Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Best Dispute Resolution institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 34 U.S. colleges offering Dispute Resolution by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 22 states.

Institutions
34
offering CIP 30.28
States offered
22
with a program page
With earnings data
1
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
585
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$41,622
1 year after graduation
US pay · Labor Relations Specialists
$97,130
BLS OEWS 2024

About Dispute Resolution programs

The Dispute Resolution program focuses on the process of resolving conflicts between parties through legal means. This program is designed for students interested in understanding the intricacies of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, equipping them with the skills necessary to facilitate effective resolutions in various contexts, including labor relations and contract negotiations.

Learn more about Dispute Resolution

What you'll learn

Students in the Dispute Resolution program will develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers topics related to law and government, human resources, and negotiation strategies, preparing graduates to navigate complex interpersonal and organizational disputes.

Top 1 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Missouri State University - Springfield
Springfield, MO Public · Certificate degree
$41,6222958%$21,250

Offered across 22 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Missourilimited1$41,622Missouri State University - Springfield
Arizonalimited1
California3
Minnesotalimited2
Coloradolimited1
Floridalimited1
Georgialimited1
Idaholimited1
Illinoislimited2
Kansaslimited1
Kentuckylimited1
Mainelimited1
Marylandlimited1
Massachusettslimited1
Nebraskalimited1
New York5
Ohio3
Oregonlimited2
Pennsylvanialimited2
Utahlimited1
Virginialimited1
Wisconsinlimited1

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 13-1075, Labor Relations Specialists, and its national outlook.

Graduates of the Dispute Resolution program can pursue careers in various fields, including labor relations and human resources. The job outlook indicates little or no change in the field, with an estimated 5,100 annual openings and a median wage of $93,500 for those holding a bachelor's degree.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
-0.1%
Little or no change
Openings / yr (US)
~5,100
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$93,500
typically Bachelor's degree
National employment
64,590
Labor Relations Specialists
US average pay
$97,130
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$93,500
annual

Top-paying metros

Vallejo, CA
$194,340avg
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$144,650avg
Fresno, CA
$133,610avg
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$127,510avg
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
$121,520avg

Related careers

Business Teachers, Postsecondary
$113,840 avg · 81,780 jobs
Labor Relations Specialists
$97,130 avg · 64,590 jobs
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
$139,950 avg · 22,800 jobs
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
$91,170 avg · 7,860 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Dispute Resolution programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Writing
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning
Monitoring
Learning Strategies

Knowledge areas

Personnel and Human Resources
English Language
Law and Government
Administration and Management
Education and Training
Customer and Personal Service

What graduates do on the job

  • Negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
  • Investigate and evaluate union complaints or arguments to determine viability.
  • Propose resolutions for collective bargaining or other labor or contract negotiations.
  • Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations.
  • Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes.
  • Prepare evidence for disciplinary hearings, including preparing witnesses to testify.

Tools & technology

Internet Grievance System IGSKubernetesLaborSoft LaborForce Arbitration/Appeals Manager moduleLaborSoft LaborForce Discipline Manager moduleLaborSoft LaborForce EEO Claims Manager moduleLaborSoft LaborForce Grievance Manager moduleLaborSoft LaborForce Incident Tracking moduleLaborSoft LaborForce Personnel Manager module

Concentrations within Dispute Resolution

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Dispute Resolution
    CIP 30.2801

    A program that provides individuals with skills in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, that can be applied to resolve disputes in a variety of settings, including business, legal, domestic, and l

Common questions

What is dispute resolution?+

Dispute resolution is the process of resolving conflicts between parties, often through legal means.

What skills will I learn in this program?+

You will learn skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.

What careers can I pursue with this degree?+

Graduates can work in labor relations, human resources, and other fields that require conflict resolution.

What is the job outlook for dispute resolution professionals?+

The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 5,100 annual openings and a median wage of $93,500.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

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