COURSE CURRICULUM

The elective component of the LLM in Dispute Resolution program requires students to complete 14 units (or 16 units for those waiving Legal Research and Writing I), allowing for significant flexibility and specialization based on individual career goals. The wide range of electives enables students to deepen their expertise in specific areas of dispute resolution while exploring diverse applications across industries. Advanced courses such as Advanced Mediation Seminar, Arbitration Law, and Arbitration Practice and Advocacy help students refine high-level skills in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Students can also focus on specialized fields including criminal justice, family mediation, environmental and public policy disputes, healthcare conflicts, labor relations, and intellectual property disputes.The program offers strong international exposure through courses like Current Issues in International Dispute Resolution in global locations such as London, Geneva, Hong Kong, and Beijing, as well as courses in international arbitration, investment disputes, and litigation. Students interested in emerging and interdisciplinary areas can explore topics such as dispute resolution and technology, online dispute resolution, conflict coaching, and decision-making under conflict. Practical learning is emphasized through opportunities like the Mediation Clinic, where students gain hands-on experience. Additional electives cover leadership, ethics, negotiation practices, and organizational conflict management, preparing students for roles in corporate, legal, and public sector environments. Overall, the elective curriculum provides a comprehensive and customizable learning experience, equipping graduates with specialized knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage and resolve complex disputes in both domestic and international contexts.The Entertainment, Media, and Sports (EMS) law program offers a flexible and customizable curriculum through a combination of core and general electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific career interests. Students are required to complete 12 units of core EMS-related electives, which include a wide range of specialized courses such as Antitrust Law, Communications Law, Internet Law, Privacy Law, Licensing, and Media and the Law. In addition, students can explore industry-focused seminars addressing legal issues in film, music, and television, as well as topics like intellectual property, trademarks, and First Amendment rights. Practical learning opportunities are also emphasized through participation in EMS-dispute resolution competitions, externships, and independent study options, enabling students to gain hands-on experience and deeper insight into the industry.Beyond the core electives, students complete additional general elective units to broaden their legal and business knowledge. These include courses in areas such as corporate law, employment law, taxation, international business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate. Students can also take advanced dispute resolution courses like arbitration, mediation, and negotiation to strengthen their conflict management skills. The program further enhances flexibility by allowing students, with approval, to take up to two courses from other Pepperdine schools, including the Graziadio Business School, integrating business perspectives into their legal education. Overall, the curriculum provides a comprehensive blend of legal theory, industry specialization, and practical experience, preparing graduates for careers in entertainment, media, sports, and related fields.