Pepperdine University is an independent, medium-sized university enrolling approximately 7,600 students in five colleges and schools. Seaver College, the School of Law, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, the Graziadio Business School, and the School of Public Policy are located on the University’s 830-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu. Courses are taught in Malibu, at six graduate campuses in Southern California, and at international campuses in Germany, England, Italy, and Argentina.
The University was founded in 1937 by George Pepperdine, a Christian businessman who founded the Western Auto Supply Company. For the first 30 years of its life, the institution was a small, mostly undergraduate college. University status was achieved in 1970 as the institution added graduate and professional schools. In 1972, the University opened its new campus in Malibu.
Pepperdine University is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ, of which Mr. Pepperdine was a lifelong member. Faculty, administrators and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, and students of all races and faiths are welcomed. It is the purpose of Pepperdine University to pursue the very highest academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith.
Why Choose
Academics
Pepperdine University boasts top-ranked graduate and undergraduate programs, with separate schools dedicated to business, education and psychology, law, liberal arts, and public policy. At Pepperdine, we engage in the pursuit of knowledge at its highest level and provide an array of practical, hands-on opportunities that bring it down to earth.
- 6 Separate Graduate and Undergraduate Schools
- 87 Degree Programs University Wide
Locations
Our stunning 830-acre Malibu campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is just 29 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. Three additional campuses throughout Southern California offer convenient classes for graduate students. And if you like to travel, Pepperdine has six permanent campuses around the globe and a range of international internships and programs on six continents.
Athletics
Becoming a Pepperdine Wave is a student-athlete's dream. Our NCAA athletic program is composed of eight men's and nine women's Division I teams.
- 26 National Championships
- 355 All-Americans
- 91% NCAA Student-Athlete Graduation Success
- 9 Olympic Gold Medals
- Esports Winner of West Coast Conference Preseason Invitational Championship17 NCAA Division I Teams
Spiritual Life
Founded in the Church of Christ tradition, Pepperdine University proudly upholds Christian values with the belief that they complement and support the pursuit of knowledge. At Pepperdine, students of all faiths are encouraged to explore their spirit.
- Student-Led Ministries
- Prayer and Unity Gatherings
- Hub for Spiritual Life
Service
Helping others is part of our mission. Pepperdine offers students myriad ways to be of service right here in Southern California, as well as around the world, sponsoring a variety of transformative service opportunities abroad.
Sustainability
Due to our commitment to sustainability, the Princeton Review recognizes Pepperdine on its list of green colleges.
- 65% of Malibu campus preserved in native state
- 97% of on-campus irrigation is recycled water
- 50% of Pepperdine's energy comes from renewable sources
- 16 electric vehicle charging stations provided free to Pepperdine community
Arts
Explore culture without leaving the campus at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts' three theatres and the Weisman Museum of Art. Of course, Los Angeles also offers countless prestige entertainment options. And you don't have to major in theatre to explore your dramatic side; everyone is welcome to audition for University performances.
Annual Student Performances
- 4 Plays - 1 Opera
- 1 Vocal Variety Show - 1 Dance Variety Show
- 3 Theatres
- 1 Museum
- 30+ Professional Presentations/Year
- $10 Student Tickets
Alumni
An alumni network with more than 25 regional chapters and 40 affinity programs in the US and abroad offer a bevy of ways to stay connected. And while you're a student, alumni volunteers provide guidance, insights, and professional entrées to help you succeed while in school and launch your career.
- More than 135 alumni events per year
- About 1,500 alumni offer student mentoring
- More than 7,500 on PeppConnect virtual networking platform
- #80 in National Universities
U.S. News & World Report - #11 Study Abroad
U.S. News & World Report - #11 Most Popular Study Abroad Program
The Princeton Review - #11 Study Abroad Program
U.S. News & World Report
