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Pepperdine | School of Public Policy

School of Public Policy Admissions

To learn more about our admission process, and how our career-focused curriculum uniquely prepares our students for rewarding careers across the private, civic, and public sectors we invite you to explore the below pages. 

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School of Public Policy Admission - Pepperdine University

Admission Requirements

GRE/GMAT/LSAT requirements are optional for fall 2023 applicants.

For any questions regarding the application process, please reach out to our Admissions Office: sppadmissions@pepperdine.edu

We encourage applications for the fall semester from graduates of regionally-accredited institutions in all areas of study. We provide a checklist of requirements, which includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an essay focusing on a moral and ethical point of view.

Contact the Office of Admissions

Fall 2023 Application Deadlines

  June 1, 2023: Final International Applicant Deadline for Fall 2023

All international student applications for Fall 2023 enrollment must be completed by June 1st to be considered for Fall 2023 admission and tuition scholarship.

Note: Non-US Citizen applications completed after June 1st cannot be reviewed by the Admissions or Scholarship Committees; applications completed after June 1st (and by the July 15 space-available only deadline) will be considered on a space-available basis for US Citizens only (tuition scholarship is not guaranteed for applications completed after June 1st). 

The Office of Student Services will notify applicants completed by the June 1st deadline of decisions no later than Friday, June 16, 2023.

 

  July 15, 2023: Space-Available Only Deadline

US Citizen applications completed after the June 1st deadline and by the July 15th deadline will be considered by the Admissions Committee on a space-available only basis. The Scholarship Committee does not guarantee tuition scholarship awards for applications completed after the June 1st deadline.

Note: The Admissions Committee cannot review non-US Citizen applications completed after June 1, 2023; the School of Public Policy reserves the right—at the discretion of the Office of Student Services—to review completed applications after the July 15, 2023, space-available only deadline.

The Office of Student Services will notify applicants completed by the July 15th deadline of decisions no later than Friday, July 28, 2023.

 

 

 

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International Applicants

The School of Public Policy's student body includes individuals from over 20 countries, so we assure our guidelines and requirements for international applicants are well-defined and up-to-date.

 

Financial Aid

Row of School of Public Policy students in classroom listening to the faculty member teaching - Pepperdine University

Scholarships are awarded to 90% of our students. Our Office of Financial Aid works with candidates to explore assistance options, loan programs, and Federal Work-Study.

 

Prospective Student Questions

SPP students - Pepperdine University

Over the years, prospective SPP students have had great questions about our unique program. We've assembled a few links to targeted SPP Blog pieces and our latest Dean's Report here to answer them.

 

Admission Events

Admission Questions

 When is the application deadline?

The School of Public Policy processes completed applications beginning October through July for each Fall term enrollment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis. Please review our admission deadlines for more information.

 How can I make an appointment to visit the campus?

Please call the Admission Office to make an appointment at 310.506.7493.

Virtual Tour

 Can I attend a class?

Yes, please contact the Office of Admission to arrange a class visit at 310.506.7493.

 Is work experience required for admission?

No, we recognize that some students would like to continue their education immediately after graduating from their undergraduate institutions. In reviewing an applicant's file, volunteer activities, internships, and leadership experience are considered along with work experience. Typically, a student will have 2-3 years of work-equivalent experience.

 What kind of undergraduate degree should I have in order to study public policy?

There is no predetermined major required to study public policy.

 Is an interview required?

No, interviews are not required for admittance.

 Is there a minimum GRE requirement?

No, each application is reviewed individually, however, an average GRE score range in the 60% would be competitive. GRE/GMAT/LSAT requirements are optional for Fall 2023 applicants.

 Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

No, each transcript is reviewed looking for grade trends. If the student has challenged himself or herself intellectually by taking courses outside of their major. The average GPA is currently 3.45.