P4: Pepperdine Policy Partners Program

School of Public Policy students at class

Partnerships

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy (SPP) stands committed to our founding principles in preparing the next generation of public leaders. Our unique liberal arts curriculum that balances the quantitative aspects of policy analysis with the study of applied history and philosophy continues to develop public leaders who consider their "moral sense" upon entering careers in the private sector, nonprofit and civic arenas, government, and academia.

Some of our most successful students are those who have graduated from or participated in respected social science programs and co-curricular fellowships. To recognize the rigor of these programs, we launched the Pepperdine Policy Partners Program—"P4"—making available admission and program benefits to P4 applicants:

The Fall 2025 application portal is now open.

Confirm P4 Eligibility

P4 Application Instructions

Check to see if you are an eligible P4 member (refer to the current participating P4 organizations list)
Begin your application (view admission page)
Upload ONLY your resume (include your P4 affiliated organization) and undergraduate transcript (showing courses and cumulative GPA). Wait to upload your ethical moral dilemma essay and official test scores.
Submit your application (this does not finalize your application)

(Note: You will be able to return and complete your application once your P4 tier is confirmed. Your documents will be reviewed and your P4 tier level will be emailed to you. Your P4 status must be approved by the Admissions Office before P4 benefits are granted. Email sppadmissions@pepperdine.edu for questions.)

Participating P4 Organizations

Please review the list of current participating P4 organizations. If you are part of one of the below organizations, you may be eligible for Pepperdine School of Public Policy academic benefits.

P4 Benefits

All P4 applicants are eligible for:

Scholarship consideration
Waiver of the professional letter of recommendation (only one (1) academic letter of recommendation required for admission)
An early class registration time for the first term of enrollment
Pending review of program elements and based on criteria set forth in the SPP Academic Catalog, the transfer of six (6) elective credits

See below the tier levels for eligibility.

Tier One: Applicants with a GPA of 3.8 or higher

Guaranteed 75 percent of tuition scholarship
Waiver of the Ethical/Moral Dilemma Essay admission requirement
Waiver of the professional letter of recommendation (only one (1) academic letter of recommendation required for admission)
Automatic acceptance into the Washington, DC Policy Scholars program for the summer term immediately preceding the first term of enrollment
Note: a separate application is required

Tier Two: Applicants with a GPA of 3.5 and up to 3.799

Guaranteed 50 percent of tuition scholarship
Waiver of the Ethical/Moral Dilemma Essay admission requirement
Waiver of the professional letter of recommendation (only one (1) academic letter of recommendation required for admission)

Interested in learning more about the P4 Program?

Dean Pete Peterson led a Live from Malibu session for prospective students involved in a P4 institution. We hope this presentation answers most of the frequently asked questions.

Watch P4 Live From Malibu Webinar

P4 Student Testimonials

Analise Nash
P4 Partner: Seaver College

Analise Nash - Pepperdine School of Public Policy

"I chose to study at the Pepperdine School of Public Policy because I fell in love with the idea of studying policy and learning how to make a positive difference in environmental issues while I was an undergraduate at Pepperdine’s Seaver College. I knew that continuing my education at Pepperdine would lead to more amazing experiences and opportunities. It was clear to me that I found my career path when I attended an alumni panel and heard about environmental policy in local government. Ever since then, I have worked to make that dream a reality. The more I learned about the School of Public Policy through the website and meeting with the staff, the more I knew that this is the only place I should study policy and start my career."

Noah Jackson
P4 Partner: Charles Koch Institute and American Enterprise Institute

Noah Jackson - Pepperdine School of Public Policy

"I chose to attend the Pepperdine School of Public Policy because I believe civic leaders need to truly understand why we believe what we believe. While SPP is equipping me with analytical tools in my professional tool belt, higher education is about so much more than that—it is about giving the student time to step back and ask life’s greatest questions, such as "what actually is human freedom?” and “how can we promote human flourishing in diverse communities?” Pepperdine’s philosophical core and commitment to faith are unlike any other public policy school in the country."

Cooper Conway
P4 Partner: Washington DC Summer Scholar

Cooper Conway - Pepperdine School of Public Policy

"I decided to attend SPP because of the school’s goal to build leaders with a moral sense. SPP's curriculum based on the liberal arts and commitment to viewpoint diversity has done that for me by challenging my beliefs and growing my policy skill set. However, what I have appreciated most about SPP is the opportunities to participate in worship and fellowship with other students outside of class."

Evelyn Torres-Callejas
P4 Partner: Redlands University

Evelyn Torres Callejas - Pepperdine School of Public Policy

"My experience at SPP has been enjoyable. I really appreciate the time professors have taken to get to know us on a personal level. I always feel encouraged to participate and most importantly, to ask questions. Being back in the classroom has made my experience even more special. I am happy to say that I am eager to continue my academic and personal growth at SPP."