Four concentrations to choose from.
Pepperdine University’s Master of Science in Education | OnlinePepperdine University’s Master of Science in Education | OnlinePepperdine University’s Master of Science in Education | Online
Learn how to become a leader in today’s dynamic workforce—and create learning opportunities that accommodate any learning style—with our online MS in Education. This degree propels any professional, not just teachers, forward in their industry with the educational leadership skills they need to thrive.Learn how to become a leader in today’s dynamic workforce—and create learning opportunities that accommodate any learning style—with our online MS in Education. This degree propels any professional, not just teachers, forward in their industry with the educational leadership skills they need to thrive.Learn how to become a leader in today’s dynamic workforce—and create learning opportunities that accommodate any learning style—with our online MS in Education. This degree propels any professional, not just teachers, forward in their industry with the educational leadership skills they need to thrive.
Advance Your Career With an Online MS in Education
The Master of Science in Education at Pepperdine University equips professionals across a wide range of industries with inclusive leadership expertise and advanced learning theory, priming the next wave of leaders to advance in public, private, and not-for-profit organizations.
This online Pepperdine University degree combines instructional and leadership theory with real-world application. Through a high-touch, high-tech, and highly versatile program, you will learn what it takes to become a leader in today’s dynamic workforce. You will graduate able to adopt evidence-based approaches to streamline learning processes; design individual and group curricula; and foster inclusive learning environments in organizational and educational contexts.
No GRE, GMAT, or other standardized tests required to apply.
Application fee waivers are available.
Online Master of Science in Education Program Highlights
As an online MS in Education student, you will learn experience design, educational technology, and responsible leadership skills to apply across industries.
The program connects students to advanced leadership skills through a 30-credit curriculum that comprises:
6
core courses
3
concentration-specific courses
1
final capstone project
This program is not just for teachers, and earning your Master of Science in Education degree does not prepare you for licensure as a teacher.
Admissions Overview
Cohorts start two times per year: in September and January
Pepperdine University’s online MS in Education program seeks applicants who want to step into leadership roles within their industries, be it education, healthcare, business, technology, or even finance. This program is not just for teachers, and a background in education is not required. This degree does not prepare teachers for licensure. You must meet the following requirements to apply:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A preferred minimum 3.0 GPA
Visit our Application Requirements page for further details.
Tuition and Financial Aid
You will need to complete 30 credits to graduate. To help you better understand the total cost of your degree, Pepperdine University offers a calculator tool to approximate the cost of tuition.
Financial aid opportunities are available for Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology students. Students may utilize employer tuition assistance, federal student loans, private loans, or scholarships to assist with program expenses.
For more information, visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Pursue a Leadership Role
Learn more about the online Master of Science in Education program from Pepperdine University.
Online Master’s in Education Curriculum Overview
Our online master’s in education curriculum is for professionals from all industries who want to help promote and develop learning opportunities within their organizations. You will learn to develop seamless, connected, and inclusive learning experiences and practice what you’ve studied through real-world leadership applications.
The curriculum addresses a wide range of practical, fundamental, and advanced instructional and leadership theory. You’ll complete core courses, specialize in one of four areas of leadership to prepare for your target role, and have the opportunity to engage in an optional in-person immersion experience on our campus in Malibu, California.
Online Program Courses
Courses will introduce you to a range of leadership techniques while providing insight into a broad spectrum of topics, like creating inclusive learning environments, applying analytics to create better educational outcomes, and driving innovation through entrepreneurial leadership.
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- six core courses
- three concentration-specific courses
- a capstone project
- an optional immersion experience
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- 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)
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- Concentration in 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)
- Concentration in 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)
- Concentration in 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)
- Concentration in 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)
- Concentration in Leadership in Learning Design and Technology (9 credits total)
Course Spotlight: Program Design and Evaluation
Analyze, design, develop, and implement learning-base solutions and programs to be applied in any field, from Pre-K to 12 lessons for children and teenagers, to training programs for healthcare employees.
