Dual Degree in Master of Legal Studies and Master of Dispute Resolution

Earn Two Law Master’s in Two Years

Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s dual degree offering is designed for professionals who want to gain a solid foundation of the law and become more effective negotiators and arbitrators. Students can pursue a dual degree in Master of Legal Studies and Master of Dispute Resolution in just 50 units, instead of the usual 64, so they can go on to interpret complex legal topics and tactfully solve disputes.

How the Dual Degree Works

Students can earn their Master of Legal Studies and Master of Dispute Resolution in either order; however, they will need to apply and get accepted into each program separately. Degrees are also earned and awarded separately. Once one of the degrees has been earned, students will only need to take an additional 18–22 units to earn their second one, allowing them to complete both degrees in as few as 24 months.

Earning a Master of Legal Studies First

Students who earn their online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law can earn their online Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) by taking an additional 18–22 units. This is possible because of the overlap in requirements between the two degrees—once you’ve earned your MLS, you’ll have already taken at least 10 but up to 14 of the 32 units needed for the MDR degree.

Earning a Master of Dispute Resolution First

Students who earn their online Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law can earn their online Master of Legal Studies (MLS) by taking an additional 18 units. This is possible because of the overlap in requirements between the two degrees—once you’ve earned your MDR, you’ll have already taken 14 of the 32 units needed for the MLS degree.

Take One Step Toward Earning Two Degrees

Get the legal knowledge and tactful mediation skills you need to advance in your career. Request information to learn more about Pepperdine Caruso Law’s dual degree program.

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Curriculum

A dual degree in Master of Dispute Resolution and Master of Legal Studies at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law requires 50 units. Residency courses are 1 unit each, and all other courses are 2 units each. All courses are taken over eight-week sessions with a typical course load consisting of two courses per term.

General Foundation Courses (6 units – required)

MLS Core Courses (12 units – required)

MDR Core Courses (10 units – required)

Residency Courses (4 units – required)

MLS Elective Courses (Choose 6 units)

MDR Elective Courses (Choose 12 units)