HYP Global Partners with Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
In January 2023, HYP Global formalized an official admissions partnership with the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University's Caruso School of Law, becoming the Institute's designated admissions partner in China. This partnership covers the Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), multiple LLM specializations in dispute resolution and international law, and the LLM in Entertainment, Media, and Sports Law (EMS) — providing Chinese students from both legal and non-legal backgrounds with a direct application pathway and access to official scholarship evaluation.
HYP Global Partners with Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
In January 2023, HYP Global formalized an official admissions partnership with the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University's Caruso School of Law, becoming the Institute's designated admissions partner in China.
This partnership covers the Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), multiple LLM specializations in dispute resolution and international law, and the LLM in Entertainment, Media, and Sports Law (EMS) — providing Chinese students from both legal and non-legal backgrounds with a direct application pathway and access to official scholarship evaluation.
About Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
Pepperdine University's Caruso School of Law is one of the most influential law schools in Southern California and the United States. Its main campus is located along the Pacific Coast in Malibu, California, renowned for its rigorous legal education and strong practical training.
California Bar Exam Pass Rate and Career Outcomes
According to 2022 official data, Pepperdine Law's first-time California Bar Examination pass rate stands at 82%. Graduates are highly sought after by Southern California investment banks, major international law firms (BigLaw), and government legal institutions — supported by a powerful Los Angeles alumni network.
Constitutional Law Legacy and Political Connections
● U.S. Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito — two of the most influential conservative jurists in American history — both served as visiting constitutional law professors at the school
● Former Dean Deanell Tacha served for many years as Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Straus Institute — Ranked #1 in the United States
The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution's Dispute Resolution program has been consistently ranked #1 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report — recognized globally as the premier academic institution in the field of dispute resolution.
Programs Available Through HYP Global (LLM / MDR)
Program (Chinese) | Program (English) | Key Features |
争议解决硕士 | Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) | No law degree required — designed for professionals in business consulting, international management, diplomacy, and beyond |
争议解决法学硕士 | LLM in Dispute Resolution | The flagship LLM in dispute resolution — covering negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, with hands-on mediation training and court internship |
国际商事仲裁法学硕士 | LLM in International Commercial Arbitration (ICA) | Focused on international commercial arbitration and cross-border negotiation; supports eligibility for California or New York Bar Exam |
国际商法与仲裁法学硕士 | LLM in International Commercial Law and Arbitration (ICLA) | Designed for legal practitioners seeking expertise in international business law and international arbitration |
国际商法与争议解决法学硕士 | LLM in International Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution (ICLDR) | Combines cross-border commercial transactions with dispute resolution mechanisms — ideal for transnational business and compliance practitioners |
美国法律与争议解决法学硕士 | LLM in United States Law and Dispute Resolution (USLDR) | Systematic study of U.S. foundational law with dispute resolution — designed for international lawyers and law graduates preparing for the U.S. Bar Exam |
娱乐、媒体和体育法法学硕士 | LLM in Entertainment, Media, and Sports Law (EMS) | Leverages LA's Hollywood ecosystem — integrating entertainment, media, sports law, and dispute resolution, including esports seminars and industry negotiation practice |
美国法法学硕士 | LLM in United States Law (USL) | Comprehensive study of the U.S. legal system under leading scholars — streamlined preparation for the U.S. Bar Exam |
Tuition and Admission Timeline
Tuition Structure
Program Type | Credits Required | Tuition per Credit | Estimated Total Tuition |
LLM (all specializations) | 26 credits | $2,340 / credit | $60,840 USD |
Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) | 32 credits | $2,340 / credit | $74,880 USD |
Certificate Program | 14 credits | $2,340 / credit | $32,760 USD |
Intake Dates and Deadlines
Policy | 2022 Official Standard |
Available Intakes | Fall (mid-August) / Spring (early January) / Summer (late May) |
Admissions Model | Rolling Admissions — applications reviewed on a first-come, first-reviewed basis |
Priority Scholarship Deadline | April 15 |
Fall Regular Application Deadline | June 15 |
Admission Requirements
● Academic background: LLM programs require an LL.B. (law degree) or equivalent legal background; MDR program does not require a law degree
● Transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts in both Chinese and English (must be submitted through LSAC's official CAS credential evaluation service)
● English proficiency: TOEFL 95+ or IELTS 7.0+
● Supporting documents: 1–2 page Statement of Purpose (SOP), professional CV/resume in English, and 2 letters of recommendation
Application Process
Step 1 — Create Your Account:Register on the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law's official LSAC application portal.
Step 2 — Submit Your Application:Complete your personal information, upload your statement of purpose and CV, and pay the application service fee through the LSAC system.
Step 3 — Official Score Submission:Send your transcripts and English proficiency scores to Pepperdine Law through the LSAC official CAS (Credential Assembly Service) system.
Step 4 — Application Follow-Up:HYP Global will help answer questions encountered during the process and provide guidance on scholarship evaluation and opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MDR program really not require a law degree?
Correct. The Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR) is specifically designed for professionals from non-legal backgrounds — including business consulting, international management, diplomacy, and corporate compliance — who want to develop advanced conflict resolution skills. No law degree or legal work experience is required. LLM programs do typically require an LL.B. or equivalent legal background.
What is the Straus Institute's ranking in dispute resolution?
The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution's Dispute Resolution program has been consistently ranked #1 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. It is globally recognized as the premier academic institution in the field — attracting practitioners, scholars, and legal professionals from around the world.
Who is the EMS LLM (Entertainment, Media, and Sports Law) designed for?
The EMS LLM is ideal for law graduates who aspire to work in the entertainment, media, sports, or esports industries. Leveraging Pepperdine's proximity to Hollywood and LA's creative economy, the program covers entertainment contracts, intellectual property, sports arbitration, and industry negotiation — one of the very few programs in the U.S. that deeply integrates law with the creative industries.
What support does HYP Global provide for Straus Institute applicants?
As the official China admissions partner of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, HYP Global provides the following free services: profile assessment and personalized application advice, application document pre-screening, answers to any questions encountered during the application process, and assistance in pursuing available scholarship opportunities. All services are completely free for students.
Contact HYP Global
General Inquiries: contact@hypglobal.com
Admissions: admissions@hypglobal.com
WeChat / LINE / WhatsApp: Contact us via the HYP Global website
HYP Global regional admissions representatives are available to answer your questions and provide a free profile assessment. Stay tuned for upcoming online information sessions featuring Pepperdine University Straus Institute admissions staff.
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