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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 Person

This Master's in Leadership 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-person 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: 100% Online, West LA
Length: 15 months / 30 units
Tuition: $1,510 per unit

 

 

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our curriculum includes higher education student support, leadership, virtual learning, economics, finance, governance, politics, policy, a capstone integration experience, and many other subjects.

 

Immersion Experiences and Cohort Model

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

 

Pathway Toward Your Doctorate

Upon acceptance, some units will apply to your choice of GSEP's four doctoral programs.

 

Average Class Size

GSEP's average class size is 14 students.

 

No GRE, GMAT, or Other Standardized Tests

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.

$7K+

Scholarships Available

15

Months to Complete Program

2

Terms Available: Fall and 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 fewer than 15 minutes.

Apply Now

 

 

Deadlines

OCT
03

Spring Term 2024: Priority Application Submit - Submit the application form. You may be eligible to receive a $3,000 scholarship.

FEB
27

Fall Term 2024: Early Application Submit - Submit the application form. You may be eligible to receive a $4,000 scholarship.

More Information

Information Sessions

Oct
12
MS in Org Leadership, Pre K-12, Higher Ed, & Learning Design (Virtual Meeting)
Nov
28
MS in Org Leadership, Pre K-12, Higher Ed, & Learning Design (Virtual Meeting)
Dec
18
MS in Org Leadership, Pre K-12, Higher Ed, & Learning Design (Virtual Meeting)

More Sessions

 

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Curriculum Overview

In this 30-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 other subjects.

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 Los Angeles and/or Malibu campuses. Attendance is highly recommended but not required.

women talking in office

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

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. 

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 (MS '20), Alumnus

What Our Alumni Are Saying

 

Elias Saade headshot

"I attended many info sessions from schools all over, but none of them stuck out to me like Pepperdine did. I think the reason it stuck out to me so much was because of the care that was put into it." 

-Elias Saade, MS '20

Ernesto Santiago-Elizondo Headshot

“It is not just the typical professor/student relationship that you would find in a traditional setting but rather is one of a mentor and a coach. So not only are you getting the academic side of things, but you are also getting a more personal approach towards your own goals."

-Ernesto Santiago Elizondo,  MS '22

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.

 

Accreditations and Recognitions

WASC logo

AICCU logo

Contact Us

Ernesto Santiago Elizondo headshot

Ernesto Santiago Elizondo
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP

310.568.5762
Email 
Schedule a Phone Appointment

Take the Next Step

Learn more about Pepperdine's MS in Leadership in Higher Education program.

Request Information
 
Apply Now

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