Master of Dispute Resolution

Pepperdine Law's Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) is available for students looking to work in a variety of law and non-law areas.

The study of conflict is not limited to the legal profession. Students have applied their MDR to areas including:

• Human Resources
• Business
• Counseling
• Education
• International Diplomacy, and more

At the Forefront of Legal Education

Over 95% of cases filed in the courts are handled under dispute resolution processes like negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Law students, attorneys, and non-law practitioners chose to equip themselves to handle this next generation of conflict. Pepperdine's hands-on approach with lectures, discussions and simulated exercises better prepare students to manage conflict in a variety of environments.

Why Get an MDR from Pepperdine?

A Practice-Oriented Approach

The Master of Dispute Resolution allows students the flexibility to customize their education and gain real-world experience through various clinics and externships. Pepperdine offered more opportunities to handle real cases than any other program in the US, these include:

• Mediation Clinic
• Investor Advocacy Clinic
• Employment Mediation Clinic
• Juvenile Justice Practicum
• Special Education Clinic
• Externship Experiences Nationwide and Around the World

Flexible Scheduling

With courses available in one-week, two-weekend and the traditional full-semester format, professionals in the field can pursue the program on a part-time or full-time basis at a pace that matches their busy schedule.

Award Winning Dispute Resolution Education

In addition to U.S. News & World Report , Pepperdine has been recognized by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, California Dispute Resolution Council, American College of Civil Trial Mediators and the International Academy of Mediators.

Most Extensive Dispute Resolution Curriculum

MDR students have access to over 51 different dispute resolution courses, including several dispute resolution clinics and externships. Students can take courses in a variety of topics varying from specialized areas to psychology oriented courses.

Scholarships

Due to its commitment to access to education, the Straus Institute has traditionally offered generous scholarships to students based on merit and need. All students are considered for partial scholarships at the point of application without any additional documentation needed.

World's Largest Conflict Resolution Library

Pepperdine is home to the American Arbitration Association Library and Information Center Collection. Founded in 1954 the AAA Library is the largest collection of conflict materials with over 24,000 titles.

Pepperdine Caruso Law provides a superior legal education in a beautiful location on the Pacific Ocean near Los Angeles, CA. In addition to our degree programs, we offer experiential learning, mentorship, and continuing education to prepare practitioners to bring their best to their work and to the world.

A Supportive Community

Students come together from around the world and the U.S. and find a community marked by a sense of encouragement and support, while at the same time experiencing a rigorous education with hands-on, real-life learning. The

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution

As mediation, arbitration, and negotiation continue to explode in popularity in litigation and international affairs, Pepperdine's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution consistently ranks as a top program by U.S. News and World Report .

LLM and Master of Dispute Resolution

Pepperdine's LLM and Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) programs attract students from across the globe. Students vary from recent graduates to seasoned attorneys and judges who have attended or commuted for the program from China, Korea, Russia, Greece, Moldova, Spain, Pakistan, Jordan, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and more.

Pepperdine has attracted scholars from prestigious organizations like Fulbright, Muskie, Organization of the American States and Rotary Foundation.

An Investment in Value

Career counseling is available and you are introduced to an international network of alumni. Our students go on to become leaders in their communities worldwide, resolving disputes, furthering the practice of law, and creating positive change.