LA County Sheriff's Department University Partnership Program

As a deputy sheriff, I am expected to take on many different roles. One of the most important roles a deputy performs is that of a peacekeeper. While in the streets, interacting with the public or in the station working with other members of the department, dispute resolution skills are essential for this profession. I use my master's degree skills in every aspect of life and I feel it has been one of the strongest and most fulfilling investments I have ever made.

Kacie Garcia , MDR Candidate
LA County Sheriff's Department

The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law has partnered with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department University (LASDU), a consortium of universities whose mission is to provide LASDU students with accessible, multi-varied learning programs that will enhance personal and professional growth; promote a lifelong commitment to learning; and enable all Department employees to better serve their community. 

LASD University students and their qualifying family members are eligible for a 5 percent tuition scholarship.  Qualifying members include spouses, and children who apply to the program by age 25.

All academic programs can be pursued on a full time or part time basis with courses available in varying formats (Straus Course Schedule).  All applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and eligible programs include:

Certificate in Dispute Resolution

This 14-unit program consists of seven academic courses in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration and three elective courses.  The Certificate program is designed to provide a foundation of the various dispute resolution processes.

Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)

This 26-unit program consists of sixteen academic courses, which include foundational courses in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration and expand into broader courses like Psychology of Conflict, Communication and Conflict, and Cross-Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution.  The MDR program focuses more on skills through the Mediation Clinic, where students mediated cases at Los Angeles Superior Court and the externship program.  Participants in this program come from a variety of law and non-law fields.

LLM in Dispute Resolution

The LLM program is an advanced law degree that requires a minimum of a JD or an international law degree. It is a 24-unit program that balances theory through the academic courses, practice through the Mediation Clinic and externship program, and research through the LLM Independent Study. 

For More Information Contact:

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
strausadmissions@pepperdine.edu

Phone: 310-506-4655