Online Master of Dispute Resolution
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At a Glance
12-24 Month
Program
26 Units
Online
Priority Deadline: Nov. 24
Turn Challenges Into Solutions
Learn to navigate conflict, build consensus, and lead with confidence through Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s online Master of Dispute Resolution program. Designed for professionals across industries, the program explores the legal, psychological, and cultural dynamics of conflict in complex negotiations. Coursework builds negotiation and problem-solving skills to resolve all types of challenges and achieve meaningful results. This program offers practicing attorneys an ideal opportunity to advance dispute resolution credentials and expand their career opportunities.
This program is provided by the internationally recognized Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, which has led the nation in law-school-based conflict resolution for over a decade. It has been ranked among the nation’s best programs by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Highlights
#1 Ranked
for Dispute Resolution in the U.S. 16 times the last 22 years
Bachelor's
Degree Required
GRE/GMAT Scores
Not Required
Dual-Degree
Pathway Available
Elective Courses
Customize your degree with 10 units of electives tailored to your professional goals. Explore advanced negotiation and mediation strategies and apply them across industries such as environmental and public policy, entertainment, and corporate business.
In-Person Residencies
Bring your online learning experience to life through two required weekend-long residencies on Pepperdine’s Malibu campus. These immersive learning experiences provide opportunities for practical application and networking opportunities with experts from around the world.
Dual Degree
Enhance your credentials through an accelerated dual-degree. After completing the MDR, you can earn an online Master of Legal Studies with only 20 additional units, while preparing you to think critically and execute at a higher level in law-related responsibilities.
The Pepperdine Advantage
As part of Pepperdine University, Caruso School of Law aspires to be a preeminent global Christian law school that leads with the highest standards of ethics and morality. We build on our core values with a student-centered approach that makes your education possible and your professional goals achievable. Students choose Pepperdine for many reasons, including:
A Leader in Dispute Resolution Education
Join the globally recognized Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report 16 of the past 22 years and trusted by more graduate students pursuing dispute resolution than any other program in the nation.
Flexibility Without Compromise
Designed for busy professionals, our online programs combine flexible course schedules with weekly live instruction to keep you engaged and on track.
Faculty Who Know Your Name
Experience a personalized, open-door culture with committed faculty practitioners who teach on-campus and online programs.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Enhance your legal education through in-person residencies on campus in Malibu and optional week-long study tours in Geneva, London, and Washington, D.C.
What Our Alumni Are Saying
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“On top of rankings and reputation, I really loved what the school stands for. I wanted a place where they value ethics and value the right way to do things.”
Karen WareMaster of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution Online -
“I gravitated toward Pepperdine because of the full depth and breadth of law in general and not just a specific niche.”
Rachel SileMaster of Legal Studies (MLS) Online -
"My experience at Pepperdine has given me the confidence and skills to be an effective problem solver in my career.”
Grace FogliaOnline Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) -
"My time in the MDR program has been an adventure of growth: constant improvement, real challenges, and lessons that have shaped who I am today."
Elysèe Kazadi Online Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) and Study Tour Participant -
“With any educational experience, you get out of it what you put into it. I had the benefit of engaged professors, and I’m an engaged student, and you make those connections and those connections last.”
Ted GavinDual Degree in Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) Online
