PhD in Global Leadership and Change
The Doctor of Philosophy in Global Leadership and Change degree program prepares students to become visionary leaders and agents of change in strategy and policy for nonprofit, government, for-profit, and academic institutions.
Pepperdine University's selective Global Leadership and Change Ph.D. program employs the researcher-scholar model of doctoral training, in which academics and research are conjoined. Three years of rigorous coursework incorporate national and international trips, providing students with a global perspective on leadership and policy and access to prominent global experts, followed by a one-to-two-year dissertation process*, where each student will contribute new knowledge to the field of their selected topic of research.
Program Benefits
Global Access Format
This highly selective doctoral program's hybrid format, which is 60% face-to-face and 40% online, is formatted to be ideal for working professionals.
Values Centered
Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through GSEP's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.
Quick Facts
Format: | Online-Hybrid |
Term: | Fall |
Location: | West Los Angeles |
Length: | 4 years |
Units: | 66 +2 per term for dissertation |
Tuition: | $1,900 per EdD unit; $2,250 per PhD unit |
Cohort Model
Enables students to build upon leadership skills while forging valuable relationships with colleagues.
Outstanding Faculty
Scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements and professional expertise. Direct and personalized feedback from PhD faculty mentors.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Incorporates core courses shared between all doctoral offerings, program-specific classes, and elective options to customize your learning experience.
Reputable Program
Highly selective doctoral program at the #46-ranked university in the US*
AACSB Certification
In cooperation with a partner institution if requested.
Small Class Sizes
Provide an environment for faculty mentorship
Scholarships Available
Policy Trip
International Trip
Course Format
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's PhD in Global Leadership and Change program.
Get in Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn more and get in contact with an enrollment officer.
Attend an Info Session
Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders.
Start Your Application
Submit the application form early to meet scholarship and enrollment deadlines. It takes fewer than 15 minutes.
Program Deadline
Fall 2024: Early Application Submit - Submit the application form. You may be eligible to receive an additional $4,000 scholarship.
Fall 2024: Priority Application Submit - Submit the application form. You may be eligible to receive an additional $3,000 scholarship.
Program Details
- Offering the Global Access Hybrid format, this Ph.D. in Global Leadership program is ideal for working professionals to take advantage of the best features of both face-to-face and online modalities. The online portion provides flexibility, while the classroom component offers an enhanced experience, a personalized/hands-on approach, relational interaction with peers, and increased quality of learning.
- Robust online modules feature engaging synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences.
-
Face-to-Face classes are conveniently located on our West Los Angeles Graduate Campus, close to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and just off the 405 freeway.
- Cohort model designed to build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
- Small class sizes and a low faculty: student ratio provides a supportive learning environment, meaningful student-faculty interactions, and long-term professional and personal relationships.
Curriculum Overview
This doctoral program includes 66 units of coursework and a dissertation. You will experience a curriculum focused on preparing leaders with well-rounded and unparalleled global leadership theory and practice courses, research, policy development, funding, economics, entrepreneurship, and many others. Research methods and applications are accomplished through both coursework and a final dissertation. To gain an international perspective on policy development, students will visit an international location, meet local and national leaders, and observe and examine industries and organizations.
Program Learning Outcomes
GSEP is committed to a learner-centered approach in the programs we offer. Each program has a set of objectives that a student graduating from the program is expected to achieve. The knowledge and skills taught in the program might be introduced in some courses. In other courses, students are asked to apply knowledge by practicing skills and demonstrating their abilities. Within the program, the values and dispositional attributes important for individuals entering the profession are emphasized. Graduates of the PhD in Global Leadership and Change program.
International Student Opportunities
- This program is approved for international students perusing an F-1 or any other type of visa.
- A dedicated Enrollment Services Officer will make your admissions process easy and comfortable with experience in supporting both international and domestic students.
- Integration of domestic and international students across campuses. Dedicated support for international students is provided through the Office of International Student Services (OISS).
- Opportunities to participate in university social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events.
- Cohort model designed to build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
- Robust alumni network.
- Partnerships with professional networks and conferences.
Career Outcomes
This PhD from Pepperdine provides a strong opportunity for employment growth and earning potential. As a graduate, you will be prepared to increase your earning potential and help make a lasting difference in a variety of business and academic roles.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Pepperdine GSEP generously offers over $6,000,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving financial assistance. There are numerous scholarship opportunities that are both merit and need-based in addition to discounts for meeting application deadlines.
GSEP welcomes federal and state aid eligibility and veteran benefits which may further reduce tuition cost.
The Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions and help you navigate funding your education at GSEP through numerous scholarship, grant, loan, and other opportunities.
Alumni and Faculty Spotlight
"What led me to Pepperdine was initially the face-to-face. I really enjoyed being able to start off by coming in every week to class and meeting with my peers and my professors, and building a camaraderie. Being able to connect with everybody, knowing that there’s such a huge diversity, I think that really exceeded my expectations." - Dr. Asia Ghazi, Alumni
What Our Alumni Are Saying
"Consider Pepperdine highly because you are not going to get this wealth of information, global trips, or the experience of knowing people and creating a family unless you are at Pepperdine."
-Asia Ghazi '21
"The international trip was an incredible experience. I would encourage any prospective student to think about the fact that they would have an entire global opportunity open to them."
Jeannette Pugh '21
Why Pepperdine
Accreditations and Recognitions
Contact Us
Ernesto Santiago Elizondo
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP
310.568.5762
Email
Schedule a Phone Appointment
Take The Next Step
Learn more about Pepperdine's PhD in Global Leadership and Change program.