Mission and History
Mission
Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology is an innovative learning community where faculty, staff, and students of diverse cultures and perspectives work collaboratively to foster academic excellence, social purpose, meaningful service, and personal fulfillment.
As a graduate school within a Christian university, Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology endeavors to educate and motivate students to assume leadership roles in professions that improve and enrich the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
The Graduate School of Education and Psychology embraces human diversity—which we believe to be the natural expression of God’s creation—in our work to advance learning and service. GSEP advances, sustains, and advocates for multicultural proficiency.
The strategies for accomplishing this mission are:
- Promoting discourse that values each member’s background, experiences, and perspective;
- Recruiting, retaining, and advancing diverse students, staff, and faculty;
- Developing curricular models for practice in educational and psychological environments; and
- Reaching out to broader communities to promote understanding and facilitate solutions to diversity challenges.
Our spirit, energy, and actions will be an inspiration to education and psychology communities.
Inspiration for Change
A History of Academic Excellence
- The Graduate School of Education and Psychology offers rigorous academic programs that prepare our students to serve as leaders in their communities, organizations, and businesses. Read more...
A Heritage of Faith
- We celebrate our University’s heritage of faith by drawing from our roots, which value the individual and place emphasis on the spiritual growth of each person. Read more...
Enriching the Student Experience
- Our focus is on providing an experience that inspires our students to serve, change, and improve our communities. Read more...
Committed to Diversity
- With an open mind and heart we embrace the human spirit of multiple backgrounds and perspectives. Read more...
Partnering with our Community
- We collaborate with our communities to enrich the quality of life of those served by our graduates. Read more...
Our Expressed Values
- Student-centered learning
- Scholar-practitioners
- Communities of practice that foster lifelong learning
- Academic freedom and shared governance
- Quality educational programs that anticipate and proactively react to the marketplace
- Innovation as a continuous part of the educational process
- Balance between personal and professional lives
- Integration of faith and learning
- Social responsibility and justice
- Integrity and ethical standards of conduct
- A diverse culture that is compassionate, caring, and respectful for the dignity of all in the community
History
From the University’s beginning, the discipline of education has played a prominent role in the academic program of the institution. With the growing emphasis on improving educational techniques in the public and private school systems statewide, Pepperdine University met increasing demands for leadership and transformed the existing Department of Education into a professional School of Education. The school was formally established on January 1, 1971.
In 1951, a master’s degree in psychology was offered for the first time, becoming the genesis of what eventually evolved into the Division of Psychology in the School of Professional Studies. In January 1981, after the decision to phase out the School of Professional Studies was made, the Division of Psychology became part of the Graduate School of Education. In March 1982, the Graduate School of Education officially changed its name to the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.
