Online MS in Education Application Requirements
To apply for the online Master of Science in Education at Pepperdine University, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a preferred minimum 3.0 GPA.
The MS in Education offers two cohort start dates per year in September and January. The following materials are required to apply:
- Online application
- Résumé (optional)
- Transcripts: Official, electronic transcripts should be sent to eduappsvcs@onlinegrad.pepperdine.edu.
- Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial admissions review; however, official transcripts must be received to complete an applicant’s file and enable an accepted candidate to enroll in the subsequent term (30 days after start of term 1).
- All applicants who received or will receive their degree from a university outside of the US (unless the degree is from a university that is already regionally accredited within the US) are required to submit a detailed foreign transcript evaluation report from any National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member.
- Two letters of recommendation (LOR)
- LORs should be submitted directly from individuals familiar with your academic or professional competencies, character, and potential to complete rigorous graduate studies.
- Academic recommendations: professors, instructors, or academic advisors.
- Professional recommendations: supervisors for employment, volunteer work, internship, or related activities.
- If you are a recent college graduate, you should have at least one academic recommendation.
- If you graduated from college more than three years ago, you should use professional recommendations.
- LORs should be submitted directly from individuals familiar with your academic or professional competencies, character, and potential to complete rigorous graduate studies.
- Personal interview (may be required as a needed secondary review)
- Personal statement: Write a personal statement (2-3 pages) addressing the following prompts:
- What are your motivations for applying to the online Master of Science in Education program?
- How does the program align with your future aspirations?
- What are important elements of your personal, cultural, academic, or professional background that provide insight into your potential to succeed in an intensive online graduate program and beyond?
- How do your values align with the mission and vision of the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology?
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide evidence of English proficiency. Applicants must submit one of the following:
- A test score for the Internet-Based Test (IBT) of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination taken in the last two years with a minimum score of 85 for the 1-120 score scale exam or 4.5 on the new 1-6 score scale effective January 2026,
- A test score for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination, sponsored by Cambridge Examinations, with a minimum score of 7, or
- An eligible alternative/waiver to fulfill the English proficiency requirement.
- Applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide evidence of English proficiency. Applicants must submit one of the following:
To ensure your transcripts and associated materials are received for review, please make sure to send them directly to eduappsvcs@onlinegrad.pepperdine.edu.