Mediator Education Requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a mediator. Mediators usually study law, political science, or psychology. 58% of mediators hold a bachelor's degree, and 18% hold an doctoral degree. We analyzed 2,000 real mediator resumes to see exactly what mediator education sections show.

The most common colleges for mediators are the University of Denver and the University of Denver.

There are also many online mediator courses to help get the education required to be a mediator.

What education do you need to become a mediator?

What degree do you need to be a mediator?

The most common degree for mediators is bachelor's degree, with 58% of mediators earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are doctoral degree degree at 18% and doctoral degree degree at 14%.
  • Bachelor's, 58%
  • Doctorate, 18%
  • Master's, 14%
  • Associate, 6%
  • Other Degrees, 4%

What should I major in to become a mediator?

You should major in law to become a mediator. 24% of mediators major in law. Other common majors for a mediator include political science and psychology.

Most common colleges for mediators

Mediators often get their degrees at University of Denver, University of Utah, and University of California, Santa Barbara. Here are the most common colleges for mediators in the US based on their resumes.
Mediator Common College
ascdesc
Percentages
ascdesc
University of Denver7.43%
University of Utah6.93%
University of California, Santa Barbara6.93%
University of Maryland - College Park6.44%
University of California - Davis5.94%

Best majors for mediators

Rank
ascdesc
Major
ascdesc
Percentages
ascdesc
1Law24.0%
2Political Science12.2%
3Psychology9.5%
4Business8.6%
5Criminal Justice6.5%

Best colleges for mediators

The best colleges for mediators are Columbia University in the City of New York, Northwestern University, and Duke University.

A mediator with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for mediators. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become mediators.

1. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

Website

www.columbia.edu

Address

535 West 116th Street, New York, NY 10027

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $77,900 per year

Net Price: $22,637 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 5.91%
SAT Average - 1512
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Social Work
Law
Political Science
History

2. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

In-State Tuition

$55,695

Enrollment

6,596

Website

WWW.DUKE.EDU

Address

103 Allen Bldg, Durham, NC 27708

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $93,200 per year

Net Price: $23,442 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.91%
SAT Average - 1516
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Economics
Law
Psychology
Political Science

3. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-State Tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

Website

https://umich.edu/

Address

2074 Fleming Administration Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1340

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $55,900 per year

Net Price: $16,010 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 22.83%
SAT Average - 1434
ACT Average - 32
Most Popular Majors
Business
Social Work
Law
Political Science
Communication

4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-State Tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

Website

www.unc.edu

Address

103 South Bldg Campus Box 9100, Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $49,900 per year

Net Price: $13,918 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 22.71%
SAT Average - 1398
ACT Average - 31
Most Popular Majors
Business
Communication
Psychology
Political Science
Law

5. University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$14,184

Enrollment

30,845

Website

www.berkeley.edu

Address

200 California Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-1500

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $57,600 per year

Net Price: $14,846 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 14.84%
SAT Average - 1448
ACT Average - 33
Most Popular Majors
Business
Political Science
Law
Sociology
English

20 best online courses for mediators

Advertising Disclosure

1. Mediation and Conflict Resolution

coursera

Mediation is a crucial means to reaching peaceful and agreed solutions in today’s world – on an international, political, industrial, peace-keeping or social level. With the course you will be able to choose and lead a mediation process. You will gain a deeper understanding of workplace and international conflict resolution. Fundamentals of Negotiation are required to complete this MOOC. You can acquire them through our MOOC "Negotiation Fundamentals". After this course, you will be able to:...

2. Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution - Capstone Project

coursera

This course has been designed to help you apply knowledge, skills, and know-how you have developed in negotiation and in mediation, both as a result of your own practice and the follow up of the previous Courses of the ESSEC “Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution” specialization. Before you enroll this course, we strongly recommend that you acquire the necessary pre-requisites. A number of tools, concepts, and methods are outlined in 3 MOOCS: Negotiation Fundamentals, Cross-cultural...

3. Fraud Prevention, Dispute Resolution and PCI-DSS Masterclass

udemy
4.4
(827)

The fundamentals of fraud prevention and monitoring + dispute resolution + PCI-DSS requirements - now in one course...

4. Conflict Resolution and De-Escalation for Upset Customers

udemy
4.4
(2,672)

You'll learn diagnosis and resolution techniques for tense, sensitive conflicts with upset clients and customers...

5. Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution

coursera

This specialization is intended for managers - from business, public administration, international organizations or NGOs - who want to go beyond intuition and acquire proven tools to help them achieve greater success in negotiation.\n\nYou will learn the negotiation fundamental skills and tools thanks to the first Course.\n\nWith the second course you we will enable you to develop better cross-cultural anticipation and flexibility when you face a negotiation - both key skills in an...

6. International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague

coursera

International Law in Action explains the functions of each international court and tribunal present in The Hague, and it looks at how these institutions address contemporary problems. On the basis of selected cases, and through interviews with judges and lawyers, you will explore the role of these courts and tribunals and their potential to contribute to global justice. The first module of the course will investigate how judicial settlement is different from other more political forms of...

7. Conflict Resolution for Co-Workers

udemy
4.4
(266)

You'll learn diagnosis and resolution techniques for tense, sensitive conflicts with your co-workers, manager or peers...

8. Conflict Resolution in Leadership and Talent Management

udemy
4.4
(338)

You'll learn diagnosis and resolution techniques for tense, sensitive conflicts with your team members/reports...

