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Pepperdine | Graduate School of Education and Psychology
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MS in Leadership in Higher Education

Pursue Your Purpose Online or In-Classroom

This Masters in Higher Education features a comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum focused on preparing future administrators in every relevant area of higher education with courses in subjects such as student support, leadership, policy, finance, virtual learning, and a capstone integration experience.

Prepare to make a difference for students and institutions, build equitable education systems, advance your career, and increase your earning potential with a reputable degree from one of the most respected and forward-thinking graduate schools in the nation.

Program Benefits

Online or Hybrid Format

Our unique format allows ultimate flexibility with 100% online or in-classroom options every term. This model is ideal for both working professionals and full-time students.

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: 100% Online or Hybrid
Terms: Fall, Spring
Location: Online, West LA
Length: 20 months / 32 units
Tuition: $1,425 per unit

 

 

Comprehensive Curriculum

Includes higher education student support, leadership, virtual learning, economics, finance, governance, politics, policy, a capstone integration experience, and many others.

 

Immersion Experiences and Cohort Model

Provide opportunities to engage in meaningful community-building with peers and program leaders.

 

Average Class Size

GSEP's average class size is 14 students.

 

Earn Credit Towards Your Choice of Multiple Doctoral Programs

As one of Pepperdine's progressive degree programs.

 

No GRE, GMAT, or Other Standardized Tests Required

We offer an equitable admissions process that considers your experience and commitment to succeed.

 

Prepare To Advance Your Career

Make an impact with a master's degree in Leadership in Higher Education from a top-ranked university.

$10K+

Scholarships Available

20

Only 20 Months To Complete Program

2

Terms Available: Fall & Spring

12:1

Student:Faculty Ratio

14

Average GSEP Class Size

1

Of The Highest-Ranked Universities In The US

 

 

Take the Next Step

Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's MS in Leadership in Higher Education program.

Get In Touch

Fill out the Request Information form to learn more and get in contact with an Enrollment Officer.

Request Information

Attend an Info Session

Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders.

See the Schedule

Start Your Application

Submit the application form early to meet scholarship and enrollment deadlines. It takes less than 15 minutes.

Apply Now

 

 

Deadlines

aug
19

Fall Term - Enrollment: Final date to submit deposit and Intent to Enroll form.

sep
06

Fall Term - Classes Begin: First day of Fall term.

sep
13

Spring Term - Early Application Submit: Submit application form. You may be eligible to receive an additional $4,000 scholarship.

More Information

Information Sessions

Coming soon

More Sessions

 

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Curriculum Overview

In this 32-unit MS program, you will experience a curriculum focused on preparing higher education leaders with well-rounded and unique courses in topics such as higher education student support, governance, politics, policy, economics, and finance, in addition to leadership, virtual learning, a capstone integration experience, and many others.

Course Listing
Program Learning Outcomes

early education teacher

Program Details

New cohorts begin every September and January. The cohort model is designed to build upon leadership skills, support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.

Most courses are completed 100% online with synchronous and asynchronous sessions. One Saturday/Sunday weekend of classes is taken each term with the flexibility to participate online or in-person.

An initial welcome immersion experience occurs on Saturday and Sunday at the beginning of the first term on the West LA and/or Malibu campuses. It is highly recommended but not required.

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Expand Your Career Possibilities

As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to realize your full potential in a variety of roles in colleges, universities, early childhood education, policy-making, nonprofits, and school systems in the public and private sectors.

Employment demand is high with a favorable projected job growth. As a graduate, you will be prepared to increase your earning potential, drive organizational change, and help make a lasting difference for students and educational institutions.

scholarship form

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. Incoming GSEP students may be eligible for approximately $10,000 in Pepperdine scholarships.*

Total tuition $45,600
GSEP scholarships available -$10,000
Total tuition after GSEP scholarships $35,600

*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

"We all came from different backgrounds. We all came from different walks of life. It was a lot of diversity, and that contributed to a healthy learning environment because we all brought something different to the table, and we all respected each other." - Elias Saade, Alumni

Why Pepperdine

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

Reputable University

GSEP offers prestigious programs at the #46-ranked university in the US* committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

#29

Best-Value Schools
U.S. News & Report

#9

Best College Value in the West/SW
Kiplinger

#10

Most Entrepreneurial Universities
Forbes

* U.S. News & Report, Best Colleges Rankings, National Universities

Distinguished Faculty

  • GSEP faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
  • Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.
  • Average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.

Alumni Network

  • Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.
  • As a Pepperdine alumnus, you have exclusive access to the PeppConnect Mentoring Program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.

Student and Career Support

  • GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
  • Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
  • GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.
  Passion and Purpose Driven

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

  Reputable University

Reputable University

GSEP offers prestigious programs at the #46-ranked university in the US* committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

#29

Best-Value Schools
U.S. News & Report

#9

Best College Value in the West/SW
Kiplinger

#10

Most Entrepreneurial Universities
Forbes

* U.S. News & Report, Best Colleges Rankings, National Universities

  Distinguished Faculty

Distinguished Faculty

  • GSEP faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
  • Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.
  • Average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.
  Alumni Network

Alumni Network

  • Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.
  • As a Pepperdine alumnus, you have exclusive access to the PeppConnect Mentoring Program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.
  Student and Career Support

Student and Career Support

  • GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
  • Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
  • GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.

Contact Us

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Ernesto Santiago Elizondo
Enrollment Officer
6100 Center Drive, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045

310.568.5762

Email

Schedule an Appointment

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