Earn Your Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) Online from Pepperdine Caruso Law

Manage business and legal conflicts with collaborative strategies and practical methods of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

  • Ranked #3 nationally for dispute resolution—Gain the essential legal knowledge you need to skillfully resolve conflicts between parties and emerge as a collaboration leader from a nationally ranked program.1
  • Complete in as few as 12 months—Study full-time or part-time to earn your master’s in 12 or 24 months, respectively.
  • No GRE/GMAT/LSAT required—You don’t need to submit test scores, but you must hold a bachelor’s degree to apply. 

Negotiate. Mediate. Lead.

Gain the essential legal knowledge you need to skillfully resolve conflicts with the online Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) program from the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s Straus Institute.

Regardless of your industry, this program will empower you to judiciously resolve conflicts between parties and artfully negotiate complex transactions in local and global environments. By learning to overcome obstacles to achieve better organizational outcomes, you’ll position yourself for career advancement and new leadership roles.

  • Pepperdine University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
  • Pepperdine Caruso School of Law is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Jump to:

Outcomes

Admissions Process

MDR Curriculum

Faculty

FAQs

Request Info

Why Earn a Master of Dispute Resolution Online?

There are many reasons to pursue a Master of Dispute Resolution. You may want to become a more effective manager, learning to navigate workplace conflict before it derails teams or projects. Others are drawn to the legal and psychological frameworks behind negotiation and mediation, and want to apply those skills to drive better outcomes in their organization. For some, it’s about opening doors to new leadership roles without committing to a full law degree.

The MDR prepares you to do all of this across a wide range of industries, including:

  • Education, government, and nonprofit
  • Finance, insurance, and real estate
  • Healthcare, social work, and law enforcement
  • Engineering, manufacturing, and trade
  • Entertainment and intellectual property

Learning Outcomes for the Master’s in Dispute Resolution Online

Upon completion of the program, you’ll graduate with advanced cognitive skills, sharp professional acumen, and a strong sense of your moral and professional identity, including:

  • Knowledge and understanding of conflict and dispute resolution theory, procedure, and applicable governing law.
  • Proficiency in critical reasoning and strategic dispute resolution analysis.
  • Proficiency in dispute resolution research, written, and oral communication.
  • Professional dispute resolution skills, including lawyering skills.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the moral, ethical, and professional responsibilities of dispute resolution professionals.

Career Paths in Conflict Resolution and Mediation

The online MDR is built for professionals who want law school-level negotiation skills and legal fluency to resolve high-stakes conflicts, without the typically three-year commitment of a Juris Doctor (JD) law degree. You’ll gain practical negotiation, mediation, and arbitration skills you can apply across a wide range of industries and roles.

Roles That May Require Conflict Resolution Skills

  • Business managers
  • Human resource directors
  • International diplomats
  • Military officials

Positions That May Need Negotiation Skills

  • Labor union administrators
  • Healthcare providers
  • Criminal investigators
  • Lobbyists

Occupations That May Involve Conflict Mediation

  • Counselors
  • Ombudsmen
  • Ministers
  • Social workers

Careers in Arbitration and Legal Mediation

  • Engineers and other subject matter experts who can serve as expert witnesses or help employers navigate arbitration
  • Lawyers who want to complement their JD with additional training in arbitration or better represent clients in mediation

Please note: While the online MDR builds strong mediation skills, becoming a mediator for litigated cases would typically require additional legal qualifications, such as a JD degree and legal practice experience.

Learn about the differences between careers in mediation and arbitration.

Dispute Resolution Salary Benchmarks (2026)

The following salary data reflects estimated median earnings for roles where dispute resolution skills are highly valued. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides the following information as of 2026:

2026 Target RolePrimary IndustryEst. Median Salary (2026)
Arbitrator / mediator
Legal services / government
$67,7102
Labor relations specialist
Corporate / manufacturing
$93,5003
Social and community service managers
Healthcare / education
$78,2404
Human resources manager
General business
$140,0305

Salary data reflects national averages across all modalities and is not a guarantee of individual outcomes for online program graduates.

Mediator as a Job Title vs. Mediation as a Skill Set

Mediation is one of the most valuable problem-solving skills a leader can develop. When individuals choose to settle disputes outside the courtroom, organizations look to leaders who can facilitate collaboration, manage conflict, and negotiate effective outcomes.

The program provides mediation skills for those who want to:

  • Improve change management processes and overall communication within their organization.
  • Become a more effective manager of employees.
  • Cultivate strong problem-solving abilities.
  • Advance their career.