Course Spotlight: Applied Analytics and Data Visualization
Apply data analysis and use quantitative data to create research-based educational materials backed by powerful reporting data and statistical packages.
Passionate and Purpose-Driven Faculty
The faculty at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) understands that every student brings a world of unique insights that can enrich everyone else’s learning experience. GSEP faculty are experts in their disciplines, and are dedicated to helping you grow as a leader as you pursue your degree.
Career Paths After the Online MS in Education Program
The Master of Science in Education degree from Pepperdine University will empower you to seek leadership positions across industries. This program is not just for teachers; you’ll gain leadership skills which you’ll be able to apply to all sectors and all learning needs, including those of employees.
Become a leader who drives change within your field through educational initiatives.
After earning their MS in Education, our graduates with a focus on the education sector often assume positions as:
- instructional designers
- instructional trainers
- curriculum designers
- general counselors
- higher education administrators
- research assistants
- HR managers / directors
- program managers
- nonprofit leaders
- pre-K to 12 administrators
- teaching assistants
Graduates looking for educational roles outside of the education sector often find positions in:
- private and public industries
- not-for-profits
- non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- healthcare organizations
- faith-based organizations
- leadership consulting
Learn How to Lead
This 15-month degree is designed for professionals ready to advance their careers and assume new positions in leadership roles.
FAQs About the Online Master of Science in Education
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Earning a Master of Science in Education entirely online is a flexible and credible pathway to advance your career in the field of education. Reputable, accredited programs offer the same rigorous curriculum and faculty expertise as their on-campus counterparts, allowing you to complete your entire degree without needing to relocate.
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A Master of Science in Education is a worthwhile investment that yields tangible professional benefits. It positions you for increased earning potential and qualifies you for leadership roles beyond the classroom, such as administration or curriculum development. Furthermore, the specialized knowledge gained directly applies to solving complex organizational and learning challenges.
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Yes, an online Master of Science in Education is highly respected, provided it is earned from an accredited and reputable university. Leading online programs maintain the same rigorous academic standards, faculty qualifications, and learning outcomes as their on-campus equivalents, ensuring the degree is valued by employers across the educational landscape.
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Historically, yes. Public school teachers who hold a master’s degree typically earn significantly higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree. This difference often stems from district-level pay scales that include automatic salary bumps upon completion of a graduate degree.
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The choice between an MEd and an MA depends on your career goals. An MEd (Master of Education) typically focuses on educational leadership, professional practice, and teaching effectiveness, preparing professionals for administrative and practitioner roles. An MA (Master of Arts) often leans toward specialized academic fields, curriculum theory, or deeper research, depending on the concentration.
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Admission requires an online application, official transcripts, a current résumé (optional), and two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic or professional competencies. Additionally, you must submit a personal statement (2–3 pages) addressing your motivations, aspirations, and goals, and pay a $55 application fee. Proof of English language proficiency is required if your first language is not English, with minimum scores defined for the TOEFL and IELTS exams.
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No, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or any other standardized tests are not required for admission to the Master of Science in Education program.
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The estimated tuition for the Master of Science in Education program (30 credits) is $48,150, calculated at a rate of $1,605 per credit.
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The program is designed for accelerated completion, allowing students to graduate in as little as 15 months. This timeline equips graduates in less than a year and a half with the skills necessary to advance as a leader in their industry.
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The MSEd program is built around seven core courses focusing on leadership, ethics, and analytics, and offers four professional concentrations. Core courses include: Critical Thinking and Communication; Visual Learning, Collaboration, and Transmedia; Ethics, Values, and Inclusion; Program Design and Evaluation; Applied Analytics and Data Visualization; Entrepreneurial Leadership for Innovation and Change; and Capstone Integration Experience. Concentrations include: Leadership in Learning Design and Technology; Leadership in Higher Education; Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education; and Organizational Leadership and Learning.
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.