Online Master of Science in Education

Learn to lead educational opportunities with the online MS in Education Program

The online Master of Science in Education at Pepperdine University is not just for teachers. The program is for professionals from any industry who want to advance to leadership roles and lead educational opportunities within their organizations. In our online MS in education, you will learn instructional and leadership theory through hands-on application, and practice what it takes to become an educational leader in today’s competitive playing field.

You’ll also learn to create intuitive learning processes and design intuitive curricula for individual and group learning. Plus, you will gain the skills you need to maximize results for any learning style in any setting, and become the leader your industry deserves.

Note: This degree does not lead to licensure for teaching.

Curriculum

Through an immersive curriculum, you’ll learn to implement seamless and inclusive learning experiences, and practice what you learn throughout your academic journey. The 30-credit curriculum is composed of six core courses, three concentration courses, and a final capstone project.

You’ll learn advanced techniques to gain proficiency in leadership capabilities, and prepare for your target role in one of four concentrations: Leadership in Learning Design and Technology; Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education; Leadership in Higher Education; and Organizational Leadership and Learning. Students in the program also have the opportunity to engage in an immersion experience on Pepperdine University’s campus in Malibu, California.

Core Courses

Critical Thinking and Communication (3 credits)
Visual Learning, Collaboration, and Transmedia (3 credits)
Ethics, Values, and Inclusion (3 credits)
Program Design and Evaluation (3 credits)
Applied Analytics and Data Visualization (3 credits)
Entrepreneurial Leadership for Innovation and Change (3 credits)
Capstone Integration Experience (3 credits)

Concentration-specific Courses

Leadership in Learning Design and Technology (9 credits total)

New Learning and Emerging Technologies (3 credits)
Formal Learning: Rethinking Instruction (3 credits)
Informal Learning: Expanding Learning Spaces (3 credits)

Leadership in Higher Education (9 credits total)

Higher Education Politics, Governance, and Society (3 credits)
Student Support and Services in Higher Education (3 credits)
Economics, Finance, and Policy in Higher Education (3 credits)

Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education (9 credits total)

Professional Learning Culture and Instructional Coaching (3 credits)
Family and Community Engagement (3 credits)
Policy Management and Learning Environment (3 credits)

Organizational Leadership and Learning (9 credits total)

Managing Teams and Collaboration (3 credits)
Organization Design and Culture (3 credits)
Organizational Management and Stewardship (3 credits)

(Optional) In-Person Malibu Immersion

The Malibu immersion is an optional course that happens annually during the Fall term. The immersion lasts one weekend and takes place on Pepperdine University’s campus in Malibu, California. In this immersive experience, you will build meaningful connections with peers, faculty, and industry professionals in a collaborative environment; take part in community building and other engaging sessions; and deepen your understanding of your field.

Note: Students are responsible for all travel, accommodation, and for some meals during the immersion.

Online Program Highlights

In our online MS in education degree, you’ll learn to lead effectively through advanced learning theory — and to foster inclusive learning environments in organizations and academic environments.

Four concentrations available

Specialize your leadership skills to cater to the needs of your industry.

No GRE or standardized tests required

We focus on your commitment to success in our admissions process, not your test scores.

Pathway toward doctorate

Some units, upon acceptance, will apply to your choice of GSEP’s four doctoral programs.

Complete in 15 months

Learn from diverse professionals, entirely online through synchronous live sessions.

Admissions Criteria

Pepperdine University seeks applicants from any industry who are dedicated to becoming learning leaders in their organizations. A background of education is not needed to apply to our online MS in education, and the degree does not lead to licensure for teachers. We offer three annual cohorts in September, January, and April. Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply:

A bachelor’s degree in any discipline
A preferred minimum 3.0 GPA
Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants

student and teacher using a laptop

Online Pepperdine University Student Experience

Our online Master of Science in Education program allows you to study from wherever you are. You’ll learn from dedicated faculty who are also experts in their respective fields, and who are ready to enrich your learning experience every step of the way. Our classes, of no more than 20 students, offer an intimate learning experience.

As an online student at Pepperdine University, you'll also benefit from:

New perspectives from faculty and peers of diverse backgrounds.
A global network of more than 20,000 GSEP alumni.
Unparalleled academic support through academic advising, student groups, and more.
Career support, including career education and holistic career counseling.

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Open New Career Paths with a Master of Science in Education

With a master’s degree in education from Pepperdine, you can drive change within your industry through educational leadership — within organizations spanning education to not-for-profits, non-governmental organizations, and private and public industries.

Students with a focus on the education sector often become nonprofit leaders, instructional trainers, higher education administrators, and more. The degree opens doors to a variety of positions in all sectors, including leadership consulting and educational positions in healthcare organizations and faith-based organizations.

Pepperdine University primes students for a life of purpose, service, and leadership. We commit to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values.

Our innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling directly addresses the needs of today’s rapidly changing job market. You’ll receive help constructing your career narrative, as well as build employability skills and access a vast network of alumni and industry leaders.

Our faculty knows that each student provides unique insights capable of enriching their peers’ learning experiences. These dedicated educators embody Pepperdine University’s mission, and help you do the same. You can count on them to serve you and guide you throughout your education.

We are proud to have served veterans and their family members for over 75 years, today supporting almost 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents. We invest almost US$3 million annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for Yellow Ribbon-eligible students.

Leading with Value and Virtue

Pepperdine University primes students for a life of purpose, service, and leadership. We commit to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values.

Robust Career Support

Hands-on Faculty Support

Veteran and Military Services

Take the Next Step

Earn your online MS in Education in as few as 18 months and apply your education expertise wherever you feel called to serve. Request more information below to get started.