Ready When You Are

Speak with an enrollment specialist today and learn how Pepperdine’s online MDR can move your career forward.

Request Information

Jump to:

Outcomes

Admissions Process

MDR Curriculum

Faculty

FAQs

Request Info

Application and Admission Process

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s online Master of Dispute Resolution program offers multiple start dates throughout the year.

If you apply by the priority deadline for your intended cohort, you will be granted an application fee waiver and receive an admissions decision sooner. If you’re admitted, you’ll also be able to register for classes sooner.

Applying for the priority deadline? Contact an enrollment specialist at 844-707-9208 or admissions@onlinelaw.pepperdine.edu before you submit your application to secure your waiver.

The final deadline for the September 2026 cohort is July 3, 2026.

Application Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required for admission. GMAT, GRE, or LSAT scores are not required.

Candidates must submit the following materials to be considered for admission:

  • Online application with a fee of $50*
  • Transcripts
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume
  • Video interview

*Fee waived if you apply by the priority deadline for your intended cohort.

Learn more about application requirements.

Tuition and Financial Aid

A master’s program is a serious time commitment and financial investment. Fortunately, many resources exist to help students offset the cost of tuition, such as employer financial assistance, scholarships, and loan programs.

Learn more about tuition and financial aid.

On-Campus MDR Program

Pepperdine Caruso Law also offers a residential Master of Dispute Resolution program for those who wish to earn their degree on our Malibu campus.

Learn more about the on-campus program.

Please note that on-campus and online program applications are separate.

Jump to:

Outcomes

Admissions Process

MDR Curriculum

Faculty

FAQs

Request Info

Dispute Resolution Curriculum

An Online Master’s Focused on Mediation and Conflict Resolution

Our curriculum equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal, psychological, and cultural factors that affect workplace conflict and complex negotiations.

We offer full-time and part-time tracks. Students can complete the 26-unit program in as few as 12 months (full time) or 24 months (part time).

Required Courses

Required courses (14 units) equip students with the fundamental knowledge in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration so they can better understand the dynamics of conflict. The following courses are required:

Elective Courses

Elective courses (10 units) allow students to customize their studies, and focus on advanced negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution topics. Our elective courses include:

View the full list of elective courses.

In-Person Residencies

Students will apply what they have learned in class during two weekend residencies (2 units) held on Pepperdine’s Malibu campus. In these immersive learning experiences (1 unit each), students will engage in hands-on learning and simulations while also networking with peers, faculty, and dispute resolution experts. Residencies include:

Dual Degree

Students who successfully earn their MDR degree also have the opportunity to earn a Master of Legal Studies online—in less time and with fewer units than required in our standard program. If you choose to pursue the MLS degree, you will need to complete 20 units—compared to the 26 units required of standard MLS students. An MLS is ideal for professionals who seek a deeper understanding of legal topics and who wish to better execute law-related responsibilities in their field.

FeatureMDR DegreeMLS DegreeMDR/MLS Dual Degree
Total units
26 units
26 units
46 units*
Focus
Conflict resolution: negotiation, mediation, arbitration
U.S. law, regulatory compliance, legal research
All MDR skills, as well as broader U.S. law and compliance knowledge
Ideal for
Professionals seeking conflict resolution expertise
Those navigating legal regulations in their daily work
Those needing both legal and dispute resolution fluency
Unit saving
—
 —  
Save 6 units vs. completing both degrees separately

*26 units for your primary degree + 20 units for your secondary degree.

Learn more about earning a dual MDR/MLS degree.

Distinguished Faculty. Lifelong Mentors.

Pepperdine Caruso Law faculty are accomplished legal scholars and dispute resolution experts committed to students’ long-term success. These dedicated educators empower students with the practical training and ethical judgment needed to meet the complex legal challenges.

Faculty Spotlight

Stephanie Blondell

Professor of Law and Practice

Faculty Director Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution

Professor Blondell teaches Mediation Theory and Practice and leads the Women’s Negotiation Academy, bringing extensive experience as a practising mediator across government, labour-management, and court-based programmes.

Learn more on the Meet our Online Law Faculty page.

Not Sure Yet? Start Here.

Download a brochure to get the full picture—tuition, course details, and everything you need to decide if Pepperdine’s online MDR is right for you.

FAQs About the Online Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR)

  • The online Master of Dispute Resolution program focuses on conflict management—negotiation, mediation, and arbitration—while the Master of Legal Studies provides a broad legal foundation in U.S. law, regulatory compliance, and legal research.

