BROCHURE FACTS 2025
President’s Welcome
Welcome to Pepperdine University.
At Pepperdine, we provide students with more than a top-tier education. We welcome our more than 8,900 students to pursue an education at the highest level of academic excellence built on the foundation of deep Christian faith. Pepperdine equips you to find and fulfill your calling. We exist to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
We relentlessly pursue our founder’s ideal of excellence — which includes intellectual curiosity, rigorous coursework, critical thinking skills, and personal integrity. Our programs are taught by esteemed faculty who are dedicated to delivering quality instruction and contributing to the advancement of scholarship in their fields. At Pepperdine, academic rigor is applied with compassion and respect. This means we seek to model all the virtues that make for a culture of academic excellence — including rigorous logical reasoning, academic freedom, access to competing viewpoints, and respect for one another, even when we disagree.
The pages of this guide will introduce you to the University’s many offerings — to each of our schools and our athletic programs, as well as our history and financial data. But what makes Pepperdine truly exceptional is the transformative, life-changing experience you will encounter here — one that produces world-changing servant leaders marked by faith, character, courage, and creativity. During your visit, I invite you to explore and see for yourself the beauty, community, and faith that unify this special place and inspire us to become the people God created us to be.
Jim Gash (JD ’93) President
Beginnings and Benefactors
Pepperdine University is a private Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in Malibu, California. Founded in 1937 by entrepreneur and businessman George Pepperdine, the school’s original campus was located in the Vermont Knolls area of Los Angeles. In 1972 generous gifts from Blanche E. Seaver, widow of donor Frank R. Seaver, enabled the school to expand into Malibu. Three years later, the Malibu campus was named Frank R. Seaver College, becoming the flagship undergraduate school of the University. Now bookended by the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains, the 830-acre Pepperdine University campus is ranked by the Princeton Review as one of America’s most beautiful college campuses.
Seaver College was joined by a graduate business school and law school in 1969. The Graziadio Business School has borne the name of benefactor George L. Graziadio, Jr., since 1996. In honor of a historic gift from alumnus Rick J. Caruso (JD ’83), and his wife, Tina, the law school was named the Caruso School of Law in 2019. The University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology was established in 1982, following the founding of the School of Education 11 years earlier. In 1997 the School of Public Policy opened its doors and Pepperdine launched its College of Health Science in 2024.
George Pepperdine (1886–1962)
Frank R. Seaver (1883–1964) Blanche E. Seaver (1891–1994)
George L. Graziadio (1911–2002)
J. Caruso (JD ’83)
Today Pepperdine University students study not only in Malibu, but in three other convenient locations in Southern California; in Washington, DC; and at five University-owned campuses outside the US.
Rooted in the Christian tradition, Pepperdine is committed to both the relentless pursuit of truth through academic excellence and to embodying Christian faith and values. In addition to its dedication to scholarly distinction, in all of its schools and locales Pepperdine promotes a vibrant culture of spiritual life. At Pepperdine students of all faiths are encouraged to listen and learn from each other with mutual humility through opportunities provided by the Hub for Spiritual Life, student-led ministries, and prayer and unity gatherings.
Rick
Seaver College
Seaver College is the University’s residential college of letters, arts, and sciences, providing rich opportunities for intellectual and spiritual exploration within a diverse community.
Dean: Lee Kats, PhD
Founded: 1972–originally known as the “Malibu campus,” named Frank R. Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences in 1975 after the late husband of benefactor Blanche E. Seaver
School Organization: eight academic divisions
▶ Business Administration
▶ Communication
▶ Fine Arts
▶ Humanities and Teacher Education
▶ International Studies and Languages
▶ Natural Science
▶ Religion and Philosophy
▶ Social Science
Degrees Offered: BA (35 majors), BS (10 majors), MA (1), MS (2), MDiv, MFA (1) (fall 2025)
Certificate Programs:
Conflict Management, Global Fellows, Nutritional Science (postgrad), Teacher Education
Minors: 52 fields of study (fall 2025)
Top 6 Majors: business administration, psychology, biology, integrated marketing communication, political science, finance
Special Programs: W. David Baird Distinguished Lecture Series, Center for Teaching Excellence, Great Books Colloquium, Intercultural Affairs Office, Social Action and Justice Colloquium, Student-Led Ministries
Student Support: Academic Advising, Counseling Center, Office of Student Accessibility, Resilience-Informed Skills Education Program, Spiritual Life Advisors Program, Student Care Team, Student Employment, Student Health Center, Student Success Center
Enrollment Stats: 3,503 total, male/female ratio: 1:1.5, student/faculty ratio: 13:1, entering class GPA: 3.61
Top 6 Home States (US Resident Students): California 52.2%, Texas 6.3%, Washington 3.2%, Colorado 2.7%, Arizona 2.2%, New York 1.9%
Top 6 Countries of Origin (International Students): China 24.7%, Canada 9.1% Republic of Korea 5.8%, Indonesia 5.5%, India 4.7%, Brazil 4.0%,
Recent Recognitions:
▶ U.S. News & World Report: #80 National Universities, #11 Study Abroad Programs, #48 Best Colleges for Veterans, #45 Best Undergraduate Teaching, #74 Best Value Schools
▶ Niche.com: Overall grade = A-, #11 Best Christian Colleges, #41 Best Colleges for Sports Management
Winners of Competitive Fellowships: 2017–2024 Rhodes Scholarships
Caruso School of Law
Pepperdine Caruso Law provides a superior legal education marked by academic excellence, Christian values, and rigorous legal training.
