MA in Psychology
The Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) program will prepare students for application to doctoral programs, to pursue a profession in the field of psychology, or to become better leaders in their industry.
This MA in Psychology is a top-ranked program designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of psychology in an intimate and supportive learning environment. With a strong clinical emphasis, courses and coursework are focused on how the art and science of psychology can be applied to further our understanding of human behavior and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders; however, this MA in Psychology program does not lead to licensure.
This program is offered both in-person and online.
Program Benefits
Top Program in the US
Consistently listed as a top choice for graduate psychology programs by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Campus Locations
The MA in Psychology program is offered at three different campus locations, in West Los Angeles, Irvine, and Calabasas.
Quick Facts
| Format: | Evening |
| Terms: | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Location: | West Los Angeles, Irvine, Calabasas, or Online |
| Length: | 1.5–2 years / 36–48 units |
| Tuition: | $1,630 per unit |
Convenient Evening Format
Classes offered on weeknights.
Small Class Size
Small classes provide a supportive learning environment and meaningful student-faculty interactions.
Values Centered
Students in this MA program are empowered to make a lasting impact through academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.
Top-Ranked Program
Pepperdine is one of the highest-ranked universities in the US and ranked the top choice for psychology graduate schools.
No GRE or Standardized Tests Required
We offer an equitable admission process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than test scores.
Nationally Recognized Faculty
Faculty are scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, professional expertise, scholarly credentials, and educational and clinical experience.
Campus Locations: West Los Angeles, Irvine, & Calabasas
for Psychology Graduate Schools by NCES
Up to $10K Available in Scholarships
Start Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student:Faculty Ratio
GSEP Average Class Size
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's MA in Psychology 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.
Deadlines
Open Admissions: This program offers open admissions for domestic students. We continue to work with applicants after deadlines on a case-by-case basis, as space permits.
Fall Term 2025: Early Tuition Deposit - Submit the Intent to Enroll form and enrollment deposit/fee in WaveNet to be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship.
Antiracism and Antidiscrimination Statement
The MAP program and GSEP Psychology Division stand in solidarity against racial inequities and injustice and other forms of discrimination and oppression. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that is enriched and strengthened by diversity including but not limited to race, ethnicity and national origin, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class, age, ability status, and religion. GSEP also encourages all community members to engage in critical learning and reflection to strengthen our capacity for being effective, active, and outspoken against all forms of racism and intersectional oppression.
Student Experience
- Build community and lifelong relationships with peers and colleagues through a cohort model and optional residential experience. The Pepperdine community extends beyond the MA in Psychology program to the larger GSEP and Pepperdine family.
- A dedicated enrollment services officer will make your admissions process easy and comfortable with experience in supporting both international and domestic students.
- We integrate of domestic and international students across our campuses. Dedicated support for international students is provided through the Office of International Student Services (OISS).
- We offer opportunities to participate in university social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events.
- Our cohort model is designed to build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
- Our partnerships with professional networks and conferences and a robust alumni network further students' growth opportunities.
Expand Your Career Possibilities
A masters in psychology is valuable in many professional settings, including mental healthcare facilities, and marketing and advertising agencies. After earning your degree, you may pursue employment in a variety of 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.
To help determine your total cost of tuition and living expenses for this specific program, please refer to our GSEP tuition calculator.
Alumni and Faculty Spotlight
"Our faculty members bring richness and depth to both their research and their teaching. Many of our faculty have private practices or work in practice actively, making a huge difference for our students." — Dr. Thema Bryant, Professor and 2023 President, American Psychological Association.
What Our Alumni Are Saying
"The best resources are the professors. They are more than willing to give feedback."
- Michael Cho, MA in Psychology '20
"Professors are an amazing resource; they are more than willing to facilitate an introduction."
- Jezzly Meza, MA in Psychology '19
Why Pepperdine
Accreditations and Recognitions
Contact Us
Odie Mitchell
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP
Take the Next Step
Learn more about Pepperdine's MA in Psychology program.