Online Master of Dispute Resolution | Pepperdine Caruso Law

Help Your Organization Overcome Conflicts

The online Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) program from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law prepares professionals to resolve conflicts and negotiate complex transactions between parties. Students in the program gain deeper insight into the legal, psychological, and cultural factors that affect workplace conflict and complex negotiations.

In our online Master of Dispute Resolution program, you will emerge as an effective leader who can negotiate for optimal results and manage conflicts before they interfere with organizational goals. You will graduate with refined conflict resolution skills, and with the confidence to apply them across various industries as you advance your career or assume new leadership roles.

Earn your degree on a full-time basis in as few as 12 months, or a part-time basis in 24 months.

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What Are the Highlights of the Online MDR Program?

#2 for Dispute Resolution Program¹

Bachelor's Degree Required

GRE/GMAT Scores Not Required

Dual-Degree Pathway Available

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

Core Program Facts

Format:	Online
Length:	12 to 24 months
Units:	26
Courses:	14 units (required courses), 10 units (electives), 2 units (residencies)
In-person Residencies:	2 (1 unit each)

Curriculum and Elective Courses

Use the 10 units of elective courses to customize your learning to meet your professional goals as an attorney. You will study advanced negotiation and mediation practices, and apply them to different industries, including environmental and public policy, entertainment, and corporate business.

In-Person Residency Requirements

You will join your classmates and faculty on Pepperdine's Malibu campus during two weekend-long residencies. These immersive learning experiences provide hands-on learning and networking opportunities with dispute resolution experts from around the world.

Dual Degree Options

After earning your MDR degree, you will have the opportunity to earn a Master of Legal Studies online in less time and fewer units than our typical degree program. The online MLS degree only requires an additional 20 units. This program will prepare you to think critically about legal topics and to better execute law-related responsibilities in your field.

Complete both degrees in as few as 24 months and gain a competitive edge in your law career. Request more information to get started.

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What Do Alumni Say About the Pepperdine Law Experience?

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

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What is the Online MDR Student Experience?

What Sets Us Apart
Student Success
Careers

Mentorship from Distinguished Faculty

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law faculty are accomplished legal scholars and dispute resolution experts. They are 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.

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Access to Student-First Academic Support

The academic success of our students is our priority. 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

Career Paths and Life After Earning an Online MDR

Our Career and Professional Development department helps you to connect with other like-minded professionals and to navigate potential career opportunities. You will have access to a number of career resources, such as:

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

What are commonly asked questions?

Why Pursue an Online Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)?

An online MDR from Pepperdine Caruso Law empowers you to resolve conflicts, lead negotiations, and advance your career across diverse fields. Offered by the top-ranked Straus Institute, the program builds practical mediation and arbitration skills highly valued in business, HR, and legal sectors.

Is the program fully online?

The program uses a hybrid format. While weekly classes are completed 100% online from anywhere in the world, students are required to attend two weekend-long residency sessions on Pepperdine’s campus in Malibu, California.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The 26-unit program can be completed in as few as 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. Students can choose between an accelerated track or a flexible part-time schedule designed to fit the schedules of working professionals.

Do I Need a Law Degree or LSAT Score to Apply?

No, neither a law degree nor an LSAT score is required to apply. The MDR program is structured for both non-lawyers and legal professionals alike; applicants only need to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to be considered for admission.

Do I Need to Take a Standardized Test to Apply?

No, Pepperdine features a streamlined admissions process with no GRE or GMAT requirements. Applicants are evaluated holistically based on academic history, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and personal alignment with the program's goals.

What is the total cost of tuition and fees?

Tuition is $2,680 per unit for the 26-unit program. Additional out-of-pocket expenses like books, fees, and residency travel are billed separately. Financial aid opportunities, private student loans, and corporate sponsorship pathways are available to qualifying students.

Is Pepperdine Caruso School of Law accredited?

Yes, Pepperdine University is regionally accredited and Caruso School of Law is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The Online MDR falls under these institutional approvals and is backed by the top-ranked Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.

What career paths and job opportunities are available to graduates?

Graduates secure leadership roles as mediators, arbitrators, HR managers, and ombudspersons across corporate and legal sectors. The program also offers a seamless pathway to an online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) dual degree for an additional 20 credits.

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 16 months and gain a competitive edge in your law career.
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Accreditations and Recognitions

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