Welcome to Pepperdine Online Graduate Programs

Advance What Matters Most to You

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 heritage of faith.

Pepperdine Online is the latest evolution of that mission. From Malibu to every corner of the globe, our online graduate programs in business, law, and psychology are preparing students for purposeful work and purposeful lives. We invite you to learn more about our world-class online programs and what it means to be a part of our extraordinary Pepperdine Waves community.

Caruso School of Law

Equipped to Lead. Empowered to Serve.

The Pepperdine Caruso School of Law prepares lawyers, mediators, and other champions of justice with the rigorous legal training they need to tackle the conflicts of today. Pepperdine Caruso Law’s dispute resolution program is consistently ranked among the top 2 in the United States.1

Discover Online Law Programs
Discover On-Campus Law Programs

Online Programs

• Master of Legal Studies
• Master of Dispute Resolution
• Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Become a Catalyst for Inspiration and Change

The Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology helps shape altruistic individuals into scholar-practitioners and Pre-K to 12 teachers that improve and enrich the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Discover Online Psychology Programs
Discover On-Campus Psychology Programs
Discover Online Education Programs

Online Programs

• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
• Master of Arts in Psychology
• Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Master of Science in Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

College of Health Science

Make a Difference in Patients’ Lives

The Pepperdine College of Health Science prepares students to provide life-changing care to every patient by treating them with knowledge, compassion, and confidence across the lifespan and continuum of care.

Discover Online Health Science Programs

Online Programs

• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Pepperdine Online Student Experience

At Pepperdine Online, students receive a distinct online education rooted in both tradition and transformation. Our values-based approach to education is combined with 21st-century learning best practices to create a sophisticated online experience that promotes deep thinking, purposeful reflection, and meaningful connection.

Collaborate in Real Time: Live Classes

Attend weekly live classes in an environment where rich discussion and debate are encouraged, and collaborative tools—like polling and small breakout rooms—are integrated into the online classroom.

Connect It Back to the Big Picture: Engaging Course Work

Complete interactive modules, watch video lectures, and read case studies that challenge you to think critically about what you have learned and how you can apply it to real-world, values-driven work.

Meet Your Faculty and Peers in California: In-Person Experiences

Collaborate with classmates and get to know Pepperdine faculty in an entirely new way as you work in-person to tackle an intensive project. Most Pepperdine online programs feature in-person immersions or residencies.

student holding a phone

Connected to Everything Pepperdine

Our digital campus is a virtual extension of the rich Pepperdine culture and campus. It’s intuitive, engaging, and designed to keep you connected to everything and everyone you need access to, from course work to student support—and, of course, your Pepperdine peers and faculty—from wherever you are, on any device.

I feel like I’m a part of the university as if I were attending classes on campus.”

Denis M.
Director of Sales and MLS Student

Your Learning, Your Way

Curious about a specific topic? Search video transcripts. Need help? Support is one button click away.

Our admissions team provides one-on-one tours of the digital campus. Contact the admissions team today to schedule a tour.

Passionate and Purpose Driven. Just Like You.

Pepperdine’s distinguished faculty members are renowned leaders in their fields who are hardworking and passionate about their work and their students. Our professors teach because they want to—not because they have to—and they see sharing knowledge and mentoring students as not just work, but a noble pursuit and responsibility.

Jeffrey R. Baker, JD – Caruso School of Law

Jeffrey R. Baker, clinical professor of law, assistant dean of clinical education and global programs, advocate for domestic violence justice, and recipient of the Montgomery Advertiser’s Martin Luther King Spirit Honors Award and the Justice for Victims Award.

View more Caruso School of Law faculty.

Thema Bryant-Davis, PhD – Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Dr. Thema Bryant is currently a tenured professor of psychology in the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University, where she directs the Culture and Trauma Research Laboratory. 

View more Graduate School of Education and Psychology faculty.

Leah I Fullman, MBA ScD CCC-SLP — College of Health Science

Dr. Leah I Fullman is the Inaugural Dean at the School of Speech-Language Pathology at Pepperdine University. She also works as an accreditation consultant to universities developing programs in the health sciences and as a legal consultant for cases within her scope of practice.

Student-First Support and Services

We are here to support you every step of the way—before, during, and beyond your journey as a Pepperdine student.

Admissions and Application Support

Admissions is your dedicated team for help with questions about the program, the online experience, financial aid, or upcoming deadlines. They can also provide details of any upcoming events—like faculty or student webinars—you may want to attend.

Advising and Student Support

A dedicated student support advisor will support you throughout the entire program, helping you adapt to student life, answering questions about the curriculum, and guiding you on the path toward graduation.

