Online Master of Legal Studies
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At a Glance
12-24 Month
Program
26 Units
Online
Priority App Deadline:
Nov. 24Adapt Your Career to the Field of Law
Develop the legal knowledge and practical skills to navigate complex workplace challenges with confidence. This program is designed for non-lawyer professionals across a wide range of industries in legal-adjacent roles. Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s online Master of Legal Studies program provides a foundational understanding of the U.S. legal system, with opportunities to concentrate your studies in areas such as dispute resolution, human resources, or litigation.
Program Highlights
Bachelor's
Degree Required
GRE/GMAT Scores
Not Required
Dual-Degree
Pathway Available
Choose from Three Specializations
1. Dispute Resolution: Develop practical skills in negotiation, arbitration, and conflict resolution. Learn to navigate complex disputes and help individuals, organizations, and communities reach productive outcomes.
2. Human Resources: Build a strong foundation in employment law and workplace regulations. Gain legal insight that can help you support employees, manage risk, and make informed HR decisions.
3. Litigation: Explore key concepts and procedures that shape the litigation process. Strengthen your legal knowledge through focused coursework designed to support careers in law-related fields.
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.
Students can substitute an elective international or domestic study tour in place of one of the required on-campus weekend residencies. Study tour locations include London, Geneva, and Washington, D.C.
Dual Degree
Enhance your credentials through an accelerated dual-degree. After completing the MLS, you can earn an online Master of Dispute Resolution 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 -
“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.”
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) -
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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
