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Welcome to the Pepperdine School of Public Policy

As one of America's few graduate public policy schools rooted in a Judeo-Christian understanding of servant leadership, the Pepperdine School of Public Policy firmly believes that there is a calling to public service—one that can be fulfilled through meaningful careers in government, at all levels, as well as the policy-related business and nonprofit sectors. Taught by an impressive faculty of leading scholars, the school's distinctive liberal arts curriculum balances a rigorous study of philosophy and history with the latest skills of quantitative economics and policy analysis. Both inside and outside our classroom, our students experience our commitment to viewpoint diversity, seeing policy debates from both sides of the aisle as a unique way of preparing servant leaders.

Upcoming Deadlines

 

OCT
31

Early Submit Deadline: 5k Scholarship Guaranteed

DEC
17

Early Deadline: 4k Scholarship Guaranteed

JAN
31

Priority Deadline: 3k Scholarship Guaranteed

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Quick Facts

At Pepperdine University we believe in cross sector leadership where individuals can make a significant impact in the world and that a Master of Public Policy can be the first step.

  • 28%Employed in the public sector
  • 29%Employed in the private sector
  • 33%Employed in the nonprofit sector
  • 11%Post graduate / doctoral studies

Initiatives


 

Hanna Skanera teaching a class - Pepperdine School of Public Policy

Education Policy & Impact

Preparing future and convening current leaders in education policy.

The "Education Policy and Impact" initiative based at the School of Public Policy is a multi-part initiative intended to both prepare policy leaders as it engages current policymakers in civil discussions about the future of America's education system. Launched in the fall of 2019, this program builds upon the existing work SPP has undertaken in coursework, research, and public events.


city skyline

HSAC@SPP

Catalyzes and supports a multi-jurisdictional and comprehensive approach to preparedness, security, and resiliency in the Los Angeles region.

The Homeland Security Advisory Council at the School of Public Policy (HSAC@SPP) is an innovative academic enterprise focusing on disaster preparedness, crisis management, and resiliency through engaging the public, private, and civic sectors. HSAC@SPP is a robust cross-sector initiative, positioned to prepare the current and next generation of leaders by exploring a full range of cross-sector and information technology solutions to public policy challenges.


American Project Conference with four panelists - Pepperdine School of Public Policy

Viewpoint Diversity

Preparing public leaders to consider and understand a diverse range of ideological perspectives.

To say that academia is politically progressive is a generally accepted fact of American life. But for a graduate policy program tasked with preparing our next generation of public leaders, it is of primary importance that we practice viewpoint diversity both inside and outside the classroom. In today's polarized public square, leaders must know not only their own intellectual foundations, but also those with whom they disagree.

 

Dr. James Prieger lecturing class - Pepperdine School of Public Policy

Academic Research

Shaping public policy conversations through authorship and initiatives.

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy is committed to constructing a vibrant community of academic and scholarly excellence in which faculty and students study, investigate, learn, and flourish together. Through research conducted by the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, leading-edge faculty research, and annual policy research seminars, you will have limitless opportunities to become involved with scholars who conduct dynamic and internationally-recognized policy research.

 

Cross-Sector Conference Panel

Cross-Sector Leadership

Supporting creative public problem-solving across government, business, and nonprofit sectors.

In their important book on public leadership, The Solution Revolution, government consultants Bill Eggers and Paul MacMillan note that America is undergoing a tectonic change in how it responds to public policy challenges—"a shift from a government-dominated model to one in which government is just one player among many." Into this new dynamic Eggers and MacMillan add, "social impact becomes a form of currency with real value to millions—from foundations to governments to venture philanthropists to individual citizens."


Wavemaker Testimonials

Pepperdine SPP Graduate, Kevin McGowan

Very few schools in the public policy arena really give you both sides of the equation, and I thought that was a really good asset as I was going to seek a career in public service."

Director Office of Emergency Management
County of Los Angeles Chief Executive Office

Events

Dean Pete Peterson with students in Washington, DC.

Pepperdine School of Public Policy Announces Master of Public Policy Washington, DC, Track

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy has announced the launch of the Master of Public Policy Washington, DC Track, which will begin in the spring 2025 semester. This programmatic expansion will provide degree candidates with the option to complete their last semester at Pepperdine’s Washington, DC, campus, offering returning students a unique opportunity to accelerate their professional development initiatives in the nation’s capital.

Let Us Show You Around

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy is perched atop the iconic Pepperdine University Malibu, California campus. Let us take you on a tour through the entire school, from the classrooms to the on-campus housing and show you all of the people and resources available to equip you with all you need to succeed in your master in public policy.