Dispute Resolution

Students in the Master of Laws (LLM) dispute resolution program have a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of theoretical, policy, design and ethical issues in dispute resolution. They study with leading dispute resolution scholars who generate important academic work influencing dispute resolution theory and practice around the world. Small class sizes create a close community with faculty and students.

Our program blends theoretical analysis, practitioner skills, and systems design work. Our diverse student body — by age, race, nationality, legal background — enriches the level of discussion, inside and outside the classroom.

The LLM meets the needs of those with backgrounds as advocates, neutrals, law-trained court administrators and government agency personnel, among others.

LLM students can earn dual degrees (MA and PhD) from the School of Journalism.

Admission criteria

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

• Minimum GPA: 2.5 in JD program; 3.0 for graduate or advanced degree programs
• JD or its foreign equivalent; in exceptional cases, applicants may be admitted without a law degree if they have substantial experience with dispute resolution.
• Significant legal experience preferred

Minimum Language Requirements

Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores

Required Application Materials

For the Graduate School

• Completed Graduate School online application
• Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
• Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)

For the Dispute Resolution Program

• Professional resume (upload through online application)
• Statement of purpose: 300-500 words stating reasons for pursuing this degree (upload through online application)
• 2 letters of recommendation (request through online application)
• Financial support application form (if applicable)

Please visit https://law.missouri.edu/admissions/llmadmissions/ for further application instructions.

Please visit https://online.missouri.edu/degrees-programs/mu/law/dispute-resolution/llm for more information on the online LLM program.

Officially approved as:

Stand Alone: Yes

Total Credit Hours:  12

Certificate description:

The educational objectives of this certificate include the following:

• Understand the nature and causes of conflict as they relate to potential and existing legal disputes, transaction negotiations, and the workplace
• Understand the theory and practice of dispute resolution approaches to decision-making methods available for managing and resolving conflict in legal, transactional, and workplace settings
• Develop core skills in negotiation, mediation, problem-solving, and arbitration that will enhance their abilities as business managers and other professionals
• Recognize and evaluate ethical dilemmas that could arise in areas related to dispute resolution

Certificate web site:
https://online.missouri.edu/degrees-programs/mu/law/dispute-resolution-non-lawyers/grad-cert

Admission Criteria

Application Deadlines

• Fall semester: July 1
• Spring semester: December 1

Required Application Materials

For the Graduate School

• Completed Graduate School online application
• Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
• Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)

For the Graduate Certificate Program

• Statement of purpose
• Resume or CV