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Master of Dispute Resolution

Program Overview

School: School of Law
Cost: $65,760
Units: 32
Terms: 2 Semesters
Location(s): Malibu

Pepperdine'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, law enforcement, 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.

More About the MDR

Quick Facts

  • 50+Dispute Resolution Courses
  • 100%Applicants Considered for Scholarship
  • 63Countries Represented by Alumni
  • Malibu Campus Location

Testimonials

MDR candidate Brian Stewart head shot

Here at Pepperdine, we have this thing called the Pepperdine touch, where we not only do what's required, but we go a step beyond, and that's executed at all levels here at the university, particularly at the Straus Institute. You have professors who work with you through the simulations as well as outside of the classroom to make sure that you're getting the experience that you need. That aspect of the program is what really made me say, "I'm glad I chose Pepperdine."

Brian Stewart (MPP '17, MDR candidate '19)

FAQs

Why get an MDR from Pepperdine?

Pepperdine Law is committed to a practice-oriented approach, and the Master of Dispute Resolution allows students the flexibility to customize their education, and gain real world experience through various clinics and externships. Pepperdine offers more opportunities to handle real cases than any other program in the US, including an Investor Advocacy Clinic , Employment Mediation Clinic , Juvenile Justice Practicum, Special Education Clinic, and externship experiences nationwide and around the world.

Are the class scheduled flexible for working professionals?

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.

How does the Straus Institute compare to other schools with dispute resolution programs?

The Straus Institute is known worldwide for our award winning dispute resolution education. In addition to being regularly ranked #1 by 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.

What does the curriculum for the Master of Dispute Resolution look like? 

The Straus Institute provides the most extensive dispute resolution curriculum. MDR students have access to over 42 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.

What library resources are available to MDR students?

Pepperdine is home to the largest conflict resolution library, 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.

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Contact Us

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Pepperdine Law
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

310.506.4655

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