MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change
Prepare to lead and inspire change in new ventures and existing organizations locally and globally with a degree from one of the nation's first and most respected Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship and Change programs.
This program features:
- Bi-coastal completion through on-campus experiences in West LA and Washington DC in addition to online learning.
- Two-week global immersion opportunity in a developing country a two-term capstone project, and a fast pitch competition.
- Focus on solving real-world problems without the requirements of a traditional business program.
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: | Hybrid (Online and In-Person) |
| Term: | Fall |
| Location: | West LA and Washington, DC |
| Length: | 20 months / 34 units |
| Tuition: | $1,425 per unit |
Not Just Business as Usual
Housed in the school of education, students focus on solving real-world problems rather than the requirements of a traditional business school.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Capstone experience and fast-pitch competition along with courses in leadership, management, marketing, finance, global change, and more.
Career Opportunities
One of the most versatile and valuable degrees available, offering proficiency in leadership, business, and social enterprise.
Global Change Experience
Travel to a developing country and gain a hands-on global perspective of social and community issues through a two-week immersion.
No GRE, GMAT, or Other Standardized Tests
We offer an equitable admissions process considering your experience and commitment to success.
Cohort Model
Provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful community-building with peers and program leaders.
Institution to Offer a Masters In Social Entrepreneurship
Bi-coastal program in West Los Angeles and Washington, DC
Scholarships Available
Month Program Completion
of Alumni Are Entrepreneurs in Established Organizations
of Alumni Are Founders or 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 fewer than 15 minutes.
Deadlines
Fall Term: Priority Application Submit - Submit application form. You may be eligible to receive an additional $3,000 scholarship.
Fall Term: Application Form Submit - Submit the application form. Supplemental materials are not yet required.
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.
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.
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 (MA '16), Alumna
What Our Students Are Saying
"I felt very much that I had done what I needed to do to learn how to create shareholder value, but what I really wanted to do was start to create more significant social value. The SEC program Pepperdine provided was the perfect match for what I was looking for."
Susan Cotton
"This program really met me where I was at in my career as an advocate and as an activist and as someone who was looking to develop strategies that address some of the systemic issues that were of importance to me."
Nii-Quartelai Quartey
Why Pepperdine
Accreditations and Recognitions
Contact Us
Ernesto Santiago Elizondo
Enrollment Officer
6100 Center Drive, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045