Dean: Paul L. Caron, LLM
Founded: 1964—originally the Orange University College of Law in Santa Ana, California; acquired in 1969 and named for benefactor Rick J. Caruso (JD ’83) in 2019
Accreditation: approved by the American Bar Association; Committee of Bar Examiners, State Bar of California; member of the Association of American Law Schools and Order of the Coif
Degrees Offered:
▶ JD (2-year accelerated, 3-year program)
▶ LLM (with four specializations available: dispute resolution; entertainment, media, and sports law; international commercial arbitration; and US law)
▶ MDR (Master of Dispute Resolution)
▶ MLS (Master of Legal Studies)
Certificate Programs: Criminal Legal Practice; Dispute Resolution; Entertainment, Media, and Sports Law; Entrepreneurship and the Law; International and Comparative Law Joint-Degree Programs: JD/MBA, JD/MDiv, JD/MDR, JD/MPP, MDR/MPP Institutes and Centers: Byrne Judicial Clerkship Institute; Ken Starr Institute for Faith, Law, and Public Service; Nootbaar Institute on Law, Religion, and Ethics; Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law; Parris Institute for Professional Excellence; Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution; Sudreau Global Justice Institute
Clinical Programs: Community Justice Clinic, Disaster Relief Clinic, Faith and Family Mediation Clinic, Legal Aid Clinic, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, Mediation Clinic, Ninth Circuit Appellate Advocacy Clinic, Religious Liberty Clinic, Restoration and Justice Clinic, Startup Law Clinic
Recent Recognitions:
▶ U.S. News & World Report: #55 for Best Law Schools, #2 dispute resolution program (Straus Institute)
▶ Princeton Review: #3 for Best Professors: Accessibility
▶ National Jurist’s preLaw magazine: #8 in Practical Training
Special Programs: Mediating the Litigated Case Program; Pepperdine Law Review Symposium; Professional Skills Program; Washington, DC, Semester Program
Enrollment Stats: 806 total, male/female ratio: 1:1.66, student/faculty ratio: 13:1
JD Enrollment Stats: 532 total, student/faculty ratio: 7:1, entering-class medians: LSAT 164, GPA 3.85, first-time California bar pass rate 87.5%
Top 5 Home States (US-Resident Students): California 67.7%, Texas 3.8%, Colorado 1.9%, Arizona 1.7% Florida 1.6%
Journals: Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal; Pepperdine Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship, and the Law; Pepperdine Law Review
310.506.4611 law.pepperdine.edu
Graziadio Business School
The Graziadio Business School is anchored in the core values of Pepperdine and is dedicated to developing purpose-driven leaders that drive meaningful, positive change through transformational, experiential learning.
Dean: Deborah F. Crown, PhD
Founded: 1969–named for benefactor George L. Graziadio, Jr., in 1996
Accreditation: AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
Degrees Offered:
▶ EDBA (Executive Doctor of Business Administration)
▶ MBA (Master of Business Administration)
• Executive MBA
• Full-Time MBA*
• Part-Time MBA
• Online MBA**
• Presidents and Key Executives (PKE) MBA
*Offered in full-time, residential format. All others are designed for working professionals variously in evening, weekend, hybrid, or online schedules unless noted.
**Offered in an online format.
▶ MS (Master of Science)
• MS in Applied Finance*
• MS in Business*
• MS in Business Analytics*/**
• MS in Global Business*
• MS in Human Resources**
• MS in Management and Leadership**
• MS in Organization Development
• MS in Real Estate*
▶ BSM (Bachelor of Science in Management)**
Joint-Degree/Pathway Programs: BSM to MBA Pathway, MBA/JD, MBA/MPP
Professional Development Programs: offerings in eight areas of business specialty study
Centers and Institutes: Center for Women in Leadership; Institute for Entertainment, Media, and Sports
Special Programs: Executive DBA Conference; George Awards; Entertainment Evolution Symposium; Future of Healthcare Symposium; International Women’s Day Mini-Conference; Most Fundable Companies Showcase; MS in Organization Development Alumni Conference; Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible (SEER) Symposium
Enrollment Stats: 1,120 total, male/female ratio: 1:1.10, student/faculty ratio: 10:1
Top 2 Countries of Origin (International Students): China 52.9%, Kuwait 7.3%
Recent Recognitions:
▶ U.S. News & World Report: #52 Best Part-Time MBA, #88 Best Business School
▶ Fortune: #14 Part-Time MBA, #17 Online MBA
▶ Princeton Review: #2 Best MBA for Nonprofit Full-Time MBA, #4 Greatest Resources for Minority Students Full-Time MBA, #16 Online MBA
310.506.4858
bschool.pepperdine.edu
Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP)
The Graduate School of Education and Psychology provides innovative academic programs dedicated to building scholar-practitioners through hands-on learning.
Dean: Farzin Madjidi, EdD
Founded: 1971–as School of Education, 1981–Psychology Division added, 1982–renamed Graduate School of Education and Psychology
First Offerings of Graduate Degrees: Psychology–1951, Education–1960
Accreditation: specific programs of GSEP accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. PsyD program accredited by the American Psychological Association
Degrees Offered: Education:*
▶ PhD in Global Leadership and Change
▶ EdD in Organizational Leadership (online format)
• Pre-K to 12 Leadership
• Learning Technologies
• Change Management
▶ MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change
▶ MA in Teaching (evening and online formats)
▶ MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
▶ MS in Education (online format)
• Leadership in Higher Education
• Leadership in Learning Design and Technology
• Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education
• Organizational Leadership and Learning
*EdD credits may be applied toward PhD and 9 MA TESOL or MS credits may be applied toward EdD or PhD.
Psychology:
▶ PsyD in Clinical Psychology
▶ MA in Clinical Psychology: Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) (day, evening, online formats); Emphasis in MFT with Latinx Communities
▶ MA in Psychology (evening, online formats)
▶ MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (evening, online formats)
Education Credentials Programs: offerings in single- and multiple-subject teaching
Community Counseling Clinics:
offering intern-provided clinical care in Irvine and West Los Angeles
Special Programs: Aliento, The Center for Latinx Communities; counseling at Hope Gardens Family Center and Village of Hope; Culture and Trauma Research Lab; Diversity Council; Foster Grandparent Program; PRYDE; Union Rescue Mission Mental Health Clinic (low- and no-cost counseling services)
Enrollment Stats: 3,485 total, 534 education, 2,951 psychology, male/female ratio: 1:4.2, student/faculty ratio: 12:1
Honor Societies: Golden Key International Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi (education), Psi Chi (psychology)
310.568.5600
gsep.pepperdine.edu
School of Public Policy (SPP)
The School of Public Policy provides students a public policy education rooted firmly in history, philosophy, and economics; guided by moral and ethical principles captured in the lives of great leaders; and encompassing the full range of governmental, community-based, and free-market approaches to public policy issues.
Dean: Pete N. Peterson, MPP
Founded: 1997—originally established as the Institute for Public Policy in 1996
Affiliations: Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs; Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management; National Security Agency/Central Security Service Education Partnership Agreement, STEM; Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration; Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program; United States Cyber Command Department of Defense Academic Education Network
Degrees Offered: MPP (Master of Public Policy)
(Specializations: American policy and politics, applied economic policy, international relations and national security, public policy and dispute resolution, state and local policy)
Joint-Degree Programs: MPP/JD, MPP/MBA, MPP/MDR
Special
Academic/Professional Programs: Washington, DC, MPP Track; DC Policy Scholars Program (4-week courses); Professional Certificate in Public Engagement for Local Government Internship: Required specialization-related internship
Enrollment Stats: 62 total, male/female ratio: 1:1, student/faculty ratio: 6:1
Student Organizations: Association of Environmental Professionals, Christianity and Public Policy, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Conservatives of Public Policy, International City/County Management Association Student Chapter, Pi Alpha Alpha, Politics in Public Policy, Women in Public Policy
Initiatives:
▶ Alternative Viewpoints on California Policy: partners with economic research firm Beacon Economics LLC to publish a series of white papers focused on current policy topics in California
▶ Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership: offers seminars; sponsors conferences; works with governments, nonprofits, and residents to promote civic involvement skills
▶ Education Policy and Impact: prepares policy leaders as it engages current policy makers in civil discussions about the future of America’s education system
▶ Edwin Meese III Institute: promotes a communitarian approach to American policy and politics
▶ Energy, Environment, and Economics Lab: provides curricular and co-curricular activities that explore free-market environmentalism
▶ Viewpoint Diversity: promotes diversity of expression in American higher education
Featured Scholars:
▶ Robert George, Ronald Reagan Honorary Distinguished Professor of Public Policy
▶ Victor Davis Hanson, Inaugural Terry Giles and Kalli O’Malley Distinguished Visiting Professor
▶ Steven Hayward, Edward L. Gaylord Visiting Professor of Public Policy
▶ Byron Johnson, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Religious Studies and the Common Good
▶ Kiron Skinner, Taube Family Chair of International Relations and Politics
▶ Knox Thames, Senior Fellow
Publications: Dean’s Report, Pepperdine Policy Review
310.506.7490
publicpolicy.pepperdine.edu
College of Health Science
With classes started in August 2025, the College of Health Science provides a world-class education for the next generation of healthcare providers. Through rigorous coursework and practical application under the instruction of experienced faculty and healthcare practitioners, students are prepared for careers in nursing and speech-language pathology with plans to extend programming to physician assistant and other additional disciplines that will meet the demands of the growing healthcare field. The college is an extension of Pepperdine’s Christian mission, integrating faith and learning and offering students a faith-based perspective of healthcare.
Founding Dean: Michael E. Feltner, PhD
Founded: 2024
School of Nursing
Dean: Angel Coaston, PhD, RN, FNP
Degrees Offered:
▶ BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) (four-year pathway and two-year transfer student pathway)
▶ ELM-CNL (Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader)
School of Speech-Language Pathology
Dean: Leah Fullman, ScD, CCC-SLP
Degree Offered:
▶ MS SLP (Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology) (online format)
818.702.1081 | healthscience.pepperdine.edu
Study Abroad
Seaver College International Programs Office: International Programs provides unparalleled study abroad experiences that allow for adventure, personal growth, academic rigor, and a guided path to becoming a globally minded citizen. Pepperdine’s participation rate of 95 percent ranks number one among US doctoral universities.
Academic Year and Summer Programs: Pepperdine has permanent educational and residential facilities serving students in the following locations:
▶ Blonay - Saint-Légier, Switzerland
▶ Buenos Aires, Argentina
▶ Florence, Italy
▶ Heidelberg, Germany
▶ London, United Kingdom
▶ Washington, DC
Summer Faculty-Led and Specialty Programs: Varying by year, programs are offered to locations globally.
▶ Faculty-Led Programs have been held in Fiji, Japan, Kenya, Paris, Scotland, Spain, and Uganda.
▶ Examples of Specialty Programs include Buenos Aires Upper Division Spanish, Buenos Aires Natural Science, Heidelberg Music, London Internship or Religion, Swiss Intensive French, and Washington, DC, Internship.
▶ In addition to our many programs for undergraduates, study abroad opportunities are offered by all Pepperdine graduate schools.
Locations Old and New
Pepperdine is proud to furnish students with global experiences that both challenge them and offer them the warmth and community that they find in Malibu. To those ends the University has established campuses abroad that are emblematic of the culture in which they are situated, as demonstrated by our first and our newest locations.
Heidelberg, Germany, Pepperdine’s First International Campus
A richly historic and picturesque city, Heidelberg, Germany, has been giving Pepperdine students the quintessential study abroad experience since 1963. For more than 60 years, students have enjoyed living in Moore Haus, the iconic four-story mansion built in 1906 that overlooks Old Town Heidelberg. Program participants have the opportunity to mingle and speak German with local students from Heidelberg Universität through our language partner program.
The Château d’Hauteville, Switzerland, Pepperdine’s Newest International Campus
Just two years ago Pepperdine opened its doors to the Château d’Hauteville in Blonay – Saint-Légier, Switzerland. Part of a magnificent 18th-century estate that includes five classrooms and residential quarters for more than 120 students, the château’s gardens and vineyards offer students the opportunity to develop agricultural skills in addition to their academic pursuits.
seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/international-programs
Spiritual Life
As a Christian university, Pepperdine is committed to the spiritual formation of the community. Offerings include:
▶ Hub for Spiritual Life: The central spiritual life office on campus that cultivates worship, service, and discipleship experiences for students
▶ Chapel:
A program for first- and second-year students to explore faith and experience hospitality at Pepperdine
▶ Center for Faith and Learning:
A community-focused center that offers resources for faculty to integrate faith and learning into their classrooms
▶ Boone Center for the Family: A center dedicated to strengthening relationships and families through faith-centered resources
▶ Office of the Chaplain: An office offering ongoing opportunities for spiritual support and pastoral care for faculty and staff
▶ University Church of Christ and Waves Church: Two Churches of Christ on campus
University Libraries
Pepperdine Libraries provides a wealth of resources and personalized, expert service to support the diverse and changing needs of our learning community.
Dean of Libraries: Mark S. Roosa, PhD
Locations: Malibu (three locations); Calabasas; Irvine; West Los Angeles; Washington, DC; and five international locations at our campuses in Buenos Aires, Florence, Heidelberg, London, and Switzerland
Resources:
▶ Access to more than 1.6 million items via our catalog; 3.5 billion available via interlibrary loan
▶ Access to more than 120 electronic databases, with more than 61,000 journals and 600,000 e-books
▶ Digital Collections: 50,000 items, including photographs, documents, films, and recordings
▶ Boone Special Collections and University Archives: Churches of Christ Heritage Center, John Mazza Historic Surfboard Collection, Malibu Historical Collection, rare books
▶ Pepperdine Libraries Digital Commons (electronic press for research and scholarly output)
Services:
▶ Librarians available via chat, email, phone, in person
▶ Tutoring for writing and speech and fully equipped workstations in the Academic Center for Excellence
▶ Genesis Lab makerspace and Drescher and West L.A. iLabs outfitted with 3D printers, virtual reality equipment, studio for video/podcast recording, and more
▶ Lectures, concerts, workshops, and exhibitions
▶ Digital Learning Lab for information literacy classes
310.506.7273
library.pepperdine.edu
Athletics
School Team Name: Waves
Athletic Mascot: Willie the Wave
Athletics Director: Tanner Gardner
NCAA Division I Teams
Men’s Sports:
▶ Baseball
▶ Basketball
▶ Cross Country
▶ Golf
▶ Indoor Volleyball
▶ Tennis
▶ Track
▶ Water Polo
Women’s Sports:
▶ Basketball
▶ Beach Volleyball
▶ Cross Country
▶ Golf
▶ Indoor and Outdoor Track
▶ Indoor Volleyball
▶ Soccer
▶ Swimming and Diving
▶ Tennis
Baseball:
▶ 1992 NCAA champions
▶ 27 NCAA tournament appearances
▶ 25 conference championships
Men’s Basketball:
▶ 13 NCAA tournament appearances
▶ 19 conference championships
Women’s Basketball:
▶ 4 NCAA tournament appearances
▶ 7 conference championships
Women’s Beach Volleyball:
▶ 2012, 2014 AVCA national champions
▶ 4 NCAA tournament appearances
▶ 3 conference championships
Men’s Golf:
▶ 1997, 2021 NCAA champions
▶ 14 NCAA championship appearances
▶ 23 conference championships
Women’s Golf:
▶ 14 NCAA championship appearances
▶ 21 conference championships
Men’s Volleyball:
▶ 1978, 1985, 1986, 1992, 2005 NCAA champions
▶ 19 NCAA tournament appearances
▶ 7 conference championships
Women’s Indoor Volleyball:
▶ 27 NCAA tournament appearances
▶ 12 conference championships
Women’s Soccer:
▶ 15 NCAA tournament appearances
▶ 6 conference championships
Women’s Swimming and Diving:
▶ 3 conference championships
Men’s Tennis:
▶ 2006 NCAA champions
▶ 1952 NAIA champions
▶ 45 NCAA tournament appearances
▶ 46 conference championships
Women’s Tennis:
▶ 37 NCAA tournament appearances
▶ 33 conference championships
Men’s Water Polo:
▶ 1997 NCAA champions
▶ 13 NCAA tournament appearances
▶ 13 conference championships
Olympic History:
▶ Alumni Olympians (competitor or coach): 60
▶ Medals: Gold 9, Silver 8, Bronze 6
▶ Gold Medalists: Lynn Williams Biyendolo, Dain Blanton, Craig Buck (2), Bob Ctvrtlik, Kim Hill, Sean Rooney, Jeff Stork, Troy Tanner
NCAA Student-Athlete Graduation Success:
Pepperdine NCAA average 95% 91%
310.506.4150 pepperdinewaves.com
Pepperdine Musical Theatre: 9 to 5: The Musical
Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts
The Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts (CFA) presents a diverse program of performances and exhibitions. Each year, CFA serves 50,000 patrons and participants through performances, rehearsals, and art exhibitions in its four facilities: Smothers Theatre (seats 450), Raitt Recital Hall (124), Helen E. Lindhurst Theatre (100), and the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art. Headliners have included Kenny Loggins and Lea Salonga, in addition to a year-round program of recitals, dance, world music, and shows for families.
Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art:
The Weisman Museum offers changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary artwork with an emphasis on art made in California.
ARTSReach Program:
Supported by the Center for the Arts Guild, the ARTSReach program provides free performances and guided museum tours to thousands of schoolchildren from throughout Southern California.
Master Classes:
World-class artists connect with Pepperdine University students for hands-on instruction in music, theatre, and dance. Recent master classes include a clowning workshop with the critically acclaimed Reduced Shakespeare Company and a musical theatre master class with Broadway star Jessica Vosk.
