Online Master of Legal Studies – Conflict Resolution Emphasis

Arizona State University’s online Master of Legal Studies with a conflict resolution emphasis from Arizona State University gives you the tools to manage and resolve disputes across professional settings. You’ll learn practical mediation and negotiation strategies, grounded in legal principles, to help navigate conflict confidently and efficiently.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/21/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered

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Develop practical problem-solving strategies and conflict resolution techniques

Conflict is part of everyday life, and knowing how to address it effectively is a valuable skill in any career. This program will equip you with a legal foundation and critical thinking skills to manage disputes in various settings.

You’ll learn the root cause of conflict and apply legal reasoning, mediation and negotiation techniques to help others reach resolutions. You’ll also explore how legal systems intersect with real-world challenges and the dynamics of conflict in workplaces, communities and families.

Courses cover topics relevant to human resources and criminal law, as well as family and divorce mediation. This emphasis gives you tools to resolve disputes while preserving relationships, preparing you to be an asset in any field where collaboration and communication matter.

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop

In this emphasis area, you’ll learn to:

  • Analyze legal frameworks affecting conflict resolution, including contract and tort law.
  • Communicate effectively across cultures and backgrounds.
  • Facilitate mediation and negotiation sessions that lead to practical outcomes.
  • Identify the core issues behind conflict and determine the most appropriate resolution method.
  • Manage disputes in commercial, community, workplace and family contexts.
  • Navigate ethical responsibilities as a conflict resolution professional.
  • Use dispute resolution such as arbitration, facilitation and collaborative law.

What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?

While an emphasis and concentration are similar, there are key differences:

  • A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours; at least nine must be upper division. The concentration appears on your ASU diploma and transcripts.
  • An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major that’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared.
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Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Please note your diploma will state the degree you earn: Master of Legal Studies. Your emphasis in conflict resolution will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.

Conflict resolution master’s courses

Like all of ASU’s emphasis areas for the Master of Legal Studies program, the conflict resolution emphasis builds on a shared base of introductory courses with relevant electives. You can expect to build competencies in areas such as arbitration and dispute resolution. Featured courses include:


Prepare for jobs in conflict resolution and mediation

Advance your career or pursue professional paths focused on conflict de-escalation and resolution. Career examples include, but are not limited to:

Leaders in the legal field

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.

Leaders in the legal field

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.

How to apply

Applicants to the Master of Legal Studies program must fulfill the requirements of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

U.S.-educated applicants can apply through our FastApp process, which streamlines the application process and may allow for an offer of conditional admission to the Master of Legal Studies program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation. Find more information about the FastApp process here.

Developing the next generation of legal scholars

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation, providing personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students can tailor their educational experiences to meet their unique interests. Our bar passage achievements and peer-reviewed U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight our dedication to preparing students for success.

#1


in Arizona for bar passage

7


specialty law programs ranked amongst the top 35 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report

Top 20


best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report

#45


best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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