Online Master of Dispute Resolution

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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Program Highlights

#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.

Quick 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)

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 Residencies

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

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 Our Students Are Saying

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

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Distinguished Faculty, Lifelong Mentors

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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Student-First 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

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
The PeppConnect online alumni community
Virtual and in-person networking events

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.
Request more information below to get started.