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.

  • 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 
    • If your first language is not English, you must meet one of the following test scores:
      • A minimum of 550 on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) 
      • A minimum score of 80 if you take the Internet-based TOEFL test
      • A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS exam  

To ensure your transcripts and associated materials are received for review, please make sure to send them directly to eduappsvcs@onlinegrad.pepperdine.edu.