About the school

Pepperdine University - School of Public Policy aims to develop public leaders for the nonprofit, governmental, and business sectors involved in policy. To create lasting solutions, the "public" in public policy must be both interested and informed, which is why Pepperdine gives students a notably extensive curriculum.

Sarah Attar (first female Olympian from Saudi Arabia), Sharon Draper (children's author), and James Hahnare (former Los Angeles mayor) are some of the notable alumni of Pepperdine University. The list of noteworthy alumni includes individuals from various walks of life, including athletes, singers, musicians, media figures, professors, and thinkers.

Employers from all industries value ethical leadership, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. Pepperdine Master of Public Policy (MPP) alumni continually bring their companies and missions together for better employability of the students. The professional development requirement allows students to expand their networks and professional abilities while becoming more aware of employment options.

Where is the school located?

Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, California. The Malibu region of California is well known for its celebrity residences and the vast, sandy Zuma Beach and other beaches, providing a lively experience to international students.

Life at the School of Public Policy

With easy access to housing, facilities, and support, students can comfortably integrate into academic life.

• Bookstore: Students can buy textbooks and supplies from the School of Public Policy's online store. You get textbooks, workplace and school supplies, clothing, and accessories with Pepperdine University themes.

• Central Receiving: For those students residing on campus, all ground and freight shipments are received by Central Receiving, a Mail Services division. A note will be delivered to students who receive packages using these means and left in their mailbox. You can pick up packages at Mail Services.

• Housing and Residence Life: Graduate students can live in private accommodation or on-campus university apartments. Each occupant in the 4-bedroom apartments on the Drescher Graduate Campus has a separate bedroom.

• Mail Services: Students can buy stamps or mail letters, packages, or express items at the Mail Services resale window. Every incoming mail must have the student's name and mailbox number in the address.

• Office of Student Accessibility: The Pepperdine University Office of Student Accessibility is committed to upholding a setting that gives students with disabilities complete access to its academic programs, extracurricular activities, and facilities.

• Office of International Student Services: First-time international students at Pepperdine University must visit the Office of International Student Services in Malibu and speak with the designated school representative to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Additional benefits of studying at the School of Public Policy

The Pepperdine University - School of Public Policy provides a comprehensive approach to policy-making that is unmatched by any other program. It combines coursework in policy assessment with lessons on America's exceptional founding ideals and the time-tested notions of government offered by the greatest minds in history.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The School of Public Policy is dedicated to creating a thriving community that promotes academic and scholarly excellence whereby teachers and students can work together to study, conduct research, learn, and grow. You will have countless opportunities to collaborate with researchers who conduct dynamic and widely recognised policy research through the Davenport Institute to feed Public Engagement and Civic Leadership research, cutting-edge faculty research, and annual policy research seminars.

• Industry Partnerships: Numerous notable visiting researchers, public and private sector leaders, and policymakers are hosted by the School of Public Policy, allowing students to network with individuals in charge of developing policy in their respective professions.

Admissions criteria

The School Of Public Policy holistically evaluates your application. It considers several elements, such as your academic record and grade point average, test results, professional interests, recommendations, volunteer work, and leadership activities.

Generally, applications require the following information:

• Completed online application
  • Two letters of recommendation
• Two essays
• Resume/ CV
• Bachelor’s degree: 4-year Bachelor's degree required
• Academic transcripts

• GRE/GMAT, optional

• F-1 Student Visa

• Proof of English proficiency: You must obtain the minimum score in the following exams to be eligible- TOEFL Internet-Based exam: 95, IELTS: 7.0.

• Translated copies of university transcripts

Fees and other expenses

• Housing/Food: $25,894
• Transportation: $2,000
• Personal: $7,000
• Books/Supplies: $1,000
• Wellness fee: $526
• Loan fees: $560
• One-time workshop fee: $475
• On-campus housing cost (per semester): $9,500
• Health insurance: $4,324

Historically, offers of scholarships to help with tuition costs have been made to 90% of accepted students. Checking the application dates for priority scholarship consideration is suggested for prospective students.

Job placements

• Supportive Career Services: The Office of Career Services is committed to providing students with ongoing career guidance, access to professional development courses, one-on-one career counselling, resume/cover letter review, mock interviews, and improved alumni networking.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Summer internships locally, nationally, and internationally help students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world public policy settings.

• Lifelong Career Support: With the help of mentoring, access to career development resources, and utilising the power of the Pepperdine network, the Career Service teams at Pepperdine University aim to enable students and alumni to succeed professionally for the rest of their lives. Graduates and students are prepared for lives of leadership, service, and purpose.

Prodigy Finance international student loans

Prodigy Finance offers borderless financing to international students. There is no need to provide guarantors, collateral, or cosigners. Furthermore, there are no hidden fees! Our loan facilities include no penalties for early repayment and a 6-month grace period after graduating from full-time study.

Realise your dream with a Masters's program from Pepperdine University - School of Public Policy.

Learn more about Prodigy Finance - if you have further questions, you can also join a webinar, visit our FAQs, or chat to a student mentor about their study abroad experience.

The purpose of this page is to provide prospective students with basic information about the school and a selection of courses offered by the school. Whilst we have carefully compiled the overview, Prodigy Finance does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, mistakes, omissions or outdated information in the guide and we encourage prospective students and other readers to consult the school's website for further information. Prodigy Finance does not have any affiliation or contractual arrangement with the school, unless stated. If you are a student and need more information about applying for a loan, please contact us at info@prodigyfinance.com. Any other queries about this page can be sent to schoolsupport@prodigyfinance.com.