB and the wider community. His professional career in the conflict resolution and mediation field also illuminates his considerable accomplishments and impact in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Contact Us
"Rae" Yunzi Tan
program director
email: rtan@ubalt.edu | phone: 410.837.5329
view Prof. Tan's faculty profile
Nikita Anderson
program adviser
email: nanderson@ubalt.edu | phone: 410.837.5851