The on-campus LLM in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, and students may begin in the fall semester only. To earn the degree, you must attend all classes in person and successfully complete 24 academic units over two semesters (for full-time enrollment) or four semesters (for part-time enrollment). As part of the 24 units, students must complete a minimum of 12 units from the mandatory courses and the ADR electives listed below.
If you seek to apply transfer credit toward your degree, please email adr@law.usc.edu to determine eligibility.
In recognition of working professionals who may wish to pursue this degree on a part-time basis, ADR courses may often be offered in the evening.
Three courses are required for all students:
International students must also enroll in Introduction to U.S. Legal System.
You will satisfy your remaining course requirements with electives of your choice, ensuring that a total of 12 units of mandatory and elective courses are completed from within the ADR-specific curriculum. Please note that not all classes are offered every year or every semester.
You will find our course offerings on the USC Schedule of Classes.
Select from among the electives below to meet the 12-unit ADR course requirement for the degree:
*These courses offer G&IP-only sections; LLM in ADR students may not enroll in the JD sections of these courses.
Students in the LLM in ADR may elect to earn a certificate in the following specialization:
This certificate requires the completion of 12 units of law coursework specific to that certificate, as outlined on the certificate curriculum page. This may or may not include classes outside of the law school, depending on the specific certificate curriculum. There are no additional tuition costs associated with the certificates. Students are limited to pursuing one certificate with their degree.
In some circumstances, you may enroll in courses outside of the law school, for example in the USC School of Cinematic Arts or the USC Marshall School of Business. However, courses taken outside the law school will not count toward the LLM in ADR degree.
We can assist you with choosing courses that help prepare you to sit for the California, New York, Texas, or Washington state bar exams. Please see the Career and Bar page for more information.
Please note that enrollment in an LLM does not guarantee that you will be eligible to sit for a U.S. bar exam. Only the bar administrators of that jurisdiction can confirm your eligibility for that state’s bar exam.
