MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change
Live Out Your Social Purpose
The world's most complex social, economic, and environmental issues are in desperate need of sustainable, market-based solutions driven by knowledgeable, competent, and mission-focused leaders.
Through the Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship and Change program, you will gain the skills and resources required to lead and inspire change in new ventures, existing organizations, local communities, and across the globe with a degree from one of the most respected, forward-thinking, values-based graduate schools in the nation.
Students analyze complex social problems, create sustainable market-based solutions, and learn management practices such as formulating strategies, leading impactful organizations, and developing business plans that include finance, economic logic, and marketing campaigns.
The Capstone Project and Global Immersion Experiences may be customized to focus in areas such as:
- Social Entrepreneurship: Prepare to start a new social enterprise.
- Intrapreneurship: Make a difference in an existing organization.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Create impact and advance your career through business-community relations and sustainability.
Program Benefits
Hybrid Format
Designed for both working professionals and full-time students, this unique hybrid format offers the best features of both in-person and online learning.
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 LA or Washington, DC |
| Length: | 20 months / 34 units |
| Tuition: | $1,425 per unit |
Global Change Experience
Creates a well-rounded global perspective of social, economic, and community issues through hands-on immersion with an organization in a developing country.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Incorporates courses in organizational leadership, creating a vision, philanthropy, marketing, finance, an international immersion course, a capstone experience, fast-pitch competition, and more.
Career Opportunities
Proficiency in leadership, business, and social enterprise make this one of the most versatile and valuable master's degrees available.
Not Just Business as Usual
Housed in the school of education, students remain focused on solving real-world problems rather than the requirements of a traditional business school.
No GRE, GMAT, or Other Standardized Tests
We offer an equitable admissions process that considers your experience and commitment to succeed.
Immersion Experiences and Cohort Model
Provides opportunities to engage in meaningful community-building with peers and program leaders.
Institution To Offer A Masters In Social Entrepreneurship
Scholarships Available
Month Program Completion
Of Alumni Are Entrepreneurs In Established Organizations
Of Alumni Are Founders/Entrepreneurs
Of Alumni Work In Consulting & Foundations
Of Alumni Continue To Earn A Doctorate
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's MA in Social Entrepreneurship 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 less than 15 minutes.
Deadlines
Application Form Submit: Submit the application form. Supplemental materials are not yet required.
International Student Deadline: Submitted application and supplemental materials required.
Curriculum Overview
In this 34-unit program, you will experience wide-ranging and comprehensive instruction that incorporates a unique balance of organizational and enterprise competencies.
The program prepares socially conscious professionals to create sustainable change
in the issue of their choice through leadership development, cultural and emotional
competence, ethical understanding, human-centered learning, global perspectives, business
and marketing skills, and a supportive Pepperdine and SEC network.
Program Details
Students participate in a cohort model and hybrid format that meets over twenty months (five fifteen-week terms). There are two in-person weekend sessions (Thursday-Saturday), which offer a personalized/hands-on approach, relational interaction with peers, and increased quality of learning. Students meet synchronously online every Tuesday evening for two hours.
The second-year includes a two-week Global Immersion Experience in a developing country to cultivate proficiency further and impact various communities around the world.
The program culminates with a two-term capstone project devising a new social enterprise or related project within an existing organization. Students develop a thorough business plan and go-to-market strategy in collaboration with successful mentors and faculty who are scholar-practitioners and nationally recognized experts. Validated ideas are presented to industry leaders in a “Shark Tank” style Fast Pitch Competition with multiple participants receiving funding to launch their venture.
Convenient Campus Locations
Pepperdine GSEP has convenient campus locations* to meet the needs of our students. Choose to complete the in-person portion of the program on the West Los Angeles campus, conveniently located off the 405 freeway by LAX, or the Washington DC campus.
*Campus locations are subject to enrollment.
Expand Your Career Possibilities
Career opportunities are expanded considerably for graduates in many professional contexts, including businesses, non-profits, foundations, government and non-government organizations, and others. Proficiency in social, entrepreneurial, leadership, and many other concepts makes this one of the most versatile and valuable master's degrees available.
Tuition and Scholarships
Pepperdine GSEP generously offers $5,500,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving some form of financial assistance. An incoming GSEP student is eligible to be awarded up to $10,000 in Pepperdine scholarships.*
| Total tuition | $48,450 |
| GSEP scholarships available | -$10,000 |
| Total tuition after GSEP scholarships | $38,450 |
*GSEP scholarship amount is based on data from the 2021-2022 academic year and only includes new incoming students who received aid from Pepperdine within GSEP programs. Does not include other external forms of financial aid.
Alumni and Faculty Spotlight
"By coming to Pepperdine, being exposed to so many other different career opportunities, learning from people in my program that came from different cultures, and hearing their experiences, I think that really transformed me. I came out of the program with a business plan and a business idea, which took a lot of discipline, and I don't think I could have done that on my own if I wasn't part of the program." - Val Esquivel, Alumni
Why Pepperdine
Accreditations and Recognitions
Contact Us
Ernesto Santiago Elizondo
Enrollment Officer
6100 Center Drive, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045