Master of Dispute Resolution

At the Forefront of Dispute Resolution

Pepperdine's Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) prepares attorneys and non-law practitioners to make a difference through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration in various fields such as human resources, law enforcement, business counseling, education, international diplomacy, and more.

Through hands-on lectures, discussions, real-world simulations, graduates are equipped to reach win-win outcomes in complex situations, guide constructive dialogue and resolution between conflicting parties, and achieve fair and impartial decisions in disputed matters.

Over 95% of court cases involve alternative dispute resolution. The Pepperdine MDR prepares graduates to meet this growing demand as a problem-solver and bridge-builder in any field where communication and interpersonal understanding are necessary.

Master of Dispute Resolution Program Benefits

Prestigious Institute

The world famous Straus Institute has educated thousands of lawyers and non-law professionals on the foundational theories and cutting-edge practices in ADR, both in the United States and around the world. Study with the best.

On-Campus Experience

Our Malibu campus is a premier destination for students from a variety of professional backgrounds seeking to experience a hands-on approach to dispute resolution from the nation's leading faculty and scholars.

Quick Facts

Format:	In-Person or Online
Start Term:	Fall, Spring, Summer
Location:	Malibu, CA
Length:	1 - 3 Years
Units:	26

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 offers more opportunities to handle real cases than any other program in the US.

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.

Expert Faculty

A pacesetter in the dispute resolution field, the Straus Institute faculty is committed to preparing the next generation of negotiators, peacemakers, and problem solvers.

International Community

Straus’ students and alumni span the globe—hailing from countries like Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, and Korea—and of course, across the United States and Southern California.

Flexibility

Evening and weekend classes accommodate working professionals and those with personal commitments.

Award-Winining Malibu Campus

Ranked #1 as the most beautiful places to study, students in the Master of Dispute Resolution program enjoy the scenic ocean and mountain views in Malibu, CA.

Top-ranked and Top Choice

More students have chosen our MDR program than any other institution in the U.S.

No GRE or Standardized Tests Required

Streamlined admissions process with no GRE or other standardized tests required.

Key Statistics

Top-ranked for dispute resolution in the US 16 times the last 21 years (USNWR)

More students have chosen our MDR program than any other institution in the U.S.

Malibu campus consistently ranked among the most beautiful places to study

Top-ranked University for faculty accessibility to students (Princeton Review)

1 Year

Complete the program and advance your career in as little as one year.

3 Terms

Convenient start terms in fall (August), spring (January), and summer (May)

7:1

Student: Faculty ratio for small classes and meaningful interaction

100%

of applicants are considered for scholarships. Full scholarships available for eligible veterans.

Online Program Option

Earn your MDR degree from anywhere with Pepperdine Caruso School of Law's Online MDR Program.

Online MDR Program

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law has experienced remarkable growth and distinction among American law schools, marked by rising national recognition and a strong commitment to excellence. As part of a Christ-centered university, we combine rigorous legal training with enduring values that shape both professional preparation and personal formation. Our community reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to academic rigor, character, and purpose. Here, students are challenged and supported to grow beyond what they thought possible and to pursue lives of meaning, leadership, and service.

Reputable University

Caruso School of Law offers prestigious programs at one of the top universities in the US, committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

Distinguished Faculty

Caruso School of Law faculty are nationally recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.
Small class sizes with a 7:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.

Alumni Network

Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 12,000 professionals within the Caruso School of Law as well as over 100,000 alumni within the Pepperdine community.

Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.

Veteran and Military Support

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents.

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program.

Take the Next Step

Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's MDR program.

Get In Touch

Fill out the Request Information form to learn about the opportunities that await you and get in contact with a recruiter.

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Attend an Info Session

Join us to get an in-depth look into Caruso Law, our distinct program offerings and our admissions process, while engaging in Q&A.

Meet With Us

Start Your Application

Accepted on a rolling basis, applications need to be submitted prior to the intended start date and up to one year in advance.

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Program of Interest

Let Us Show You Around

Newly renovated in 2018, the law school is perched atop the iconic Pepperdine University Malibu, California campus. Let us take you on a tour through the entire law school, from the classrooms to the on-campus housing, and show you all of the people and resources available to equip you with all you need to succeed in your legal education.

Things to do in Malibu

What Our Community Is Saying

"You are trained by the best, and the right employers will recognize your unique perspective and value as a Pepperdine alum."

Ansley Waller | MDR

"The MDR was an opportunity to acquire knowledge, engage in meaningful discourse with instructors and classmates, expand and challenge my perspectives, and embrace personal and professional growth."

Tina Patterson | MDR

Pepperdine Malibu Campus

See Dispute Resolution Differently from Malibu

Housed on the award-winning Malibu campus, the expansive University sits on 830 acres and overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with nearly every spot on campus featuring stunning and breathtaking views of the beaches.

Expand Your Career Paths

The MDR program teaches practical negotiation, mediation, and arbitration skills needed in a wide range of industries. Students can increase their marketability and make a difference for their clients, employees, and community members by applying their skills in various aspects of dispute resolution.

Learning Outcomes & Careers

law faculty line up for a photo during commencement

Distinguished Faculty

Faculty are accomplished legal scholars and dispute resolution experts committed to providing students with the resources they need to succeed in our online Master of Dispute Resolution program. Our faculty empower students with the practical training and ethical judgment needed to meet the complex challenges they may encounter while settling disputes and solving conflicts.

Dispute Resolution Faculty

students walking inside the law school campus

Student Experience for a Lifetime of Success

Explore exciting opportunities and engage the community through institutes, student organizations, extracurriculars, and research opportunities. Direct access to faculty and proximity to greater Los Angeles add to the robust experience.

two students talking outside in the Malibu Campus

International Student Experience

Build community and lifelong relationships with peers and colleagues through a cohort model and optional residential experience. The Pepperdine community extends beyond the MDR program to the larger CSOL, Straus Institute, and Pepperdine family.

A dedicated enrollment services officer will make your admissions process easy and comfortable with experience in supporting international students. Dedicated support for international students is provided through the Office of International Student Services (OISS). We offer opportunities to participate in university social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events. Our program is designed to facilitate peer support and lifelong relationships with colleagues.

CSOL Faculty and Staff

Top-Ranked and Top Choice

#1 More students have chosen our MDR program than any other institution in the U.S. (National Center for Education Statistics)

#1 for Dispute Resolution in the country 16 times the last 21 years (USNWR)

#1 Malibu Campus Consistently Ranked Among the Most Beautiful Places to Study

#1 Ranked Faculty for Accessibility to Students (The Princeton Review)

#8 Ranked for Practical Training (preLaw Magazine)

#45 Best Law Schools (USNWR)

#29 Best Law Schools (The Princeton Review)

Pepperdine's cross

A Premier Faith-Based School

Pepperdine has always had a singular mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in Christian faith and values.
As one of the few MDR programs based at a Christian university, we incorporate a unique approach to human, moral, and ethical dimensions of dispute resolution.

We empower students from all faith backgrounds to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives.