Online Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution

Solve Today's Most Pressing Business Conflicts

The online Master of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution program from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law is designed for lawyers across industries who want to expand their legal knowledge or specialize their law careers. It empowers them with the knowledge they need to resolve conflicts and mediate complex negotiations between people, organizations, and policymakers. As a student in the program, you will learn the root causes of conflict and gain a deep knowledge of arbitration, negotiation, and mediation theory.

In our online Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution program, you will emerge as an effective mediator, arbitrator, and negotiator who can help your clients find a middle ground. You will graduate with advanced knowledge in dispute resolution theory, and with the ability to apply it by solving conflicts for individual clients, families, organizations, government agencies and more.

Complete the program in as few as 12 months full time, or in 24 months part time.

Program Highlights

#2 for Dispute Resolution Program¹

First Professional Degree or JD Required

GRE/GMAT Scores Not Required

Option to Customize With Electives

¹ Best Dispute Resolution Programs. (Ranked in 2022). U.S. News and World Report. Retrieved April 13, 2023.

Quick Facts

Format:	Online
Length:	12 to 24 months
Units:	26
Courses:	10 units (core), 14 units (electives), 2 units (residencies)
In-person Residencies:	2

Elective Courses

The 14 units that you will dedicate to elective courses will allow you to customize your degree based on your professional goals as an attorney. Elective course topics include divorce and family mediation; environmental and public policy dispute resolution; and conflict and systems design for corporations and organizations.

In-Person Residencies

The program's two weekend-long, in-person residencies take place on Pepperdine University's Malibu campus. During these immersive learning experiences, you will meet with classmates and faculty and engage in hands-on activities while also networking with dispute resolution experts from around the world.

Take the Next Step

Reach out to learn more about our online Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution program.

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Fill out the Request Information form below to learn about the opportunities that await you as a Pepperdine Caruso School of Law online graduate student.

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Learn more about the online LLM program by signing up for a class visit, information session, webinar, or graduate fair.

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Ready to start your journey at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law? Begin your application today and take the next step toward an inspiring professional future.

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What Our Students Are Saying

Read these student profiles to learn more about the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law student experience firsthand.

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Highly Regarded Curriculum

Pepperdine University's online Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution is one of the first of its kind in the US. The curriculum is taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach our on-campus program. You will examine the legal, psychological, and cultural factors that affect conflict and complex negotiations, and apply your learnings during practical experiences on our campus in Malibu.

Student-First Support

The academic success of our students is at the heart of everything we do. We will work closely with you during your time in the program to ensure you receive the most out of your legal education. You will have access to a number of student resources, including:

A dedicated student support advisor
One-click access to 24/7 tech support
One-on-one virtual office hour sessions with your instructors
Virtual study groups with peers

Life after Earning an Online LLM

Our Career and Professional Development department provides resources to connect our students with other like-minded professionals and navigate potential career opportunities. You will have access to a number of career resources, including:

One-on-one advising with an executive coach
Student and alumni job boards
The PeppConnect online alumni community
Virtual and in-person networking events

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Earn Your Online MDR from a Top-Ranked Law School

We strive to provide a high-quality legal education for students — and our dedication is paying off. Pepperdine Caruso School of Law is ranked number two in the country for best Dispute Resolution programs by U.S. News & World Report.²

² Best Dispute Resolution Programs. (Ranked in 2022). U.S. News and World Report. Retrieved April 13, 2023.

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Complete the program in as few as 12 months and propel your law career forward in dispute resolution.
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