9. Customer Service Fundamentals

coursera

There are a growing number of exciting, well-paying jobs in today’s tech industry that do not require a traditional college degree, an one of the hottest areas with high demand is in IT customer service and support. Customer Service is a perfect entry point to start your career in IT, with a multitude of job openings ranging from onsite or remote help desk work to customer care or client support. We can help you get there with the Customer Service Fundamentals course. We will help you to build...

10. Managing conflict with skill and confidence

udemy
4.5
(1,518)

Understanding conflict and resolving disagreements with confidence at work and in life...

Top 10 most affordable universities for mediators

The most affordable schools for mediators are University of Florida, hunter college of the city university of new york, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for mediators are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for mediators.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,381

Cost of Attendance

21,034

Website

www.ufl.edu/

Address

300 SW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,700 per year

Net Price: $8,057 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 38.75%
SAT Average - 1362
ACT Average - 30
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Political Science
Liberal Arts
Law

2. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,182

Cost of Attendance

13,998

Website

www.hunter.cuny.edu

Address

695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,300 per year

Net Price: $2,796 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 36.42%
SAT Average - 1240
Most Popular Majors
Psychology
Social Work
English
Sociology
Communication

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,798

Cost of Attendance

18,306

Website

www.csulb.edu

Address

1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840-0115

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $40,000 per year

Net Price: $8,982 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 31.21%
SAT Average - 1146
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Communication
Social Work

4. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,262

Cost of Attendance

14,046

Website

www.baruch.cuny.edu

Address

One Bernard Baruch Way, New York, NY 10010

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,500 per year

Net Price: $2,981 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 39.29%
SAT Average - 1305
Most Popular Majors
Finance
Business
Psychology
Economics
Political Science

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-State Tuition

$5,620

Cost of Attendance

18,136

Website

www.byu.edu

Address

Main Campus, Provo, UT 84602

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $46,600 per year

Net Price: $13,181 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 64.47%
SAT Average - 1324
ACT Average - 29
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
English
Sociology
Law

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for mediators

The hardest universities for mediators to get into are Columbia University in the City of New York, Northwestern University, and Duke University.

Some great schools for mediators are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for mediators based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions Rate

6%

SAT Average

1,512

Website

www.columbia.edu

Address

535 West 116th Street, New York, NY 10027

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $77,900 per year

Net Price: $22,637 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 5.91%
SAT Average - 1512
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Social Work
Law
Political Science
History

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions Rate

8%

SAT Average

1,508

Website

www.northwestern.edu

Address

633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $71,900 per year

Net Price: $24,840 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.47%
SAT Average - 1508
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Law
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies
Communication
Psychology

3. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Admissions Rate

9%

SAT Average

1,516

Website

WWW.DUKE.EDU

Address

103 Allen Bldg, Durham, NC 27708

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $93,200 per year

Net Price: $23,442 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.91%
SAT Average - 1516
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Economics
Law
Psychology
Political Science

4. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions Rate

15%

SAT Average

1,506

Website

www.wustl.edu

Address

One Brookings Dr, Saint Louis, MO 63130

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $63,400 per year

Net Price: $27,427 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 15.03%
SAT Average - 1506
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies
Business
Law
Social Work
Political Science

5. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions Rate

4%

SAT Average

1,497

Website

www.stanford.edu/

Address

450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305-2061

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $92,800 per year

Net Price: $12,265 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 4.36%
SAT Average - 1497
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Law
Economics
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies
Political Science

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for mediators

The easiest schools for mediators to get into are Barry University, university of north texas at dallas, and notre dame de namur university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a mediator without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for mediators.

1. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions Rate

91%

SAT Average

1,006

Website

www.barry.edu

Address

11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $43,700 per year

Net Price: $17,937 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 91.25%
SAT Average - 1006
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Business
Law
Social Work
Psychology
Communication

2. University of North Texas at Dallas

Dallas, TX • Private

Admissions Rate

83%

SAT Average

992

Website

untdallas.edu

Address

7300 University Hills Blvd, Dallas, TX 75241

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,300 per year

Net Price: $7,400 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 83.11%
SAT Average - 992
ACT Average - 18
Most Popular Majors
Law
Criminal Justice
Psychology
Business
Sociology

3. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions Rate

82%

SAT Average

983

Website

www.ndnu.edu

Address

1500 Ralston Ave, Belmont, CA 94002-1908

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $49,000 per year

Net Price: $25,610 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 81.52%
SAT Average - 983
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Sociology
Communication

4. Life University

Marietta, GA • Private

Admissions Rate

94%

SAT Average

979

Website

www.life.edu

Address

1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta, GA 30060

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $36,500 per year

Net Price: $26,841 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 93.63%
SAT Average - 979
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Psychology
Business
Liberal Arts

5. Bluefield College

Bluefield, VA • Private

Admissions Rate

95%

SAT Average

980

Website

www.bluefield.edu

Address

3000 College Dr, Bluefield, VA 24605

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,400 per year

Net Price: $21,997 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 95.36%
SAT Average - 980
ACT Average - 18
Most Popular Majors
Business
Criminal Justice
Liberal Arts
Psychology
Communication

Average mediator salary by education level

Mediator education level
ascdesc
Mediator salary
ascdesc
Doctorate Degree$50,610

Mediator Education FAQs

Search for mediator jobs

Loading...
Loading...

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.