    The online MDR program is ideal for professionals who want to become more effective mediators or conflict resolvers in business, while the MLS is better suited for those who navigate legal regulations daily. If you want to combine both, the MDR/MLS Dual Degree saves 6 units compared to completing both programs separately.

  • No. You do not need a law degree (JD) to apply for the MDR program. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in any field. Additionally, no GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores are required for admission to this program.

  • Pepperdine’s Straus Institute is ranked #3 for dispute resolution by U.S. News & World Report—making it one of the most respected dispute resolution programs in the nation.6

    Pepperdine Caruso Law brings together accomplished legal scholars and practicing mediators who prepare students for real-world conflict resolution across a wide range of industries.

  • Our faculty includes experienced mediators, arbitrators, and legal professionals who bring real-world negotiation strategies and dispute resolution techniques directly into the virtual classroom.

  • The online MDR curriculum consists of 26 units focused on the theory and practice of conflict resolution. Core coursework covers the three main pillars of the field: negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Students also explore psychology in conflict, cross-cultural dispute resolution, and specific applications like employment or healthcare disputes.

  • The online Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) curriculum consists of 26 total units. The structure—which balances foundational theory with practical application—includes:

    • Required Courses (14 Units): Students complete core coursework covering the essential mechanisms of dispute resolution. Topics include negotiation, mediation, arbitration, U.S. law, cross-cultural conflict, and the psychology of conflict and communication.
    • Elective Courses (10 Units): You can customize your degree by selecting electives focused on advanced practices or specific industries, such as entertainment, corporate business, or public policy. Additionally, online MDR students may choose up to 4 units of electives from the Master of Legal Studies program.
    • In-Person Residencies (2 Units): The program includes two required weekend residencies on the Malibu campus (1 unit each). These immersive experiences allow you to engage in hands-on simulations and network with faculty and peers.

  • The online MDR is a 26-unit program designed with flexible pacing options to suit working professionals. Depending on your schedule, you can choose between two primary tracks:

    • Full-Time Track: By taking a heavier course load per term, you can graduate in as few as 12 months.
    • Part-Time Track: Designed for those balancing full-time employment, this track allows you to complete the degree in roughly 24 months.

    Regardless of the track you choose, you must complete two required weekend residencies on the Malibu campus, which are integrated into your schedule.

  • An MDR prepares you to advance in your current field by managing conflict, negotiating complex transactions, and leading more effectively.

    Graduates move into roles across business management, human resources, healthcare, government, and legal sectors. It is also ideal for those seeking to qualify as third-party neutrals such as mediators or arbitrators; however, serving as a mediator for litigated cases typically requires additional legal qualifications.

  • Beyond preparing you for mediation roles, an MDR provides a distinct competitive advantage in any leadership position. You will master negotiation, problem-solving, and communication strategies that are highly valued in corporate management, human resources, healthcare, and legal sectors, helping you resolve complex challenges and advance your career.

    Learn how other students have expanded their professional skills here.

  • Yes. Pepperdine University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Additionally, the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (ABA).

  • Admission to the online MDR program is based on a holistic review of your academic and professional background. To apply, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (in any field). No GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores are required for admission.

    A complete application must include:

    • Online application: Submitted with a nonrefundable $50 application fee.
    • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
    • Statement of purpose: A one-page personal statement outlining your professional goals and interest in the program.
    • Résumé/CV: Detailing your relevant professional experience.
    • Letter of recommendation: One letter is required (preferably from a manager or professor). You may submit an additional letter of recommendation if you choose.
    • Video interview: A brief asynchronous video interview completed via an online platform at your own convenience—no scheduling or live session required.

  • Tuition is charged on a per-unit basis for the 26-unit program. For the most up-to-date tuition rates, estimated total costs, and information on financial aid and scholarships, please visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Pepperdine University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. Pepperdine University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.

  1. Best Dispute Resolution Law Programs. (2026). U.S. News and World Report. Retrieved April, 2026. ↩︎
  2. Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators: Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2026). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 20, 2026.  ↩︎
  3. Labor Relations Specialists: Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2026). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 20, 2026. ↩︎
  4. Social and Community Service Managers: Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2026). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 20, 2026. ↩︎
  5. Human Resources Managers: Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2026). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 20, 2026. ↩︎
  6. Best Dispute Resolution Law Programs. (2026). U.S. News and World Report. Retrieved April, 2026.  ↩︎