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Pepperdine | Graduate School of Education and Psychology

How to Apply to MS in Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education as an International Student

Designed for individuals who wish to advance their skills and career in Pre K-12 education, our MS in Leadership cohort-based program provides the knowledge, skills, and support needed to make a difference and reach your potential in a variety of educational roles.

In this 32-unit MS program, students will experience a curriculum focused on preparing K-12 leaders with well-rounded and unique courses in topics such as leadership, critical thinking, communication, virtual learning, transmedia, program design, policy management, values, learning culture, a capstone integration experience and many others.

The MS in Leadership Pre-K to 12 Education program has many unique benefits. This program is offered in an online or hybrid format, allowing ultimate flexibility with 100% online or in-classroom options every term, for whichever format fits your schedule best! Our comprehensive curriculum includes topics such as leadership, critical thinking, communication, virtual learning, transmedia, program design, policy management, learning culture, and many others. Students can expect a class size around 14, and earn credit and a priority pathway to acceptance towards your choice of multiple doctoral programs.

International Student Application Process

Unlike many other programs, Pepperdine’s MS in Leadership program does not require a GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test in an effort to offer an equitable admissions process that considers your experience and commitment to succeed. Pepperdine GSEP’s MS in Leadership program encourages international applicants to apply with by following the simple admission requirements and steps listed below:

  1. Submit your application for admission with a nonrefundable processing fee
  2. Submit official student transcripts from the regionally accredited colleges or universities that awarded your baccalaureate degree
  3. Include 2 professional recommendations
  4. Submit a 1-2 page Statement of Educational Purpose addressing your professional and personal goals and how completing this degree with enable these goals
  5. All applicants who received or will receive their degree from a university outside of the US (unless the degree is from a university which is already regionally accredited within the US) are required to submit a detailed foreign transcript evaluation report from any National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as the International Education Research Foundation at ierf.org or the World Education Services, Inc., at wes.org.

A detailed foreign transcript evaluation report will contain the following:

  • Foreign transcripts translated into English.
  • Grade point average calculated on a 4.0 scale.
  • A determination of US degree equivalency (regional accreditation equivalency is required)


Note: If your first language is not English, you must submit a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL). If taking the Internet-based TOEFL test, you will need a minimum score of 80. Information concerning the availability of this test outside of the US can be obtained by contacting TOEFL, Educational Testing Services, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA or online at www.toefl.org. Our TOEFL code is 4630. As an alternative to the TOEFL, you may submit a score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS exam. You can find out more at www.ielts.org

Get your Master of Science in Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education at Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership with many career options in positions such as administrators, principals, deans, teachers, teachers on special assignment, counselors, district and/or county coordinators, instructional coaches, and other related roles.

Employment demand in educational leadership is high with a favorable projected job growth. As a graduate, you will be prepared to increase your earning potential, drive organizational change, and help make a lasting difference for students and educational institutions.

Take the Next Step!

There are many ways to learn more about Pepperdine’s MS in Leadership Pre-K to 12 Education program and connect with Pepperdine!

To request more information on this program, fill out the Request for Information form to learn more and connect with an Enrollment Officer.

Attend an Info Session! Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders to gain a better understanding of the program outcomes, curriculum, and answer any questions you may have about the university or program as a whole. 

Start your application today! Submit your application form early to meet scholarship and enrollment deadlines in less than 15 minutes. Apply now!