Facebook pixel Master of Public Policy Degree | Pepperdine School of Public Policy Skip to main content
Pepperdine | School of Public Policy
students outside conversing

Master of Public Policy

Become a Strategic Leader with a Moral Foundation

The Pepperdine Master of Public Policy (MPP) prepares leaders to work across diverse perspectives to apply America's timeless principles to today's policy issues. Through a comprehensive understanding of the history and philosophy that undergird free institutions coupled with the latest tools of economic and research analytics,  students will learn how to find morally-grounded approaches to lead change and improve lives. With Pepperdine's top-ranked MPP,  you will be well-positioned to work across differences to create sustainable solutions. 

Program Features:

  • Consistently listed as a top choice for graduate MPP programs.
  • Well-rounded curriculum incorporating the James Q. Wilson Core and electives.
  • Customized experience through numerous joint programs and specialization options.
  • Malibu campus is widely considered one of the most beautiful places to live and study.

 

 

America's Most Distinctive Policy Program

 

Values-Centered

Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through core values of academic excellence and meaningful service. View our mission and philosophy.

 

Viewpoint Diversity

In an era of polarization, we prepare students to see an issue from all sides, with a firm dedication to freedom of intellectual thought.  Learn more. 

Quick Facts

Format: In Person, daytime classes

Start: August 26th, 2024

Location: Malibu, California and Washington, DC

Length: 20 months

Units: 50

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive Curriculum

Students learn to analyze politics from quantitative, historical, philosophical, and faith perspectives to effect real change in government, private, and nonprofit sectors.
 
 

 

 

Affordable Tuition

More than 90% of admitted students receive scholarships with an average of 70% of tuition covered.

 

 

 

Award-Winning Malibu Campus

Study and live at our top-rated Malibu campus overlooking scenic beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Graduate on-campus housing is just across the street from classrooms. 

 
 

 

 

Customized Experience

Personalize learning through numerous electives and involvement in many SPP policy institutes to make a great impact in your area of interest. 

 

 

 

Multiple Unique Specializations

Customize your experience with five specializations: American Policy and Politics, Applied Economic Policy, International Relations and National Security, Public Policy and Dispute Resolution, and State and Local Policy. 

 
 

 

 

No GRE or Standardized Tests

We offer a streamlined admissions process that considers your commitment to succeed rather than your test scores.

 

 

Take the Next Step

Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's MPP program.

Start Your Application

Make a significant impact in the world through a cross-sector degree. Start your public leadership journey.

Take a Tour

Explore the Malibu campus, from the classrooms to the on-campus housing and all of the resources available to prepare for your future in public leadership.

Get In Touch

Fill out the Request Information form to learn about the opportunities that await you and get in contact with an SPP staff member.

 

Admission

Scholarships

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy awards a number of scholarships each year. These awards are made available through endowed funds, gifts from supporters and alumni, and allocation of University general funds. The Scholarship Committee awards scholarships based on merit and academic and professional experience. 

 

90%

of students receive scholarship support*

70%

average amount of tuition covered by scholarships*

*Average scholarship based on estimated 2023-2024 enrollment data and is not a guarantee of funding.

 

 

Important Dates

APR
23

Regular Application Completion- $1,000 Scholarship Guaranteed & up to $10,000 in scholarship consideration

JUn
1

International Application Completion - Scholarship guarantee and consideration varies

Info Sessions

MAR
12

Master of Public Policy Information Session - Virtual Meeting

 

 

 

 

VDH Office Hours
Office Hours with Victor Davis Hanson: General Patton

Victor Davis Hanson joins Pepperdine School of Public Policy Dean Pete Peterson for a four-part seminar series titled "Office Hours with Victor Davis Hanson." 

Pepperdine campus image
Pepperdine School of Public Policy Virtual Tour!

Let us take you on a tour through the Malibu campus, from the classrooms to the on-campus housing and show you all of the resources available to you.

steven hayward
Why Study at SPP with Dr. Steven Hayward

In the Fall of 2023, Dr. Steven Hayward sat down with Dean Pete Peterson to explore the simple question: Why study at the Pepperdine School of Public Policy? 

What Our Alumni Are Saying

 

sample

"The MPP gave me the tools and skill set needed to be a successful State Senator.”

Hans Zeiger (MPP '09)
President, Jack Miller Center

 

 

 

Hattie Mitchell

“I chose Pepperdine because of the focus on improving society.”

Dr. Hattie Mitchell (MPP ’12)  
Founder, Crete Academy

 

                                                                                      

hanna skandera

“I learned to think critically and assess what decisions need to be made.”

Hanna Skandera (MPP ’00)       
President & CEO, Daniels Fund

                                                                                              

 

sample

“Invaluable preparation for the day-to-day work you’ll be doing.”

Troy Senik (MPP ’07)
Co-Founder, Kite & Key Media

                                                                                                 

Zimena Del Carpio

“I discovered passion for economic development through a diverse curriculum and experienced professors.”

Ximena Del Carpio (MPP/MBA ’00) 
Manager and Lead Economist, The World Bank Group
                                               

 

Carson Bruno

“I wanted to make an impact and SPP was the only place that would enable me to accomplish that.”

Carson Bruno (MPP '12) 
Vice President of Growth, Coro

                                                                                           

 

kj

Why Purse Your MPP?

A Pepperdine MPP is one of the most flexible degrees preparing graduates for many careers. Graduates have been successful in all public-sector segments, including local, state, and federal governments, and nonprofit organizations. Others chose the private sector, consulting, research, and lobbying careers.

edf

A Premier Faith-Based School

Pepperdine has always had a singular mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in Christian faith and values. As one of the few MPP programs based at a Christian university, we incorporate a unique approach to human, moral, and ethical dimensions of policy challenges. The importance of faith in preparing ethical leaders and the foundational significance of religious liberty are integral to the program's teachings. We empower students from all faith backgrounds to transform into the best possible version of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives.

Steamboat Debate in the Wilburn Auditorium

Top-Ranked

#1 Consistently Listed as a Top Choice for Graduate MPP Programs (National Center for Education Statistics)

#1 Continually Ranked Among the Most Beautiful Places to Study

#1 MPP program based at a Christian university (US News & World Report)

#9 Best-Value in the West/SW (Kiplinger) 

#10 in the West for Policy Programs (US News & World Report)

 

Troy Collazo speaking at conference

Student Experience for a Lifetime of Success

Explore exciting opportunities and engage the community through institutes, student organizations, extracurriculars, and research opportunities. Direct access to faculty and proximity to greater Los Angeles add to the robust experience.

Two female SPP students - Kassy Dillon and Danielle

See Public Policy Differently from Here 

Housed on the award-winning Malibu campus, the expansive University sits on 830 acres and overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with nearly every spot on campus featuring breathtaking views of the beaches.

 


MPP graduate profiles donut graph

Graduate Profiles

See Who You'll Be Studying With

28%

Employed in the public sector

33%

Employed in the nonprofit sector

29%

Employed in the private sector

11%

Post graduate / doctoral studies

Contact Us

emily milnes

Emily Ann Milnes

Director of Recruitment and Program Relations

310.506.7493

Meet with Emily 

Email Emily

 

            

Take the Next Step

Learn more about Pepperdine’s Master of Public Policy


Related Programs

You may also be interested in the following programs: