LLM in Dispute Resolution

MU was the first U.S. law school to offer an LLM exclusively focused on dispute resolution. MU consistently ranks as one of the top law schools in dispute resolution. Our scholars generate important work influencing dispute resolution theory and practice around the world. We have one of the largest collections of full-time law faculty who focus on dispute resolution, publishing many leading articles and texts on dispute resolution.

Our classes are small, creating a close community among faculty and students, forming lifelong bonds for networking and future collaboration. Classes generally are limited to LLM students. Our student body is diverse – by age, race, nationality, legal background – which enriches the level of discussion inside and outside the classroom.

Although the program is geared primarily to lawyers, we will consider applicants who have substantial ADR experience but who do not have law degrees. In the State of Missouri, a graduate from a law school outside the United States may request permission to take the bar examination by furnishing satisfactory evidence to the Missouri Bar. See http://www.courts.mo.gov/. Being a state-funded university in an affordable city, MU’s LLM program is an exceptional value for the high-quality education our students receive.

Curriculum and Requirements

The program requires 24 credit hours of study. A minimum of 12 credits are required courses in dispute resolution and the remaining 12 credits are electives. Students choose electives according to their interests.

Students studying full-time can complete degree requirements within one academic year. Part-time domestic students in a continuous course of study can complete the program within two academic years.

Below are the required core courses along with a listing of some recommended electives relevant to the dispute resolution field. Course descriptions can be found here.

Required Core Courses (12 credit hours):

  • Dispute System Design (3 credit hours):
    Analysis of system design principles and basic research evaluation methodologies. An underlying theme is program quality.
  • A non-binding method course (3 credit hours):
    Mediation
    Negotiation
  • An arbitration course (3 credit hours):
    Arbitration
    International Commercial Arbitration
  • Capstone (3 credit hours):
    Major Research Paper (academic track,) or
    LLM Externship (practice track)

Law Electives (12 credit hours):
Each student will be able to choose electives according to his/her interests. NOTE: Some courses may not be offered in some years.

Arbitration (if not taken as a core course)
Conflict and Conflict Management
Cross-Cultural Dispute Resolution
Dialogue for Dispute Resolution
Dispute Resolution in the Digital Age
Emotional Intelligence in Law
International Commercial Arbitration (if not taken as a core course)
LLM Externship
LLM Independent Study
Mediation (if not taken as a core course)
Negotiation (if not taken as a core course)
Non-Binding Methods of Dispute Resolution (online only)
Practicum on Dispute Resolution Training and Education

With the approval of the director of the LLM Program, students can apply up to six (6) credits of graduate-level courses outside the law school toward the LLM graduation requirements.