Dispute Resolution Academic Programs

Our LLM program is for those who have already earned a law degree. The 26-unit program comprises an equal amount of required and elective course, as well as thesis and/or externship work for hands-on learning. Pepperdine offers the following LLM program options:

• LLM in Dispute Resolution
  • Concentrations available in mediation, arbitration, or litigation, and an online program option
• LLM in International Commercial Arbitration (ICA)
• LLM in Entertainment, Media, and Sports Law (EMS)
• LLM in United States Law (USL)

More about the LLM Program

The MDR program is for those with a bachelor's degree. The 26-unit program has 12 units of required coursework, 14 elective course units. MDR joint degrees are also available at the Caruso School of Law and in conjunction with Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School and Pepperdine School of Public Policy.

More about the MDR

Online MDR option

A certificate at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution is earned in 14 units and is offered as a stand-alone program, as well as a joint program with a number of Pepperdine University's graduate programs.

More about the Certificate in Dispute Resolution

The Undergraduate Certificate in Conflict Management is a joint enterprise between the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and Seaver College, Pepperdine University's undergraduate college of letters, arts, and sciences.

More about the Undergraduate Certificate in Conflict Management

The Straus Institute has partnered with a variety of Pepperdine's graduate programs across the university to provide essential conflict management skills to students in different areas. In addition to joint JD degrees, programs are available in conjunction with the Graziadio Business School, The School of Public Policy, and the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

More about The Straus Institute joint programs

Our Summer Program draws students and faculty from around the world. Offering the most extensive dispute resolution curriculum in legal education, Straus Institute offers courses in a one-week intensive or two-weekend format in the summer with class locations in Malibu, California, and international study tour opportunities.

Summer 2024 Course Schedule

Students can earn two credits in one week by choosing a course from five dispute resolution areas. Designed to be interactive, fast-paced, and stimulating, classes will meet over the course of one week from January 3-8, 2022.

More about the Winter Intensive

Designed for international professionals, the U.S. Law and Legal Writing Seminar provides an overview of U.S. Law while strengthening legal research and writing skills. The program prepares students starting in an LLM program, as well as judges and attorneys looking for a summer training program.

More about the U.S. Law and Legal Writing Seminar