Jessica Vosk master class
Dance in Flight students lead a Q and A for students in the ARTSReach program
Center for the Arts Highlights:
▶ 50,000 patrons served
▶ 1,800 artists, technicians, and onstage participants each year
▶ 7,000 viewings of performances, exhibitions, and master classes by Pepperdine University students
▶ 5,000 ARTSReach performance attendees
Recent Professional Presentation Highlights:
▶ American Ballet Theatre Studio Company
▶ Bob Eubanks’ Backstage with the Beatles, featuring Ticket to Ride
▶ Classic Albums Live Presents: Fleetwood Mac Rumours
▶ Home for the Holidays featuring Peabo Bryson and Oleta Adams
▶ Jessica Vosk
▶ PILOBOLUS
▶ Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Recent Museum Highlights:
▶ James Clar: Powers of Ten
▶ Cameron Harvey: The Shape of Being
▶ Isabel Yellin: Mothership
Family Arts Fest
Social Event and Advancement Calendar
Fall:
▶ Caruso School of Law Dinner
▶ Coastal Capital Summit
▶ Founder’s Day
▶ Luciana and Daniel Forge Fall Musical
▶ Pepperdine Gives (annual giving day)
▶ Pepperdine Worship Summit
▶ Step Forward Day
▶ Veterans Day Luncheon
▶ Wave Classic Golf Tournament
▶ Waves of Flags
▶ Waves Weekend
Winter:
▶ Center for the Arts Guild Holiday Boutique
▶ Christmas Tree Lighting
▶ Dance in Flight
▶ Flora L. Thornton Opera Program
▶ WCC Basketball Tournament (Las Vegas)
Spring:
▶ Commencements
▶ George Awards
▶ Grad Fest
▶ Harbor: The Pepperdine Bible Lectures
▶ Pepperdine Associates Dinner
▶ William French Smith Memorial Lectures
▶ Youth Citizenship Seminar
Summer:
▶ Château Family Camp
▶ Pepperdine International Travel trip
University Advancement:
▶ General: 310.506.4228
▶ Pepperdine Associates: 310.506.6335
Each September Pepperdine stages the Waves of Flags display honoring the lives lost in the 9/11 terror attack with nearly 3,000 flags in Alumni Park along Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road.
Student Veterans Affairs
Pepperdine is home to more than 500 enrolled veterans, active service members, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, and their dependents. The University is currently ranked #48 Best College for Veterans (U.S. News & World Report). Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Pepperdine invests almost $3 million annually to help cover 100 percent tuition costs for eligible students, and it does not limit the number of students who can use the program at any given time. Pepperdine has expanded services and support for military-connected students in recent years to include:
▶ University-wide director of Student Veteran Affairs position
▶ University-wide PeppVet Council and Student Organization
▶ PeppVet Center on Malibu campus offering:
• Personalized support, advocacy, and peer-to-peer networking
• Monthly newsletter relating services, activities, and initiatives
• Monthly events and guest speakers
• Outreach partnership with off-campus resources
▶ Annual Veterans Day luncheon
▶ Annual Career Mentoring Forum
▶ Priority registration for veterans and ROTC cadets
▶ Financial support to veterans for study abroad opportunities
▶ Tuition debt support for military-connected students
▶ Travel stipend for cadets participating in cross-town ROTC programs
▶ Military honor cord worn during commencement ceremonies
pepperdine.edu/veterans
Community Safety
Pepperdine is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students and community members.
Campus Security:
Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel receive safety, security, and emergency response training, which can be inclusive of wildland fire response, CPR, and more. Available Malibu campus entrances are continually staffed and diligently monitored to facilitate campus access and direct guests to their on-campus destination. DPS officers provide 24/7 security services to the community and are glad to assist—day or night—with any items that may arise.
Emergency Preparedness and Response:
The Office of Emergency Services, the Office of Insurance and Risk, DPS, and the University’s Emergency Operations Committee (EOC), in cooperation with many other departments, work to ensure that Pepperdine upholds the highest standards in emergency preparedness.
During emergencies faculty, students, and staff are informed by the University’s emergency mass notification system. The LiveSafe Mobile App is another tool that provides an immediate path to communicating safety information to 911 or DPS. Community members may also go to the University Emergency Information page, emergency.pepperdine.edu, for EOC updates and decisions.
General Public Safety Office: 310.506.4700
pepperdine.edu/publicsafety
Report an Emergency: 911, then 310.506.4441 emergency.pepperdine.edu
Centers and Institutes
Many centers and institutes, devoted to furthering scholarship, providing professional training, or both, are affiliated with Pepperdine University. These institutions include:
Boone Center for the Family:
The Boone Center for the Family empowers church communities, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations with training programs rooted in psychology and theology to support their communities in developing and living out healthy relationship skills. With multiple programs focused on young adults, couples, and congregations, the faith-centered modules guide community leaders as they help others relate more effectively to one another.
Center for Faith and the Common Good:
The Center for Faith and the Common Good serves as a hub for the academic exploration of faith’s impact on human flourishing. Born out of research on the role religion can play on the experiences of those who are incarcerated, the center’s work aims to inform public policy initiatives and improve social outcomes related to rehabilitating offenders, reducing recidivism, and influencing correctional reform.
Center for Women and Leadership:
The Center for Women in Leadership provides mentorship programs and industry engagement events for alumni, faculty, students, and staff with the goal of helping all women at the University fulfill their potential as community leaders. The center works to build confidence and competence in community members to prepare them for leadership positions in business and in life.
Institute for Entertainment, Media, and Sports:
Serving the Seaver College, Caruso School of Law, and Graziadio Business School communities, the Institute for Entertainment, Media, and Sports prepares students for impactful leadership roles within the media, entertainment, and sports sectors. Offering networking opportunities, internships, and seminars, the institute develops students’ potential as ethical, business-savvy entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, and legal professionals.
Nootbaar Institute on Law, Religion, and Ethics:
The Herbert and Elinor Nootbaar Institute on Law, Religion, and Ethics serves as the epicenter of the many law- and religion-based activities, programs, and study specializations offered by the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. With particular emphasis on the intersection of faith and law, the institute encourages the examination of law as a theological vocation from the broad range of Christian, Jewish, and other religious perspectives represented in the law school’s students, staff, and faculty.
Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution:
The internationally recognized Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law has led the nation in law-school-based conflict resolution. For more than a decade, the Straus Institute has been ranked among the nation’s best programs by U.S. News & World Report for its offerings, which include master of laws and master of dispute resolution programs and a certificate in dispute resolution.
Sudreau Global Justice Institute:
The Sudreau Global Justice Institute at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law provides law students and practicing attorneys academic training and hands-on opportunities around the world to advocate on behalf of those in need. Endowed by alumna Laure Sudreau (JD ’97) to help justice systems rethink and revise their practices to better serve their communities, institute staff and students train local practitioners in new justice provision and advocacy methods, defend those in need of representation, and work with governments around the world to create more orderly, equitable legal systems.
Scholarship
Breakthroughs in scientific understanding, the power of faith to better society, and new perspectives on how the arts can deepen the human experience are just some of the many paths followed by scholars at our R2-designated university. With students often working alongside them, our faculty demonstrate a creativity, curiosity, and intellectual rigor that advance the University’s academic reputation and are a source of great community pride.
Recent Grants:
▶ Lilly Endowment Inc. - $7.5 million for Ministry Outreach (Project directors: Mike Cope and John Barton)
▶ Lilly Endowment Inc. - $2.49 million for Weisman Museum (Project director: Andrea Gyorody)
▶ Darling Foundation - $1.5 million for the Religious Liberty Clinic (Project director: Michael Helfand)
▶ Sarah Scaife Foundation - $400,000 for the Energy and Environmental Policy Lab (Project directors: Pete Peterson and Steve Hayward)
▶ Georgia State University (John Templeton Foundation) - $200,000+ for “Cultivating Intellectual Humility Through an Interpersonal Spiritual Struggles Intervention” project (Principal investigator: Elizabeth Krumrei Mancuso)
▶ Wood-Claeyssens Foundation - $150,000 for Nonprofit Leadership Collaborative (Principal investigator: Regan Schaffer)
▶ Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - $100,000 for the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (Project directors: Jeff Baker and Brittany Stringfellow Otey)
Recent Publications:
Seaver College
▶ Jason Blakely’s book, Lost in Ideology: Interpreting Modern Political Life, explores the complexities of contemporary political thought.
▶ Theresa de los Santos, Elizabeth Smith, and Jillian Johnson published an article in Electronic News examining how teenagers’ experiences shape their understanding of and expectations for news.
▶ Felicity Vabulas contributed an article to the European Journal of International Relations investigating when member state withdrawals lead to the dissolution of international organizations.
Caruso School of Law
▶ Jacob D. Charles’s coauthored article, “The New Outlawry” was published in the Columbia Law Review.
▶ Jennifer Koh’s Political Theology article, “Immigration from a Christian Perspective: The Challenge and Imperative of Racial Justice,” examines the ethical dimensions of immigration.
Graziadio Business School
▶ Cristina Gibson and colleagues published an article in Nature titled “Financial Well-Being In Global Context.”
▶ Darren Good and coauthors explored the relationship between job demands, resources, and mindfulness in an article published in the Journal of Business Research.
▶ Cristel Russell and coauthors published an article on “Sustainability” in the Journal of Consumer Research.
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
▶ Melissa Wasserman and colleagues published an article in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy about a virtual support group initiative for mental health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
▶ Kevin M. Wong and his coauthor’s Bilingual Research Journal article, “Beyond Lau: Envisioning Humanizing and Culturally Sustaining Workspaces for Teachers in Dual-Language Bilingual Education Schools,” discusses creating supportive environments for educators.
School of Public Policy
▶ Luisa Blanco Raynal and coauthors published research in Health Equity on the employment and income insecurity experienced by low-to-moderateincome Latinas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
▶ Kiron Skinner and colleagues authored International Talent Programs in the Changing Global Environment, published by the National Academies Press.
Student Activities
Pepperdine students have a wealth of activities to engage in, clubs to join, and events to attend; all Pepperdine Athletics home events are free with a student ID.
