Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a law student to apply?

No. This is an interdisciplinary master’s degree open to any qualified applicant with a bachelor’s degree. However, current or prospective law students, or those pursuing other graduate degrees, may apply for a concurrent degree in conflict and dispute resolution. (see below for special instructions for law students)

When I try to apply for fall term, I receive an error message. Why?

Our program begins in mid-August which is the summer term at the University of Oregon. Your first class will begin in mid-August. Please enroll for summer term.

When will I hear if I have been admitted to the program?

We admit students on a rolling basis, so as soon as all your materials have been turned in, and you have participated in an interview, we will start the application review process and let you know as soon as we can. Typically, it will take two to three weeks from the time your application (including interview) is complete. The official deadline for application is May 30th each year for admission in mid-August. If you are running into a problem with that deadline, let us know and we can work with you.

I’m already a graduate student at the University of Oregon. Can you access my transcripts?

If you are a graduate of the University of Oregon, you do not need to request that your transcripts be sent to the Office of Admissions, but you do need to request that a copy of your transcripts be forwarded to us c/o Kata Bahnsen-Reinhardt, School of Law.

Can you send a copy of my transcripts to the graduate school?

No. We’re sorry, but both the graduate school and our program require original transcripts for our records. The graduate school requires transcripts from the university that granted your degree. We require transcripts from all universities that you attended.

I was previously a graduate student at the UO. Do I need to re-apply?

No, you do not need to re-apply to the graduate school, but you do need to complete the Permission to Re-register form. You also need to meet all our program requirements.

Do I need to take an entrance exam again if I have already taken one?

We will consider scores up to five years old. You will need to contact the examination entity and have them forward a copy of your scores to us.

I see that the program accepts LSAT scores, but I cannot find a means to
submit LSAT scores to the program. What would you recommend that I do to
submit an LSAT score?

The Law School Admission Council will not send a copy of your scores to our
program, so please send us a copy of your official score report.

What is the routing number for my admission exam scores?

The University of Oregon routing number is 4846, and the routing number for the Conflict and Dispute Resolution program is 5102. You will need both of these numbers

I have a Ph.D. already. Do I need to take an entrance exam?

We will waive the GRE, LSAT, or GMAT requirement for applicants who have a Ph.D. from the US or Canada.

I’ve been out of school for several years and cannot get letters of recommendation from former professors. What should I do?

We will accept recommendation letters from employers. In addition to the letter, please have them complete the Report on Graduate Applicant form.

How long will it take to complete the degree?

This is a 68-credit degree program. A full-time student can complete all requirements in two years. The first year of the program is full-time. The rest of the credits can be earned part-time. Part-time and concurrent degree students can complete the degree in three years.

Is this program available part-time?

The first year of the program is taught in the cohort model and requires full-time commitment. Each required course is offered only once each year, and you need to be available to take the class when it is scheduled, with your group. The second year of the program is more flexible because you will be working more independently on your internship and final project.

Are scholarships available?

Our program does not currently offer scholarships. Visit the UO Financial Aid website for general information about scholarship opportunities.

What is the typical profile of a master’s student?

Our students bring a rich diversity of experiences and backgrounds. Their backgrounds have included, for example, law, psychology, police-community relations, human resources, labor, environmental regulation, education. Some have significant work experience, and some have come straight from other university programs.

How many students are in the CDR program?

Class size will range between 20 and 30.

Where is the program located?

In the Knight Law Center at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. The UO is an AAU research university with over 20,000 students. Eugene is a vibrant city and major cultural center in the I-5 corridor, Oregon’s major population center. It sits about 100 miles south of Portland, an hour’s drive west of the Cascade Mountains recreation areas and an hour’s drive east of Pacific Ocean towns and beaches.

How is the curriculum structured?

In the first year, students concentrate on a core course sequence designed to build strong foundations in conflict resolution theory and practice. In the following year, students focus on individualized learning through interdisciplinary elective course options, internship, and a thesis or professional project. Participation in a capstone seminar completes the degree requirements.

I’m a currently a law student at the University of Oregon. How do I apply to the program in Conflict and Dispute Resolution?

The process is different for UO law students applying to the master’s program. We will use some of the materials you submitted with your law school application, and ask you to supply other information:

In addition:

• You must apply online at http://gradschool.uoregon.edu/?page=admissions#app AND you must provide an original transcript from any school that you attended and from which you received a degree,
• complete the “Concurrent Master’s and Law Degree” form.
• and schedule an interview with Tim Hicks.