Doctorate - Conflict Resolution/Management

Looking for options for US based online/distance doctorate with a conflict resolution/management focus, residencies are fine as long as they aren't weekly/monthly. I have found NSU and Sullivan, both are appealing for different reasons, and I found many outside of the US. I will likely be using my GI Bill so most foreign institutions are out of the picture for distance learning (Grenoble is one of the few that are able to take VA funding). I have found a few other conflict resolution programs within the US but they are not available online/distance. Just checking to see if there are any others I am missing. Thanks in advance.

 

I think the best program available online at this point is Nova Southeastern University's as you already mention. Nova has a good reputation, and it is a Doctor of Philosophy program; which is more recognizable as (Ph.D.). Also, since you are using the GI Bill, and the program requires two residencies per semester likes other Ph.D programs; the Post 9/11 GI Bill allows you to draw full housing allowances.

Walden University is also offering Ph.D. in Human and Social Services with Conflict Management and Negotiation as specialization.

 

Thanks Tekman. NSU does have a great reputation; some down sides for me personally is the rigid "traditional" structure of only starting in the fall and even going full-time with 3 classes per semester it is a 4+ year program. Sullivan is also a PhD; I like the structure of the program, ends up only being 74 quarter credits, and I get the vibe they are very engaged at the dissertation phase which is a big attractor for me and will allow completion at 3 years. Additionally, with it being a PhD in Management it potentially opens up some specific career opportunities the NSU degree wouldn't (and I am sure closes other doors that NSU keeps open). If they were a non-profit I wouldn't hesitate because it would check almost every box I am looking for.

I saw the program at Walden but wasn't attracted to it due to their policy that my masters wouldn't allow me to be in the fast track, so the program needs considerably more credits for completion than Sullivan and there aren't enough positives about the program to put them over Sullivan. They are both for profit so that is also a consideration.

As far as the GI Bill, I am still active duty so the housing allowance isn't an option. If I was closer to retirement I would just wait it out and take full advantage of the GI Bill for all it has to offer. With five years left to retirement, I am motivated to complete a program now and not be ~10 years away from a doctorate if I wait.

The other program I am considering, and would be the pinnacle due to their accreditation, is the Grenoble DBA. I don't have confidence I can come up with a research proposal that falls into the conflict resolution world and be permitted within a DBA, but I am still exploring. I have other potential research topics that are outside of the conflict resolution area but then I would be moving in an entirely different direction then what is motivating me to complete a PhD to begin with.

 

Are you stationed in Northern Virginia area? If so, George Mason University has a program. Is there any local school would be an option? If you want to use the degree from Sullivan University for consulting or government employment works perfectly; however, it is tough if you are seeking for full-time tenure in academia.

 

Actually I am starting my dissertation in April at Keiser Univeristy's DBA program and the focus will be Conflict Resolution in business. (nothing solidified) The team approved the 'initial idea'.

 

Thanks for the continued assistance. I am not in the Northern Virginia area and no local schools that would be an option, that I can find. Regardless, I transfer on average every 2 years so I couldn't stay local for any program unless I waited to start at the beginning of my next transfer (2020 or 2021) and made an effort to stay there through the required time.

I do plan to teach and I think I have paths into academia if I choose to do so, including within our Service Academy, and follow-on opportunities. With that said, I am an operational person; currently the commanding officer of a ship, with experience in project management, risk management, leading large teams, and managing seven figure budgets. Ideally I will do consulting, mediation/negotiation, training, leadership program development, etc. I won't be working in federal government after my retirement unless I am far less marketable than I plan to be, which is always a possibility, though I am open to local/state or non profit organizations. I have a strong personal interest in interpersonal conflict resolution/management which is why I have chosen that area.

If I was 100% set on obtaining a tenured position at a prestigious university you are absolutely correct and I would wait and do a traditional butt-in-seat B&M program at the best school I could get into. I hope everything I bring to the table at the point I choose to try to enter academia will open up doors that might not be available with just a degree. As I contemplate temporarily separating, or waiting to retire solely to complete a traditional program, the loss in income would be drastic and the income potential on the other side isn't a motivator when compared to other options. My goal would be to complete research, publish, etc. prior to retirement and move directly into a post-military career that interests me, hopefully finding an organization that finds value in my experience and education.

 

Very interesting.

 

If you decide to go with Sullivan University, Dr. Anthony Pina is a DegreeInfo.com's forum member. He is also Sullivan University's Associate Provost for Online Learning Management. Maybe he could help you out with any question about the program, research, learning, and etc.

URL: https://www.degreeinfo.com/index.php?members/anthony-pina.722/
URL: https://sullivan.edu/portfolio-posts/pina-anthony/

 

Thanks Tekman. I have followed some of Dr. Pina’s posts over the years and it is one reason I am drawn to the program. If I get the chance to talk to him that would be great though most questions have been answered and I have been getting phenomenal support from Connie on the admissions team; she is quick to respond, gathers information if she doesn’t know, and overall has been a pleasure to deal with.

 

Abilene Christian University offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership with a Conflict Resolution track (15 credits).
Program website: https://www.acu.edu/online/graduate/organizational-leadership.html
Course description: https://www.acu.edu/content/dam/acu_2016/docs/graduate/academics/eddtracks.pdf

 

Chris, good find. I had them on my "short list" about 18 months ago and still get emails from them. I hadn't followed back up with the program because I am trying to avoid Ed.Ds but I am going to give them another look.