Opportunities for Non-Law Candidates
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Even though Pepperdine University's Straus Institute program is located at a law school, it is not exclusive to students with legal training. Students have studied through Straus' academic Certificate in Dispute Resolution and Masters in Dispute Resolution (MDR) programs, and Professional Training Programs from a variety of different professions including medical doctors, human resource professionals, business executives, psychologists, counselors, teachers, peacemakers, labor professionals and more. Straus Institute's Academic Graduate Program requires the completion of a Bachelor's Degree Program, while their Professional Training Programs do not require academic degrees or prior training.
The Straus Institute regularly welcomes students from Pepperdine's other graduate-level programs who are interested in studying dispute resolution in conjunction with their MBA, MPP, EDOL, MFT to name a few. Some programs allow students to select a concentration or specialization in dispute resolution, while others pursue our Certificate on a standalone basis and benefit from transferring in courses from their primary program. Please reach out to our Admissions Team to discuss what options are available for your specific interests at strausadmissions@pepperdine.edu.
Academic Programs
Professionals looking for a comprehensive educational experience and wanting to establish themselves in the field of dispute resolution can participate in our Certificate or Masters in Dispute Resolution (MDR) programs. Both programs are graduate level, and require the completion of a Bachelor's degree. Straus' Academic Program was created for professionals in the field, and the academic program can be catered to meet the full-time or part-time needs of the students. With the two-weekend courses offered, students commute from all over the nation, including Alaska, Hawaii, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas.
Certificate in Dispute Resolution
The Certificate program is a 14 unit program consisting of foundational courses in Mediation, Negotiation and Arbitration. Students can complete the program full-time in one semester or over three years as a part-time student. Professionals who participate in the Certificate program are looking for more depth than can be provided by professional training programs and the additional credibility of our Certificate Program. Those that complete the Certificate program and want additional training can also reapply for our MDR, and if accepted, transfer their Certificate units into the MDR program.
Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)
While the Certificate program provides students with the foundations of dispute resolution, the Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) program builds on the Certificate experience to add required courses of Cross Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution; Psychology of Conflict; Communication and Conflict; the Mediation Clinic and two Externships. Students can also delve deeper into specialty areas including Labor, Dispute Resolution Systems Design, Ombuds and more.
The MDR Program is a 26 unit program that can be completed in 1 year as a full-time student and up to 3 years as a part-time student. Courses are available at the Malibu or Orange County campus, and student can choose to study in Malibu for the full year, or commute to Straus' 2 weekend courses in Irvine or Malibu's 1 week or 2 week intensives.
Master of Laws (LLM)
The LLM program is for those who have already earned a law degree. The 24-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 ResolutionConcentrations 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)
Professional Training Programs and Conferences
Mediating the Litigated Case
Those looking to mediate in the courthouse or with other panels can receive more extensive training through the Mediating the Litigated Case Program. Mediating the Litigated Case is a 40-hour mediation and negotiation program for lawyers, judges and other professionals in the field offered several times a year traditionally in Malibu, Irvine, and Washington, DC. Participants and organizations from all around the nation participate in this program in either the one week or two weekend format. This program traditionally sells out months in advance, so register early!
Mediating the Litigated Case 2.0: Advanced Strategies for Experienced Mediators
This advanced program is designed for seasoned mediators, those who have mediated 100 or more cases or completed MLC, who are ready to move beyond foundational competencies into the nuanced, strategic, and reflective dimensions of mediation practice. Grounded in interdisciplinary theory, advanced techniques, and intensive case work, the program enhances participants’ capacity to navigate complex, high-stakes disputes with clarity, confidence, and adaptability. Learning is supported through coached feedback and targeted skills development, fostering thoughtful refinement of individual mediation practice.
Women's Negotiation Academy
The Straus Institute’s Women’s Negotiation Academy (WNA) offers a two-day immersive learning experience focused on strengthening negotiation effectiveness. Grounded in the latest research on gender dynamics, the program provides practical tools and techniques participants can apply immediately
