Student Organizations and Journal

Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP)

The Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) will create a welcoming space for those interested in environmental policy. Members will have the opportunity to learn and network with members of the National and California Associations of Environmental Professionals (NAEP and CAEP). AEP will also work to promote sustainability on the Pepperdine Campus.

Alexander Hamilton Society (AHS)

The Alexander Hamilton Society is a student-run organization that is a part of a larger organization of students, faculty, national policy leaders, and captains of finance and industry. The society seeks to develop the next generation of American leaders, initially through discussions and forums on campus, then to intellectual and professional development that will launch Hamiltonians into careers of public service, academia, and business.

Christianity and Public Policy (CPP)

Christianity and Public Policy (CPP) is a student organization dedicated to the practical application of the Christian faith in the public square through deliberation, examination of Biblical and other literary text, community involvement, and fellowship.

Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL)

Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is a student-led climate change organization that exists to create the political will for climate change solutions by enabling individual breakthroughs in the exercise of personal and political power. This chapter is a part of the national Citizens’ Climate Lobby organization, and shares in its purpose and goals. Disclaimer: The Pepperdine School of Public Policy Citizens’ Climate Lobby Student Chapter will not be participating in lobbying or incurring lobbying expenses on behalf of the University, nor will dues be collected by the Student Chapter or National Chapter. Students who choose to lobby with Citizens’ Climate Lobby will not be lobbying on behalf of the University, but on behalf of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby as an organization.

Conservatives of Public Policy (CoPP)

The Conservatives of Public Policy (CoPP) organization provide a community amongst fellow conservatives in the School of Public Policy, as well as provide an outlet to those who may want to learn more about conservatism through experiencing a community of conservatives. CoPP works with organizations to discuss and influence conservative policy making. CoPP falls directly in line with Viewpoint Diversity at the School of Public Policy. CPP is meant to create a space for conservatives to dialogue with one another, network, and create relationships both professionally and personally that will last a lifetime.

International City/County Management Association (ICMA)

In collaboration with the School of Public Policy's Davenport Institute for Public Leadership and Civic Engagement, Pepperdine is host to a student chapter of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Pepperdine's program is the second such program in Southern California, where student members are offered a number of resources including: access to ICMA online, which includes research and job postings, free registration for the ICMA annual conference, guidance from Rod Gould, city manager of Santa Monica, who serves as a professional mentor for the chapter, and on-campus speaking engagements with those who have careers in local government. ICMA is the professional and educational association for appointed local government administrators throughout the world, making this an excellent opportunity to build a network of contacts with local government administrators both in California and across the country. The application process for the ICMA Student Chapter at the School of Public Policy opens in both January and September.

John Quincy Adams Society (JQA)

The Pepperdine University Chapter of the John Quincy Adams Society (JQAS) is a student-run organization dedicated to promoting a foreign policy of realism and restraint, rooted in the principles of America's Founding Fathers. The society aims to engage students in meaningful discussions about foreign policy and national security, fostering intellectual development and preparing them for careers in public service, academia, and other fields. Our chapter is part of a broader national movement that connects students, faculty, and policy leaders to advocate for thoughtful and principled American engagement in the world.

Pepperdine Policy Review (PPR)

The Pepperdine Policy Review (PPR) is a student-run journal that showcases the best scholarly work of School of Public Policy students at Pepperdine University. It features articles, commentaries, opinion pieces, and book reviews that address a variety of issues from health care and national security to political philosophy. The mission of the Pepperdine Policy Review is to publish the best scholarly research, innovative policy solutions, and insightful commentary that School of Public Policy students have to offer. This journal seeks to inform policy makers, academic researchers, and the general public of ideas that will help transform public policy debate in the U.S. and abroad. All articles are thoroughly reviewed by student editors and must meet rigorous academic standards.

Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society of Public Affairs and Administration

Pi Alpha Alpha encourages and recognizes outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public policy, to promote the advancement of education and practice in the art and science of public policy, and to foster integrity, professionalism and creative performance in the conduct of governmental and related public service activities. Membership identifies those with the highest performance levels in educational programs preparing them for public service careers. The application process for Pi Alpha Alpha begins in both September and January. View Pi Alpha Alpha membership information.

Women in Public Policy (WPP)

Women in Public Policy (WPP) is a student organization established to promote the development of women in the academic and professional arenas with an emphasis on ethics and leadership. Through a blend of guest speakers, community involvement, social activities, and seminars, WPP supports and encourages women as they tackle unique challenges in public policy. While ethnically and politically diverse, share a commitment to innovative solutions to address complex national and global issues.