Propel Your Law Career Forward
If you have questions about the program or are ready to start your application, request more information, and an admissions counselor will contact you.
Become a Driving Force for Solving ConflictsBecome a Driving Force for Solving ConflictsBecome a Driving Force for Solving Conflicts
Earn Your Master of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution OnlineEarn Your Master of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution OnlineEarn Your Master of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution Online
In today’s complex world, conflict is common—but it can often be solved without litigation. Attorneys with effective skills in dispute resolution are able to facilitate peaceful negotiation between parties without ever having to set foot in a courtroom. The online Master of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution program from top-ranked1, ABA-accredited Pepperdine Caruso School of Law prepares attorneys to become successful mediators between people, organizations, and policymakers.
Through in-depth exploration of arbitration, negotiation, and mediation theory and practice, this online LLM degree—for individuals with a JD or first professional degree in law—will help you pursue a career advocating for your clients. You’ll learn the root causes of conflict on an individual and global level—and graduate ready to positively effect change and solve disputes in your community and the world at large.
Why Online?
Learn from anywhere. Attend classes, study groups and office hours from wherever you are through our online campus—and complete self-paced course work on your own schedule.
Build real-world experience. Engage in immersive, hands-on learning experiences with dispute resolution experts from around the globe during two weekend residencies on Pepperdine’s Malibu campus.
Complete in as few as 12 months. The program consists of 32 units and can be completed on a full-time basis in as few as 12 months or on a part-time basis in 24 months.
Train with distinguished faculty. Our online master’s in law programs are led by the same legal counselors and seasoned professionals who teach on campus.
Broaden your perspective through electives. Customize your learning with course topics that include divorce and family mediation, environmental and public policy dispute resolution, and employment disputes.
A Premier Program. A Highly Regarded Curriculum.
The Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution program empowers lawyers from around the globe to be a driving force in solving today’s most pressing conflicts. The curriculum examines the legal, psychological, and cultural factors that affect conflict and complex negotiations. By sharpening mediation and negotiation skills—and learning to overcome obstacles to achieve better organizational outcomes—students position themselves for career advancement and new leadership roles.
The program’s core courses include negotiation theory and practice, cross-cultural conflict and dispute resolution, and the psychology of conflict communication.
Admission and Start Dates
Classes begin in January, May, and September. Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed by the admissions committee on a rolling basis. A JD or first professional degree in law is required to apply.
Students who apply to the online Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution program by the cohort priority deadline will receive an earlier decision and an application fee waiver.
1 U.S. News & World Report, 2021 Best Law Schools Rankings at https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/dispute-resolution-rankingsarrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference