Graduates come away with a comprehensive understanding of dispute resolution processes, able to effectively navigate the psycho-social components of healthy dispute resolution and confidently bring parties together in otherwise contentious moments.
The degree program not only provides exceptional in-class education opportunities but encourages students to practice their mediation skills in real-life settings. In addition to building valuable negotiation, mediation and arbitration skills as an advocate for a client or as a neutral, students in the program will develop and hone business management skills to optimally position themselves for leadership roles in dispute resolution organizations.
The master's degree in dispute resolution is a rigorous, yet rewarding, 24-unit degree program, offered on a part-time or full-time basis. Students may begin their studies in the fall semester. No law degree is required for the MDR and you do not need to take the LSAT to apply.
![Meet and congratulations to Chetan Bhandari, graduating from the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program, soon to be #GouldGrad.
He is graduating alongside his daughter, making them both proud USC alumni in a few short days. Fight On and congrats, Trojans!
As Chetan celebrates, he shares with us his reflections and experiences at Gould:
What are your plans after graduation?
“Post-graduation from the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program, I will use the knowledge gained in my current job in private equity [and] seek [opportunities to apply my skills]. Specifically, knowledge acquired in courses such as LAW 613: Corporate Governance, LAW 845: Negotiation Skills, LAW 658: Mergers and Acquisitions (to list only a few of the great courses offered in this program) alongside my work experience in finance will assist in providing company boards a different perspective to issues they may face in a complex global environment.”
How is your master’s degree going to help with your career/future plans?
“The [MSL program] has provided me additional insights to the legal aspect of corporate matters. Based on these new insights, I believe I will be able to offer insights to address situations that require both a business and legal understanding. Further, the knowledge acquired from this program will enable me to assist different parts of our organization with respect to business strategy and plan execution.”
Is there a class, professor, or experience you had at USC Gould that stands out as the most memorable or influential during your time here?
“Each class provided unique aspects to my learning at USC. In LAW 658: Mergers and Acquisitions and Law 749: Securities Regulation, Professor Robert Robertson made complex topics easy to understand for even those who had no prior knowledge. In LAW 603: Business Organizations, Professor Roger Pao provided a great overview of company structures, in LAW 613: Corporate Governance Professor Tim Chung gave me a flavor of how one should think about board member responsibilities.”
Fun fact?
“I am graduating alongside my daughter who is at the USC Marshall School of Business.”
#USCGould #USCGouldGIP #GradSpotlight #Commencement2025](https://gould.usc.edu/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
