Master of Public Policy (MPP)

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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.

#1 Highest-Ranked MPP Based at a Christian University

U.S. News & World Report

#5 Best Policy Program in CA

U.S. News & World Report

Program Features:

Consistently listed as a top choice for graduate MPP programs.
Well-rounded, customizable curriculum through joint programs, specialization options, and numerous electives.
Malibu campus is widely considered one of the most beautiful places to live and study.

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AMERICA’S MOST DISTINCTIVE PROGRAM

Comprehensive Curriculum

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

Award-Winning Malibu Campus

Study while enjoying on-campus housing on our top-rated Malibu campus overlooking scenic beaches and the Pacific Ocean.

Customized Experience

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

Multiple Unique Specializations

Customize your experience through ﬁve specializations including: American Policy, Applied Economics, International Relations, Dispute Resolution, State and Local Policy.

Affordable Tuition

More than 97% of admitted students receive scholarships with an average of 70% of tuition covered.

No GRE or Standardized Tests

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

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SEE YOUR FUTURE DIFFERENTLY FROM HERE

Housed on the scenic Malibu campus, the expansive University sits on 830 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean with nearly every place on campus featuring stunning and breathtaking views of the beaches.

With more than 280 days of sun and perfect temperatures, the Los Angeles metro area provides a relaxing and recreational atmosphere for your graduate studies.

A short drive to downtown Los Angeles, Malibu is only miles away from many of the area’s premier cultural and recreational centers and world-famous venues.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, CROSS-SECTOR POLICY, AND VIEWPOINT DIVERSITY

Now, more than ever, we need thoughtful cross-sector public leaders. In an era of polarization, we prepare students to work across differences and sectors to create sustainable policy solutions. We emphasize the diversity of viewpoints and political perspectives that lead to impactful careers.

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy (SPP):

Prepares students for careers in government leadership, the private sector, nonprofits, foreign affairs, government service, think tanks, advanced degrees, and beyond.
Offers unique specializations, numerous electives, and multiple joint degree options.
Provides critical-thinking, problem-solving, and ethics training valued by employers and necessary for success.

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Best Colleges - U.S. News & World Report Rankings

#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

#5 in CA for Policy Programs (U.S. News & World Report)

#10 in the West for Policy Programs (U.S. News & World Report)

#46 University in the US (U.S. News & World Report)

#29 Best-Value University (U.S. News & World Report)

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

#10 Most Entrepreneurial University (Forbes)

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 the highest-ranked and 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 expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives.

FIND YOUR CALLING FOR A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS

We equip our graduates with valuable knowledge and skills across many disciplines. Graduates have chosen careers in all public-sector segments, including local, state, and federal governments, and nonprofit organizations. Others chose the private sector, consulting, research, and lobbying careers.

The school’s small size encourages students to actively participate in their courses, in turn building the soft skills and industry expertise that companies seek most. Graduates have found success in these sectors: