Which Degree Is Right For You?
Master of Legal Studies vs. Master of Dispute Resolution
When deciding between the Master of Legal Studies and the Master of Dispute Resolution program, it is important to think about the specific skills you will need in order to advance your career. A Master of Legal Studies is designed for nonlawyers who need a solid foundation of US law in order to make more informed decisions on the job. A Master of Dispute Resolution is ideal for mid-career professionals who would like to advance in their current role by improving their ability to negotiate complex transactions and manage conflict in the workplace.
Neither program requires candidates to submit GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores.
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Learn more about Pepperdine Caruso School of Law’s on-campus programs.
Master of Legal Studies
Students in the Master of Legal Studies program will:
- Study fundamental legal topics, including contracts, employment law, negotiation theory, and other legal subjects.
- Earn their degree in as few as 16 months when choosing a full-time schedule or 28 months when pursuing their degree part time. Explore Master of Legal Studies sample course schedules.
- Develop legal skills that can apply to a range of fields, including social work, law enforcement, government, and education.
- Better execute law-related responsibilities in professions such as paralegals, law enforcement administrators, compliance officers, and patent agents.
Master of Dispute Resolution
Students in the Master of Dispute Resolution program will:
- Take courses that explore the dynamics of conflict and negotiation, such as Cross-Cultural Conflict and Dispute Resolution, Mediation Theory and Practice, Arbitration Practice and Advocacy, and other dispute resolution subjects.
- Earn their degree in as few as 16 months when choosing a full-time schedule or 28 months when pursuing their degree part time. See sample Master of Dispute Resolution course schedules.
- Effectively mediate, negotiate, and resolve disputes that arise across private and public sectors and in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, technology, finance, healthcare, insurance, real estate, transportation, and more.
- Expand their skills to advance their current careers in professions such as business managers, HR directors, lobbyists, and ombudsmen.
Already have your JD or first professional degree in law? The online Master of Laws (LLM) in Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law is designed for attorneys around the globe who want to solve the most pressing conflicts of today. Learn more about the LLM program.
Interested in pursuing both a Master of Legal Studies and a Master of Dispute Resolution?
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.