Joint Master of Public Policy and Master of Dispute Resolution (MPP/MDR)
The Master of Public Policy and Master of Dispute Resolution (MPP/MDR) degree program is a joint program between the School of Public Policy and the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution of the School of Law, which has been recognized as one of the top dispute resolution programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
This joint degree program builds on expert study in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration processes, while exploring the ethical and moral rules by which we guide our direction as a nation and as a people.
Interested students must apply to and be accepted by both the School of Public Policy and the Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution at the School of Law separately. Please consult the academic catalog for joint degree program details.
With permission from the associate director of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, a joint MPP/MDR student may enroll in winter intensive MDR sessions.
Program Benefits
Top Ranked Schools
U.S. News and World Report ranks Pepperdine's MPP a top 10 graduate policy program in the West and the Pepperdine's MDR #3 in dispute resolution.
Finish Faster
Complete two masters degrees in two to three years. Finish an MPP and an MDR in only
three years instead of the typical four.
Maximize Career Outcomes
Mediation
Regulatory Affairs, Labor Relations, Conflict Consultant, Employee and Human Resources Relations, Ombudsmen, Legal Advocate
Government
Conflict Resolution Specialist, Policy Analyst, Global Justice, Contract Negotiation, Diplomat, Peace Keeper, Labor Relations, Intelligence
Nonprofit
Think Tank, Research and Academia, Development Officer, Communications Manager, Conflict Coaching, International NGO's
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's MPP program.
Start Your Application
Make a significant impact in the world through a cross-sector degree. Start your public leadership journey.
Take a Tour
Explore the Malibu campus, from the classrooms to the on-campus housing and all of the resources available to prepare for your future in public leadership.
Get In Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn about the opportunities that await you and get in contact with an SPP staff member.
Curriculum
The Master of Public Policy and Maters of Dispute Resolution (MPP/MDR) degree program is a joint program between the School of Public Policy and the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution of the Rick J. Caruso School of Law. The joint degree program requires a total of 58 credit units: 20 units in dispute resolution courses and 38 credits in public policy. If undertaken separately, the two programs would require a total of 82 credit units.
With careful planning, it is envisioned that MPP students could complete the MDR requirements in summer and/or winter sessions before, within, or after the two-year MPP program.
MPP Specializations
- American Policy and Politics
- Applied Economic Policy
- International Relations and National Security
- Public Policy and Dispute Resolution
- State and Local Policy
Scholarships
Joint degree students are eligible for the Pepperdine School of Public Policy awarded scholarships each year. Awards are made available through endowed funds, gifts from supporters and alumni, and allocation of University general funds. The Scholarship Committee awards scholarship based on merit, academic, and professional experiences.
Students must apply separately for scholarships made available through the Straus Institute Scholarships.
of students receive scholarship support*
average amount of tuition covered by scholarships*
*Average MPP scholarship based on estimated 2022-2023 enrollment data and is not a guarantee of funding.
School of Public Policy MPP Admission Requirements
Applications are accepted for the Fall term only following each of our completion deadlines.
The School of Public Policy processes completed applications beginning October through July for each Fall term enrollment. We provide a checklist of requirements, which includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay focusing on your moral and ethical point of view.
Straus Institute MDR Admission Requirements
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and need to be submitted prior to the intended start date.
Courses start in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Applications can be submitted up to one year in advance; it is recommended that international students submit their applications at least four months prior to their expected start date.
Wavemaker Highlight
Yingying Hong
Institutional Research Analyst
Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Pepperdine University
MPP/MDR, Pepperdine University, 2019
Specialization: Applied Economic Policy
MPP Program Resources
Contact Us
Office of Admission
Pepperdine University
School of Public Policy
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263