Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Pepperdine School of Public Policy online Master of Public Policy and Leadership and certificate programs. If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, contact your enrollment advisor and schedule a time to talk that’s convenient for you.

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Admission Requirements

How do I start my application?

When you’re ready, visit this page to start your application. You may also schedule an appointment with an enrollment advisor to talk through the application process and ask any questions you may have.

When can I apply?

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy offers three intakes per year to accommodate our professional students’ active schedules: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

What are the admission requirements for the online Master of Public Policy and Leadership program and related certificates?
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 
  • 95 TOEFL, IELTS 7.0
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 
  • 3 to 5 years of work experience
  • 1 letter of recommendation 
  • Personal statement and a moral/ethical dilemma essay
  • Transcripts
Are the online Master of Public Policy and Leadership program and related certificates available in all states?

Students from 46 states and Washington, D.C. may apply to the Pepperdine School of Public Policy’s online Master of Public Policy and Leadership and certificate programs. Please visit the State Authorization page for more information.

Program Details

How long do the online Master of Public Policy and Leadership program and related certificates take to complete?

The Master of Public Policy and Leadership program requires 33 credit hours and can be completed in two years, longer if you attend on a part-time basis as you continue to focus on your career. 

Each of the stackable certificates requires 15 credit hours and most can be completed in one year.

Can you tell me more about the faculty?

In addition to being passionate about teaching, the faculty members within the SPP are industry experts and scholars with world-class credentials who have been carefully chosen to educate, inspire, and encourage you.

Which of the certificates do I need to receive the full online Master of Public Policy and Leadership?

Four specializations can be taken as stand-alone certificates, or the core curriculum (Public Policy Leadership) can be combined with your choice of one of three other certificates, and one additional course, to earn the full Master of Public Policy and Leadership. 

Where can I get detailed information about the online Master of Public Policy curriculum and related certificates?

You can find more information about the online Master of Public Policy curriculum and related certificates below:

Is all of the coursework online?

As a working professional, one of the many benefits of this program is that coursework is 100% online and does not require any residential attendance. You have the flexibility to enroll in one or two classes at a time to suit your busy schedule, or you can complete the full master’s degree in as little as two years.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Is financial aid available?

Please visit our Tuition and Financial page for more information.

What do the online Master of Public Policy and Leadership program and related certificates cost?

Each credit hour costs $1,730. The total program investment for the full Master of Public Policy and Leadership is $57,090* (plus any applicable fees). If you take the stand-alone stackable certificates individually, your investment is $25,950* per certificate.

*These are current rates and may be subject to change annually.