MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change

Campus Locations: Coast to Coast

This MA in Social Entrepreneurship 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.

Social Enterprise Collective Event

Students in Pepperdine’s hybrid and bi-coastal MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change program have the unique opportunity to participate in the Social Enterprise Collective—a signature event hosted twice a year in Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Timed to align with the required presence of students on campus in these locations, this event brings together entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, government officials, and social impact professionals to explore the latest strategies for creating lasting change across sectors.

The Social Enterprise Collective features interactive panels, Q&A sessions on topics such as impact investing and cause marketing, and a keynote fireside chat with influential voices in social impact. Open to the public but designed to benefit students, this event provides direct access to real-world networks, hands-on learning, and connections with changemakers dedicated to driving meaningful social impact. The Social Enterprise Collective exemplifies how the MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change program integrates classroom knowledge with practical experience, preparing students to lead transformative change in their communities and beyond.

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. 

Curriculum Overview

Graduates of the masters in entrepreneurship 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 Masters in Social Entrepreneurship 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 Social Entrepreneurship program one of the most versatile and valuable master's degrees available.