General Admission Policies
Pepperdine University seeks students possessing distinctive academic promise, high standards of personal conduct, and a sense of professionalism. In the admission process, these factors are considered in the evaluation of each applicant.
The University’s admission decision is based upon the information supplied on the Application for Admission form, all college transcripts, appropriate entrance examinations, essay(s), resume and letters of recommendation. Other admission documents may be required. Discovery of false information subsequent to admission is, at the University’s discretion, grounds for withdrawal of the offer of admission or for immediate dismissal at any point in the student’s course of study. Dismissal shall result in forfeiture of all charges paid and academic credits earned.
The policies in this section apply to both undergraduate and graduate students. The program sections of this catalog provide specific admission requirements for each program.
Application Procedures
The Graziadio School undergraduate and graduate Application for Admission and complete instructions are available online. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Graziadio School Corporate and External Relations Office at the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus at (310) 568-5555.
Limitations
After reviewing the student’s application, the Admission Office will notify the student of its decision. In cases of approval, the course requirements will be determined by the date of matriculation, not the date of application. Matriculation occurs when a student who has been admitted on Regular Status commences enrollment in the degree program. Admitted students who do not enroll are not matriculated and are therefore subject to any curriculum changes that may be instituted between the initial admission and the date of matriculation. A student need not submit a new Application for Admission unless two years have elapsed since the previous application or additional academic work has been completed.
Status Reactivation
Students who have attended other institutions since leaving Pepperdine University or who have not been enrolled for two consecutive trimesters will need to contact the Program Office to reactivate their status. The status reactivation application must be received seven weeks prior to the start of the trimester in which the student wishes to enroll. If returning students wish to change their original degree objective, they should contact the Program Office for guidance on program change prior to submitting the status reactivation application.
Students will need to be in good academic and financial standing in order to resume their enrollment. Upon returning to the program, students are subject to fulfill all program curriculum changes and degree requirements that have been instituted in their absence.
Status Reactivation-Involuntary Military Service
Students who are required to withdraw because of involuntary military obligation are entitled to return provided they were in good academic and financial standing at the time of withdrawal. They will need to contact the Program Office to reactivate their status to the next upcoming term after completion of their military service.
Technology Requirements
All students are expected to own or have access to a computer that may be used for class-related work. Students in on-ground programs should have access to a laptop computer with capability of Internet access that can be brought to class at the request of faculty. Students in online programs should own or have unlimited access to a desktop or laptop computer with the capability of broadband Internet access.
Additionally, students will be expected, as needed, to install Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word®, Excel®, PowerPoint®, Outlook®, and Access®) on that computer. Other software requirements may be assigned during the course of the program.
The list below provides minimum requirements
PC Minimum Requirements
- Windows 7 Operating System (English version)
- Microsoft Office 2010 (with Outlook 2010)
- Intel core i3 processor, 2.4 GHz or faster
- 8 GB RAM
- 250 GB hard drive
- Integrated Ethernet (network) card
- Integrated wireless network card (minimum 802-11b)
- USB ports
Recommended for PC
- Windows 10
- Microsoft Office 2017
- Intel core i5 processor, 2.4 GHz or faster
- 8+ GB RAM
- 250 GB hard drive
- 256 MB discrete video
- Integrated Ethernet (network) card
- Integrated wireless network card (802.11 b/g/n)
- USB ports
Apple/MAC OSX 10.10 Minimum Requirements
- Microsoft Office 2011
- Intel dual core processor, 2.4 GHz or faster
- 8 GB RAM
- 128 MB discrete video
- 250 GB hard drive
- Integrated Ethernet (network) card
- Integrated wireless network card (minimum 802-11b)
- USB ports
Recommended for Apple/MAC OSX 10.12
- Parallels or Bootcamp with Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 2017
- Microsoft Office 2017
- Intel core i5 processor, 2.4 GHz or faster
- 8+ GB RAM
- 250 GB hard drive
- 256 MB discrete video
- Integrated Ethernet (network) card
- Integrated wireless network card (802.11 b/g/n)
- USB ports
Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and PowerPoint® Proficiency
Students must demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software within the first trimester of enrollment. