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.
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Part-Time or Full-Time | On-Campus | Bachelor’s Degree | Fall |
A top-rated law school nationwide, USC Gould is the first law school in Southern California, renowned for its history of innovation and excellence in legal education.
Earn a master's degree from a nationally top-ranked law school
Recognized by LLM Guide as offering one of the top 10 dispute resolution programs in the world.
Gain hands-on practical skill development. Learn from award-winning faculty with decades of experience and expertise in dispute resolution.
Scholarships and housing stipends available. All Master of Dispute Resolution applicants are automatically considered for scholarship awards. In addition, applicants who apply by our Priority Deadline will be automatically considered for a housing stipend. Exceptional candidates are also eligible to receive our prestigious Dispute Resolution Scholars Award. Scholarship awards and stipends range in amounts.
Complete your master's in dispute resolution in as little as one year.
Create new career opportunities. Organizations increasingly use dispute resolution processes to handle business and human resources issues. ADR expertise increases your marketability for a range of work settings, including business, government, human resources, counseling, education and social work.
Convenient and flexible scheduling. Classes are held during the day and in the evening to accommodate working professionals. The law school is located on USC's University Park Campus near Downtown Los Angeles.
Dispute resolution is one of the fastest-growing fields in the legal industry. Less than 2% of lawsuits make it to trial; today, an overwhelming majority of litigation disputes are resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
The Center for Dispute Resolution at USC Gould offers workshops and individually tailored career development advice for mediation or arbitration professionals, as well as mentorship opportunities with dispute resolution experts.
USC's renowned network of more than 480,000 alumni are deeply committed to furthering the success of USC graduates. Our more than 15,000 USC Gould graduates include partners in the world's largest law firms, leaders of civil rights movements, and CEOs and presidents of multibillion-dollar companies.
Dispute resolution practitioners who seek to deepen their expertise and/or manage ADR processes
International practitioners interested in designing dispute resolution processes in their home countries
Those who seek to manage dispute resolution processes, both public and private
Business leaders who seek to expand their expertise in dispute resolution and/or design systems to handle conflicts involving managers, customers, suppliers and employees
Recent graduates seeking to further career goals
