Dispute Resolution (MDR)

Return to: USC Gould School of Law 

The Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) is designed to prepare high caliber students who are planning to practice Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the context of the U.S. legal system. The program’s track in Management of ADR Organizations provides an opportunity for top current and future leaders within the field to further their understanding of the complexities of ADR law and explore many areas of law and business practice with which they may be involved. The program offers both part-time and full-time options for students, and those who wish to carry full academic loads may complete the program within one academic year.

To obtain a Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), students must take a total of at least 27 units of the core curriculum and elective courses listed below.  Twelve units are required core curriculum and the remaining units may be electives, unless the student has earned a U.S. JD from an ABA-accredited law school and has received a waiver for LAW 570  ADR Legal Principles. Students who have received a waiver from LAW 570  ADR Legal Principles will be required to complete 10 units of the core curriculum, and must satisfy the remaining 17 units required for the degree with elective courses. Students choose electives according to their interests; however, those desiring a designated track in Management of ADR Organizations must take at least 9 units from those listed in the Management of ADR Organizations Track, including GSBA 520 . 

Students can apply four (4) credits of graduate-level courses taken at another accredited educational institution toward the MDR course requirements, subject to the approval of the director of the MDR Program.