MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change

Campus Locations: Coast to Coast

This program offers a unique bi-coastal opportunity. Students complete in-person experiences alternating between Pepperdine's West Los Angeles and Washington DC campuses. These convenient locations allow students to immerse themselves in two of the nation's most prominent intersections of entrepreneurship, policy, and social good. 

*Campus locations are subject to enrollment.

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. 

Curriculum Overview

Graduates are prepared to become socially conscious professionals ready 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 network.

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.

International and Domestic Student Experiences

• Build community and lifelong relationships with peers and colleagues through a cohort model. The Pepperdine community extends beyond the SEC 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 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.

Program Details

Students participate in a cohort model and hybrid format that meets over 20 months (five, 15-week terms). Two in-person weekend sessions (Thursday to Saturday) 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 to cultivate proficiency and impact communities in developing countries.

Learning 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 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. 

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.