Dispute Resolution Degree Program
Master's Degree in Dispute Resolution
Law and non-law students can earn a Master of Dispute Resolution as part as a joint JD, Masters in Public Policy, MBA or as a stand alone degree. The MDR is a 32-unit program offered to those who possess a bachelor's degree.
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
- 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 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.
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.