Campus Recreation: Group Fitness Classes
▶ Cardio Kickboxing
▶ Pilates
▶ Spin
▶ Strength Training
▶ TRX
▶ Yoga
Virtual Workouts:
Online classes offered by Les Mills
Club Sports
▶ Beach Volleyball
▶ Surfing
▶ Tennis
Intramurals
▶ Basketball
▶ Flag Football
▶ Soccer
▶ Volleyball
Outdoor Recreation
▶ Backpacking
▶ Camping
▶ Hiking
▶ Kayaking
▶ Movie Night
Excursions
▶ Day, Weekend, and Weeklong trips
▶ Various Locations Including:
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Malibu Creek State Park
• Yosemite National Park
Equipment Rentals
▶ Camping Equipment
▶ Hiking Equipment
Clubs and Organizations:
Undergraduates can choose from nearly 100 student organizations that represent diverse student interests, such as identity-based groups, academic societies, social action groups, and arts and entertainment organizations. Pepperdine’s graduate schools also offer a host of professional and interest-area organizations for networking, support, and fellowship.
Events:
In addition to traditional, annual events such as Blue and Orange Madness and the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, events for socializing and fun—from bowling excursions to barbecues to craft nights—abound.
General Facts
▶ Motto: “Freely ye received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:8)
▶ School colors: blue and orange
▶ Total students in all colleges and schools: 8,976 (fall 2024)
▶ Full-time teaching faculty: 399 (fall 2024)
▶ Percentage of full-time teaching faculty holding doctoral or terminal degrees: 89% (fall 2024)
▶ Full-time staff: 1,177 (fall 2024)
▶ Malibu residential campus population: 2,482 total, 2,346 students, 136 faculty and staff (fall 2024)
▶ Accreditation: Pepperdine University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001
Alumni
Alumni by College/School:
Seaver College 41,167
Caruso School of Law 14,414
Graziadio Business School 50,582
GSEP 26,477
School of Public Policy 1,099
George Pepperdine College* 5,410
Military Locations* 2,064
School of Education* 6,155
Professional Studies* 4,117
Total Unique Alumni: 147,084 as of 6/17/2025
*Historic schools of Pepperdine
Engagement Organizations: Alumni Regional Network Leaders, Event/ Program Committees, Pepperdine Alumni Affairs, Pepperdine Entertainment Network, Pepperdine Estate Planning Network, Student Alumni Organization; Caruso School of Law: Admissions Ambassadors, Advocacy Programs Judges, Dean’s Council, Preceptor Program; Graziadio Business School: Alumni Network and Councils; GSEP: Alumni Ambassadors, Alumni Network, GAGE Alumni Scholarship Committee
News and Info Venues: Alumni Affairs newsletters, Pepperdine Magazine, Promenade (GPC); Caruso School of Law: Alumni Newsletter, Surf Report; Graziadio Business School: Monthly Alumni Newsletter; GSEP: Alumni Engagement Newsletter, Cultural Heritage Page Newsletter, Dean’s Report, GSEP Professionals Newsletter; School of Public Policy: Dean’s Report
Social Media:
Alumni
Financial Information
Assets:
▶ The University’s total assets are approximately $2.70 billion, an increase of approximately $147.2 million more than fiscal year 2023.
▶ Assets of $2.70 billion include $630 million in property, facilities, and equipment.
Endowment Income:
▶ Total endowment reported was approximately $1.3 billion.
▶ The endowment generated $57.0 million of operational support during fiscal year 2024.
Revenues: Government grants 1% Endowment support 11% Private gifts and grants 3%
10%
revenue 3%
Net student tuition and fees 70%
Total Revenues: $506 million
Expenses: Depreciation 6% Interest 4% Utilities, maintenance, repairs, and equipment 7%
Operating expenses 34% Personnel 49%
Total Expenses: $508 million
Source: Consolidated Financial Statements 7/31/2024
Executive Leadership
James
A. Gash (JD ’93) President and Chief Executive Officer
Sara Young Jackson (’74) Chancellor
US Campuses
Malibu Main Campus
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
310.506.4000
Calabasas Campus 26750 Agoura Road Calabasas, CA 91302
818.702.1000
Irvine Graduate Campus Lakeshore Towers III 18111 Von Karman Avenue Irvine, CA 92612
949.223.2500
Online: pepperdine.edu
Jay L.
Brewster Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Phil E. Phillips (’88, JD ’92)
Executive Vice President
Washington, DC, Campus
2011 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20006
202.776.5320
West Los Angeles Graduate Campus 6100 Center Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045
310.568.5737
310.568.5500 Graziadio
310.568.5600 GSEP
Sustainability Facts:
Pepperdine maintains approximately 550 acres of its nearly 830-acre campus as native open space. This pristine, unadulterated environment within the Santa Monica Mountains has been used by scholars to understand, protect, and enhance the unique biodiversity of the area. We are thankful our students have the opportunity to study the region’s local fauna and flora in this expansive on-campus area that, in many ways, functions as a living laboratory.
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, California 90263
310.506.4000
pepperdine.edu
