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Pepperdine | School of Public Policy

Admission Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.

 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.

Program Questions

 Do you have spring enrollment?

No, due to the structure of the curriculum, we enroll for fall start only.

 What are the specializations?

 Do you have any joint degree programs?

Yes, we currently have three joint degree programs:

 How much is tuition?

Tuition for academic year 2020-2021- $40,520.00. View the Cost of Attendance page for more information. 

 Is there an out-of-state tuition charge?

There is no out of state tuition charge. All students are charged the same tuition.

 What is the average age of a Pepperdine Public Policy student?

25 (2020) and the age range is 21-36.

 What percentage of the class is comprised of international students?

Approximately 25 percent.

 What is the percentage of the diversity of the class?

41 percent.

 What is the student/full-time faculty ratio?

16:1

 What is the typical class size?

15-20 students and some elective classes are as small as five.

 Is there a part-time program available?

A few students choose to minimize their load by taking only two required courses a semester. This special arrangement requires approval of the assistant dean.

 Where do students live?

On-campus graduate housing is available. About half of our students live off-campus in nearby communities (Calabasas, Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks) located 15-30 minutes from campus.

Career Services Questions

 Do you require an internship?

Yes. It is a minimum of 240 hours of substantive work in public policy formulation, analysis, or implementation. Internships may be completed during the Spring Term of a student's first year, Summer Term between the first and second year, or Fall Term of the student's second year.

 Do I have to live in Washington, DC, to use my policy degree?

No.  Many of our alumni are located in the Greater Los Angeles and Southern California area, in Sacramento, California, the San Francisco Bay Area, in addition to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.  Many also live and work internationally.  Policy touches every aspect of our lives; hence, the job opportunities are just as varied.

 What is the salary range for someone with a policy degree?

$45,000-$68,000

 How accessible are the alumni?

Many of our alumni volunteer to speak to students about their current positions as well as internship experiences and life at school. They have offered to review resumes and consult with any student who is interested in learning more about their career paths.

Finanical Aid Questions

 Are scholarships available?

Yes, we have a number of merit based scholarships available. Additional scholarship can be found on our scholarship page.

 What percentage of students receive financial aid?

As many as 95 percent of the students receive some form of financial aid which includes scholarships, loans, and work study if eligible.

 What percentage of students receive scholarship?

Nearly 90 percent of the students receive some form of scholarship.

 What forms of financial aid are available in addition to scholarship?

An eligible student may be able to receive Federal Work-Study, $20,500 in Federal Direct loans, and a Federal PLUS loan for graduate students is used to meet cost of attendance. Read more about financial aid.

 Where can I find more information on financial aid?

Please see our Financial Aid home page or view additional financial aid FAQs.