About the LL.M Program

The University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law offers a one-year residential Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution (LL.M.) degree. The LL.M. program provides practitioners and scholars with a deeper understanding of theoretical, policy, design and ethical issues in dispute resolution. Program features include:

  • The opportunity to study with leading dispute resolution scholars who generate important academic 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 small class sizes create close community with faculty and students, forming lifelong bonds for networking and future collaboration. Classes are generally limited to LL.M. students.
  • A blend of theoretical analysis, practitioner skills, and systems design work in courses generally limited to LL.M. students, who have law degrees and some legal experience. In exceptional cases, applicants may be admitted without a law degree if they have substantial experience in dispute resolution.
  • Our student body is diverse -- by age, race, nationality, legal background -- that enriches the level of discussion, inside and outside the classroom.
  • Students participate in externships around the globe.
  • Students integrate dispute resolution processes in handling substantive law issues.
  • The program is affiliated with MU’s Center for the Study of Organizational Change and Truman School of Public Affairs -- with an opportunity to pursue a Certificate in Public Affairs in conjunction with the LL.M. degree.
  • LL.M. students can earn dual degrees (MA and PhD) from Missouri’s School of Journalism.
  • The program meets the needs of those with background as advocates, neutrals, law-trained court administrators and government agency personnel, among others
If you have additional questions about the program , call (573) 882-2020, send an e-mail to mulawcdr@missouri.edu or write to: Coordinator of the LL.M. Program, Center for the Study of Dispute Resolution, School of Law, 206 Hulston Hall, Columbia, MO 65211.