• Yes, all applicants must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. We do not require that applicants have a master’s degree in a specific field; we review applications for admission by taking a holistic approach.
• If you are currently pursuing your master’s degree, you can still apply for the program as long as your degree is posted before the doctoral program begins in the Fall.

• We ask that candidates have a 3.0 cumulative GPA from both their master’s and baccalaureate programs; however, we review all applications holistically for individuals who show potential for success in our program. If you are concerned about your GPA you are welcome to include a brief ‘GPA Statement of Explanation’ with you application.

• Yes, all applicants must submit scores from the MAT, GRE, or GMAT. We are unable to waive this admission requirement regardless of an applicant’s academic or professional experience. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, including standardized test scores. We do not adhere to a strict minimum score for any exam. Admission decisions are based on an applicant’s potential for success in our program.
• Our institutional codes for these tests are: 2729 (MAT), 4326 (GRE), and 37B-KT-28 (GMAT).
• For more information on the tests and to register, please visit:
  • GRE
  • GMAT
  • MAT

• Please see our Application Deadline webpage for current information.

• This program only begins in the Fall of each year. We accept applications throughout the year. There is a mandatory three-day Community-Building Workshop in August for all accepted students.

• We begin reviewing applications at the start of each calendar year. Once an application is complete, it typically takes 4-5 weeks to receive an admissions decision.
• We review on a space-available basis. If an application is received after the deadline, it will be reviewed on a space-available basis. If the program is full, the applicant will be considered for the following year.

• Yes, qualified applicants with completed applications will be invited to participate in a phone interview with one our faculty members. A brief writing sample may also be required.

• The first two years of the program are dedicated to completing coursework. Following coursework, all students are required to complete their comprehensive exam and dissertation in order to graduate.
• On average, students complete the program in 3.5- 4 years, but students have up to 8 years to complete their entire program.

• Besides the program requirements, International Candidates are also required to submit their transcripts through an established evaluation agency of their choice. Some recommended evaluation agencies are World Education Service (WES).
  • English Proficiency Requirement
  • International Student Data Form; please be sure to submit both pages

• Tuition rate for 2012-2013 is $1,295 per unit for Education doctoral programs. It is subject to change each academic year. Please visit our Financial Aid page for current information on program costs, financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
• Our financial aid award packages can consist of Colleagues grants, federal direct loans, and departmental scholarship. To be eligible for the most amount of aid, we encourage all applicants to submit their FAFSA applications.

• The international policy trip takes place during the first summer of the program. Students will have the opportunity to explore China, India, and South America.
• The national policy trip takes place in the second summer of the program in Washington D.C.
• Actual dates vary by year.

• Our Traditional Programs are located at our West Los Angeles and Irvine Graduate Campuses. Our Global Access Program is a 60% face-to-face and 40% online blended program with weekend face-to-face sessions two weekends a semester at our West Los Angeles Graduate Campus.

• West Los Angeles and Irvine cohorts meet once a week on Tuesday and Thursday respectively, and on occasional Friday evenings and Saturdays.
• GAP classes are online with face-to-face for two weekends per term. For more specific details, contact the Admissions and Recruitment Team at gsep-recruitment@pepperdine.edu.

• The distinction between the two degrees is: The Ph.D. is research oriented and the Ed.D. is oriented towards educational practice and the application of theory and research.

• Graduates of this program are prepared to become leaders in their respective field. Opportunities include, but not limited to, senior-level positions in the corporate and civic industries, as well as, president and dean level positions in higher education.

• Yes, we offer coursework for this credential with all of our doctorate programs; additional units will be required.
• To be considered, your Preliminary Administrative Services Credential and assignment to an administrative position need to be submitted with other application materials. Please visit the requirements page for the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership for more information.

• You are welcome to attend one of our formal in-person or online information meetings. To see the upcoming schedule and to RSVP for a meeting, please visit our page on information meetings.
• If you are unable to attend an information meeting, you are welcome to connect with the Admissions and Recruitment Team at gsep-recruitment@pepperdine.edu to schedule a personal consultation or have your questions answered.

Please contact us directly with your questions.
Education Recruitment Office
phone: (310) 568-2366
email: gsep-recruitment@pepperdine.edu