School of Public Policy at a Glance
Great Ideas. Courageous Conversations. Extraordinary Leaders.
With nationally recognized faculty and programs and a truly inspiring location, the study of public policy at Pepperdine University is a one-of-a-kind experience. Learn how Pepperdine prepares you for impact wherever you are called to serve.
Graduate Programs
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
At Pepperdine University, we believe individuals can make a significant impact in the world and that a Master of Public Policy (MPP) can be the first step.
We offer a full-time, two-year MPP program with five distinct areas of specialization.
American Policy and Politics
International Relations and National Security
Applied Economic Policy
Public Policy and Dispute Resolution
State and Local Policy
Master of Middle East Policy Studies (MMEPS)
Offered in partnership with The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, this two-year, in-person program uniquely combines deep study of the modern Middle East and U.S. policy toward the region with practical skills training to prepare early-career professionals for leadership in fields such as diplomacy, intelligence, research, development, advocacy, journalism, business, and academia.
Quick Facts
- 150Maximum Enrollment of Students
- 7%International Students
- 24Average Age
- 1:1Male:Female Ratio
- 20Countries Represented
- 95%Receive Scholarships
Where Our Alumni Work
Selected employment from alumni as of 2026
Think Tanks
- American Enterprise Institute
- California Policy Center
- EdChoice
- Heritage Foundation
- Hoover Institution
- Milken Institute
- Niskanen Center
- R Street Institute
- The Jack Miller Center
Government
- Office of Emergency Management, LA County
- The World Bank
- US Army
- US Department of Homeland Security
- US Department of Labor
- US Department of State
- US Secret Service
- US Senate
- US Space Force
Private/Non-Profit
- American Cancer Society
- Cedars-Sinai
- Crowdstrike
- Ernst & Young
- Freedom House
- Goldman Sachs
- Salesforce
- The Daily Wire
- Wells Fargo Bank
Our Faculty
Our professors are accomplished in their areas of expertise, engaged in a variety of research initiatives, and focus on the student at the heart of the academic enterprise.
Our Locations
Pepperdine is located in Malibu, California with views of the Pacific Ocean—just 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles, a hub of cultural diversity and is at the forefront of fresh ideas and innovation.
The Pepperdine Washington, DC, Campus is three blocks from the White House, across the street from George Washington University, and close to Georgetown shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Our Research
The School of Public Policy is committed to scholarly excellence through research and leadership training.
Wavemaker Testimonials
Our Wavemakers, guided by the confident strength of moral purpose, are able to design and inspire organizations that create value for those they serve and make meaning for those they lead.
Testimonials
Attending the School of Public Policy and pursuing a Masters of Public Policy degree has been an excellent experience. The stellar staff and faculty prepared me for an intensive career in either the political and/or national security atmosphere."
Marketing Operations Analyst at Targeted Victory
Accreditation and Affiliations
Pepperdine's School of Public Policy is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is affiliated with prestigious organizations like the Golden Key International Honor Society and the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship program, among others.