Get in touch today. Contact our admissions team by phone or email.

One-click access to 24/7 tech support is available to all students from the digital campus.

Prepare for Life After Pepperdine

Pepperdine’s career services team offers career resources and advising to help you achieve lifelong professional success.

  • Meet one-on-one with an executive coach to talk about your goals, get help with your resume, or prepare for the big day with a mock interview.
  • Make invaluable connections with other alumni through Pepperdine’s global online community on PeppConnect.
  • Access Pepperdine job boards with listings from organizations that are looking to hire Pepperdine alumni.
  • Attend Pepperdine virtual networking events, as well as any upcoming events in your area.

Make Waves with Us

At Pepperdine, our more than 130,000 alumni are servant-minded leaders who are creating real change—not just in their organizations, but their communities, too. When you become a Pepperdine Wave, you become part of that legacy, and you join a community that will empower you to pursue your life’s purpose.

As Pepperdine Waves, serving others is fundamentally part of who we are, and we know that knowledge calls, ultimately, for a life of service.”

Jim G.
President and CEO

We Hope You’ll Join Us

Great things are happening at Pepperdine—and we’re just getting started. Select from the programs below, then request information and connect with admissions by filling out the form at the top of the page.

Discover Our Online Law Programs
Discover Our Online Psychology Programs
Discover Our Online Education Programs
Discover Our Online Health Science Programs

FAQs About Pepperdine Online Graduate Programs

  • Pepperdine University is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), one of the six official regional accrediting agencies in the United States. This accreditation certifies that our curriculum, faculty, and student support services meet the highest standards of academic excellence and institutional integrity. Consequently, a graduate degree from Pepperdine is recognized and respected by employers, licensing boards, and doctoral institutions worldwide.

  • No. Your diploma will state the name of your degree (e.g., Master of Science in Education) and the university. It will not mention “online” or the mode of delivery. You receive the exact same degree as our on-campus students, holding the same academic weight and prestige.

  • Pepperdine alumni are recognized leaders who drive change in health science, psychology, law, education, and public policy. Our graduates have gone on to lead Fortune 500 companies, found successful nonprofits, influence public legislation, and serve their communities as licensed clinicians and educators.

    Regardless of your specific field, a Pepperdine degree signals to employers that you possess not only technical expertise but also a strong ethical foundation and a commitment to purpose-driven leadership. As an online student, you join this same powerful network of over 140,000 alumni worldwide, gaining access to mentorship and career opportunities that can last a lifetime.

  • No. While Pepperdine is a Christian university rooted in the Church of Christ tradition, we welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds. Our online graduate community is diverse, and our faculty respects the personal beliefs of every student. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches the learning experience for everyone.

  • While specific requirements vary by school and degree, admission to all Pepperdine online graduate programs is competitive and holistic. We consider your academic history, professional experience, and potential for growth.

    Universal Requirements. At a minimum, all applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. (Exceptions: The LLM in Dispute Resolution requires a prior law degree, and the EdD in Organizational Leadership requires a prior master’s degree).

    Common Application Checklist. Most programs will require you to submit:

    • Official Transcripts: From all post-secondary institutions attended.
    • Statement of Purpose: A personal essay outlining your goals, experience, and why you want to join the Pepperdine community.
    • Letters of Recommendation: The number varies by program (e.g., Law requires one, Psychology requires two, and Speech-Language Pathology requires three).
    • Résumé or CV: Detailing your professional and academic achievements.
    • English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants.

    Program-Specific Requirements. Some degrees have unique steps. For example, Law candidates complete a video interview, while Speech-Language Pathology candidates may need to show proof of specific prerequisite coursework (such as biology or statistics) or a minimum GPA.

    Please review the specific admission page for your program of interest to see the exact deadlines and requirements.

  • Most online graduate programs are billed on a per-unit (or per-credit) basis, meaning you pay for the courses you take each term rather than a flat annual fee.

    2025–2026 Tuition Rates. As of the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition rates range between $1,605 and $2,680 per unit, depending on your specific school and degree program.

    • Education: Starts at approx. $1,605 per credit.
    • Speech-Language Pathology: Approx. $1,800 per credit.
    • Psychology: Approx. $2,030 per unit.
    • Law: Approx. $2,680 per unit.

    Total estimated program costs vary widely based on the number of units required, ranging from approximately $48,150 (for a Master of Arts in Teaching) to over $138,000 (for a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology). Please note that tuition rates are subject to an annual increase of 2–5%.

    Financial Aid & Military Benefits. We are committed to helping you finance your education. Many online students utilize federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement, and scholarships. Pepperdine is also proud to support veterans and active-duty service members through Military Education Benefits, including the GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program.

    Visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page for the most current breakdown of costs and fees for your specific program.

  • Pepperdine utilizes a suite of industry-standard tools to ensure a seamless and high-quality learning experience.

    • The Classroom Hub: You will primarily use Canvas as your Learning Management System (LMS) to access course materials, submit assignments, and view grades. (Note: Some programs are transitioning from the older Courses/Sakai system to Canvas by Fall 2025).
    • Live Interaction: For synchronous sessions, we use Zoom, allowing you to engage face-to-face with faculty and peers in real time.
    • Collaboration: Students use Google Workspace for Education for email, document sharing, and group projects.

    Professional Production Quality. Unlike standard webcams, our technology-enhanced learning spaces are equipped with professional Panasonic PTZ cameras and Shure microphones. This ensures that your live classes and recorded lectures are delivered with crystal-clear audio and video.Technical Support. You don’t need to be a tech expert to succeed here. We provide 24/7 technical support and comprehensive student orientation modules to help you master these tools before your first class begins.

  • Pepperdine offers a blended learning experience that combines live interaction with flexible self-study.

    • Live (Synchronous) Sessions: Central to our programs are weekly live classes held via Zoom. These sessions allow you to engage in real-time discussions with faculty and peers, building the same meaningful connections you would experience on campus.
    • Asynchronous Coursework: To provide flexibility for working professionals, live classes are complemented by asynchronous materials. You will complete readings, watch recorded lectures, and work on assignments on your own schedule throughout the week.

    This structure ensures you benefit from a high-touch, collaborative environment while maintaining the freedom to balance your studies with your career and personal life.

  • Pepperdine ensures that online graduate students are never alone in their journey. Through our partnership with 2U and dedicated university departments, you receive comprehensive support from enrollment to graduation.

    • Academic Success & Advising: You will be paired with dedicated academic advisors and have access to the Student Success Center for workshops and coaching. We also offer specialized writing support to guide you through graduate-level papers and dissertations.
    • Career & Placement Services: Beyond standard career planning, we provide dedicated assistance in securing clinical placements, fieldwork, or practicum sites required for your degree, ensuring you get the hands-on experience you need.
    • 24/7 Technical Support: You have access to technical assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can resolve platform issues whenever you choose to study.
    • Student Resources: You also have full access to the Office of Student Accessibility for accommodations, as well as online library resources and financial aid counseling.

  • Yes. As an online student, you are welcome to visit any of our campuses. You have full access to university libraries (both digital and physical), alumni centers, and other student resources. Additionally, you will be issued a Pepperdine student ID card, which can often be used for student discounts and access to academic services.

  • Yes! As an online student, you are encouraged to engage with the Pepperdine network early in your studies. You have access to the same powerful connections as on-campus students through several dedicated platforms:

    • PeppConnect: This exclusive platform allows you to find mentors, browse job postings, and network directly with alumni who are eager to support current students.
    • Regional & Virtual Chapters: You can join regional alumni chapters or virtual network groups on Facebook to connect with graduates in your specific area or field.
    • LinkedIn: Use the official “Alumni” tab on the Pepperdine University LinkedIn page to search for graduates by company, industry, or location.

    Additionally, our Career Services team provides counseling and resources to help you leverage these connections for your professional development.

  • Online learning is ideal for self-disciplined professionals who need the flexibility to balance a rigorous graduate education with work or family responsibilities.

    You are likely to thrive in these programs if:

    • You Are Self-Motivated: You can organize your own schedule and meet strict deadlines without in-person supervision.
    • You Value Autonomy: You need the freedom to study during evenings or weekends rather than commuting to a campus.
    • You Are Communicative: You are comfortable engaging with faculty and peers primarily through writing, video conferencing, and digital discussion boards.

    A Note on Expectations. While online learning offers flexibility, it is not self-paced. Our graduate programs require active weekly engagement and a time commitment of at least 10 hours per week, similar to—or sometimes exceeding—traditional classroom settings.

  • You can explore the curriculum, faculty, and career outcomes for each of our online graduate programs by visiting their dedicated pages below:

    Caruso School of Law

    Graduate School of Education and Psychology (Psychology)

    Graduate School of Education and Psychology (Education)

    Seaver College (Health Science)

  • Yes! Online students are fully matriculated members of the Pepperdine community and are warmly invited to participate in the traditional on-campus commencement ceremonies in Malibu, California. This is a highlight for many of our graduates, offering a chance to celebrate their achievements in person with faculty, peers, and family.

Pepperdine University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. Pepperdine University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.

1 U.S. News & World Report, 2024 Best Law Schools Rankings arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference