FAQ
What are the requirements for admission?
All applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Applicants for the Master's degree program must take either the GRE or LSAT exam. Applicants for the LL.M. degree must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school.
When are applications due?
Application deadline for admissions is on February 15 for our Summer/Fall Semesters and August 15 for our Winter/Spring Semesters.
How long after I turn in my application until I receive word?
Due to the number of applications the committee may take several months to make the decision.
Are there scholarships available?
There are no school associated scholarships available for this program. However, the Straus Institute offers a Fellowship Program that awards $7,000 in tuition scholarship each year to those selected for research and project assistance. Download application here. For private scholarship resources check out www.fastweb.com or www.scholarships.net.
What can I do with a degree from Straus?
Students who attend programs at the Straus Institute come from a variety of backgrounds and have just as many different goals when they arrive. Many are law students who are supplementing their law degree with the specialized skills of managing processes such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Often attorneys choose a Straus education to become better advocates for their clients being able to provide more options than the traditional path of litigation. Many of the mid-career students are in the process of transitioning their professional practice to include mediation and arbitration.
I work full-time, how long will it take me to graduate?
The Straus Institute recognizes the schedule limitations for busy professionals. In order to accommodate all types of students several course formats are available. At the Malibu campus you can take advantage of several formats that accommodate the working professional. During fall and spring semesters courses are offered Mondays and Tuesdays in the afternoons and evenings. The winter intensive format allows you to complete a two unit course in one week. This format is offered again at the beginning of the summer preceding several two week blocks. At the Orange County campus courses are offered one night a week in seven week blocks or in a two-weekend format where you attend Thursday and Friday nights and all day Saturday for two weekends during the semester.
Do I have to write a thesis?
Certificate students have no thesis requirement. As a master's student you have the option to select a thesis or an externship. Externships are unpaid work experiences that allow you the opportunity to gain valuable training and tutelage in the professional world of dispute resolution. Our externship department works with each student to place her or him in a program that will meet individual needs and goals. Please email Clare Pedersen at clare.pedersen@pepperdine.edufor more information or with questions.