Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective students interested in the Master of Middle East Policy Studies (MMEPS) program at Pepperdine University will find the answers to their questions about the DC-based degree below. Additional information may be found at MMEPS Admissions or email SPPAdmissions@Pepperdine.edu.

Why are you launching this degree in partnership with the Washington Institute?

The reasons and vision behind this new degree are best summarized in this op-ed piece in RealClearEducation, co-authored with the Institute's executive director, Dr. Rob Satloff: A Bold Answer to the Decline of Middle East Studies of America.

What kinds of careers do you think the MMEPS will prepare me for?

Like our MPP, which is more broad-based, the MMEPS is a true "cross-sector" degree, preparing graduates to work in government, the nonprofit sector (think tanks, etc), and the business sector (consulting, media, journalism, energy). Some students may elect to continue on toward PhD studies as well.

Is the full-tuition scholarship applied to both years of the MMEPS?

Yes. Students who apply to enroll this fall will not pay any tuition for either years one or two. These scholarships will also cover the Middle East trip between the two years of the program as well.

Does the scholarship only cover tuition?

Yes, these are tuition scholarships. Housing, books, Wellness fee, insurance, and food are not covered.

Will you offer the same full-tuition scholarship if I defer and apply next year?

While we hope to have additional scholarship funds available for future years, we can only commit now to full, two-year tuition scholarships to this inaugural cohort.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for completed applications is Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11:59 pm PT or 2:59 am ET.

Is there housing at the Pepperdine building?

While there is housing for undergraduates in the Pepperdine building, we cannot offer dorm space to graduate students this fall. Most DC students find it cheaper to live off-campus. Our location is convenient, just a couple blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro and students to previous DC programs have lived in Virginia and Maryland.

Is this a part-time program? Can I work while a student?

The MMEPS is a full-time program with four classes planned each 15-week semester. Most of these classes--at least during that first semester--will be mornings and afternoons, though as we get into the electives in the second, third, and fourth semesters, there will be more evening classes. There should be time for, at least, a part-time job or internship while enrolled. It is expected that students will have a career-related, full-time internship during the summer between the two years of the program.

Are language skills required?

Language skills--particularly the major Middle East languages--are not required for admission, but will certainly make for a competitive application to the program. Language training will be offered through DC-based partners (also covered by tuition) during the two years of enrollment for those students who need it.

What kind of career support will I receive?

As a professional program, we are planning to offer considerable career services support, assisting with both internships and career placement. This is not a guarantee of placement, but our commitment to supporting students and future alumni of the program. Our partnership with the Washington Institute will be extremely helpful in this regard.

Is there a preferred undergraduate degree for this program?

Not exactly. Certainly students who have some background in the region, and/or those who have national security studies in undergrad will have a slight advantage in the application process, but there is not a single bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree that will guarantee admission.

Why was the announcement later in the application cycle?

While discussions between Pepperdine and the Washington Institute began last summer, the academic accreditation process requires just over six months to complete. We sense the urgency to launch a program like this as soon as possible, but we were required to refrain from announcing the program publicly until we received our final authorization from the City of Washington, DC in mid-June.

When does the fall semester start?

The planned MMEPS academic calendar follows our MPP calendar with the first class set for Monday, August 25, 2025. We have not confirmed, but it's likely we will have a moderated New Student Orientation Tues-Thurs of the preceding week.

What if I wanted to apply to your MPP program?

The application deadline for the Master of Public Policy degree is August 15, 2025, there is still plenty of time. While we do award some full-scholarships for this broader graduate degree (that includes coursework in national security) and begins here in Malibu, we cannot guarantee this support for all students. The MPP has a DC Track for students to conclude their fourth semester in DC.