Malibu Bound FAQs Checklist

While unofficial transcripts were sufficient for Admissions Committee review, prior to starting classes, we require your 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 & Admissions. All transcripts and documents submitted become the property of the University and are not returnable. Please be sure you are securing those and sending them to us prior to New Student Orientation!

Please have your 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. We advise students to keep in mind the length of the 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.

If you wish to live off-campus during your studies, there are a number of options available to you in Malibu and the surrounding communities, such as Calabasas, the greater San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica, and other parts of the Los Angeles metro region. Explore off-campus housing resources to find options. 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.

You should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you would like to take advantage of federal financial aid (i.e. federal student loans or federal work-study) during your 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 you submit 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 you should carry with you at all times. Students are required to submit their own photo in advance of New Student Orientation, so your ID is ready for your arrival. 

Use the GET App to take and submit your Student ID "Selfie" photo in advance of Orientation beginning.

DUE: August 5, 2023

Parking is free at Pepperdine's Malibu Campus! But you are still required to register your vehicle and get a parking permit whether you are a Drescher resident or are a commuter student. Do so before Orientation so you can park on-campus starting on day one! 

If you will be studying at the School of Public Policy with a visa, be sure you are checking-in and communicating with the Office of International Student Services. You are responsible with ensuring you 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 you so we can welcome you to campus and Malibu. Faculty also use these bios are a way to determine whether you would be a good graduate or research assistant for them. Submit your New Student Bio in advance of Orientation starting.

We ask that you complete this survey at your very earliest convenience, but no later than August 14, 2023. 

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 will be announced soon. Check your Pepperdine email for details. Please note: incoming First-Year students must register for the following courses for the Fall 2021 Term:

• MPP 601 Ethical Dimensions of Public Policy: Great Books and Great Ideas
• 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

Your Pre-Orientation Packet provides useful information to make your transitions to the School of Public Policy easier. It will arrive via email as we draw closer to the start of New Student Orientation. It is a lot of information, so if you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Services & Admissions directly at sppadmissions@pepperdine.edu or 310.506.7493.