All dimensions are important to a broad understanding of conflict resolution and it makes sense to combine them. The program combines scholarly and vocational interests, theory with practice, international and domestic settings. It is designed to bring together groups of professionals who are continuously involved in conflict resolution processes, including social workers, counselors, business managers, clergy, mediators, and diplomats. In sum, the educational training required for the Master of Arts degree in Conflict Resolution, prepares students for careers in management, negotiation, and mediation within community, corporate, governmental, and international settings. The emerging field of conflict resolution was one of the major intellectual influences leading to the establishment in 1984 of the United States Institute of Peace.
Resolution is at the heart of the mission of peacefully resolving any conflict.
Any party s stance toward a given conflict depends largey on variables such as ideology, power, and goals. Their more typical approach is to agitate conflict. More powerful parties are more likely to wish to deter, suppress, repress, or control conflict. This growth in awareness of the range of issues relevant for conflict resolution has been paralleled by an increased understanding of the variety of bargaining and negotiation skills required to facilitate the resolution process, sensitivity to the natures of parties involved, and mastery of the substance of the conflict. Professionals in today world spend substantial time managing interpersonal and organizational conflict.