Malibu Bound FAQs Checklist

While unofficial transcripts are sufficient for Admissions Committee review, prior to starting classes, students are required to submit their final degree-conferred official transcript from the college or university that granted the degree, showing the baccalaureate degree posted and date awarded. Transcripts must be mailed or emailed directly by the registrar from the college or university that granted the undergraduate degree and must be sent to the School of Public Policy Office of Student Services and Admissions. All transcripts and documents submitted become the property of the University and are not returnable. Students need to request transcripts in advance and send them prior to New Student Orientation.

Please have transcripts sent to:

sppadmissions@pepperdine.edu

OR

Pepperdine University
School of Public Policy
Attn: Office of Admissions
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263-7493

It is the responsibility of the incoming student to secure their own housing arrangements prior to starting classes.

Students may reside in private off-campus housing or in graduate apartments on-campus. Students are advised to keep in mind the length of lease agreement depending on their summer plans between academic terms. On-campus housing is for the academic year only.

Pepperdine University offers graduate housing on-campus located on the same Drescher Graduate Campus as the School of Public Policy. It is the student's responsibility to apply for on-campus graduate housing once they have deposited and declared their intent to enroll with the School of Public Policy. The School of Public Policy is not responsible for securing on-campus housing; all on-campus housing is handled by the University Office of Housing and Residence Life.

Students who wish to live off-campus during their studies have a number of options available in Malibu and the surrounding communities, such as Calabasas, San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, and other parts of the Los Angeles metropolitan region. Please visit off-campus housing resources for additional information. The School of Public Policy is not responsible for securing or verifying the quality of student housing or for the accuracy of housing posted on external, third-party housing websites. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they are comfortable with the living situation, have the necessary funds to make on-time rent and other required payments, and have transportation necessary to travel to and from campus.

Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if they would like to take advantage of federal financial aid (i.e. federal student loans or federal work-study) during their studies at the School of Public Policy. 

Any financial aid questions should be directed to Christopher "CJ" Jones, Senior Director of Student Services & Admissions. Financial aid offers are made available to students after registration during the summer preceding their first term of enrollment. 

Pepperdine University requires health care coverage while enrolled. 

Student Health Insurance Requirement: Enrollment is automatic unless the student submits a waiver. Visit Pepperdine's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) site to waive the health care coverage. If students do not submit their waiver by the stated deadline, they will be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan and charged (to their student account), which will not be reversed!

Pepperdine University issues all students an ID card, which should be carried at all times. Students are required to submit their own photo in advance of New Student Orientation, to ensure the student ID is ready upon arrival. 

To take and submit a Student ID "Selfie" photo in advance of orientation, Use the GET App. 

DUE DATE: August 1

Parking is free at Pepperdine's Malibu Campus! Students are still required to register their vehicle and get a parking permit regardless if they are living on campus or are a commuter student. Students should request their permit before orientation so they can park on-campus starting on day one! 

Students studying at the School of Public Policy with a visa, must check-in and communicate with the Office of International Student Services. International students are responsible for ensuring they are meeting all requirements for entry to and studying in the United States.

New Student Bios are an important way for the School of Public Policy faculty and staff to get to know students. Faculty also use these bios as a way to identify graduate or research assistants. Students should submit their new student biography in advance of orientation. The survey should be completed no later than August 1. 

Remember that, unless otherwise informed, all incoming students must enroll in the first-term James Q. Wilson core curriculum as well as MPP 608: Professional Development. View the registration instructions.

Registration details for new incoming students are announced via Pepperdine email. Please note that incoming first-year students must register for the following courses in their first term:

• MPP 601 Great Ideas: Ethics, Culture, Markets, Politics, and Technology
• MPP 602 Applied Economics Analysis of Public Policy (Microeconomics)
• MPP 603 Applied Research Methods in Public Policy
• MPP 604 Political, Organizational, and Strategic Aspects of Public Policy
• MPP 608 Professional Development

A Pre-Orientation Packet provides useful information to make the transition to the School of Public Policy easier. It arrives via email prior to the start of New Student Orientation. Students with questions may contact the Office of Student Services & Admissions directly at sppadmissions@pepperdine.edu or 310.506.7493.