University of Southern California

Overview

The Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) at the University of Southern California equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to navigate and resolve complex conflicts. This program emphasizes mediation, arbitration, and negotiation techniques, all rooted in legal principles, ethical considerations, and practical applications.

Students will gain hands-on experience through a combination of structured coursework and a dedicated mediation skills clinic, preparing them to design and implement effective dispute resolution systems in both public and private sectors.

What you'll study

The curriculum focuses on core topics that are fundamental to understanding and practicing alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Key areas of study include:

• ADR Law and Policy: Mediation and Arbitration
• ADR Ethics
• Cross-Cultural Dispute Resolution
• Mediation Theory and Practice
• Practical Mediation Skills Clinic
• Effective Writing for Professionals
• U.S. Legal System
• Human Resource Compliance
• Organizational Conflict

Applied learning and professional readiness are key components of the program, supported by the mediation skills clinic and various professional development activities tailored for careers in ADR.

Entry requirements

While specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA cut-off requirements have not been outlined, prospective students are encouraged to review the admissions criteria detailed by USC Gould. Additionally, proficiency in English is essential for success in the program.

Career prospects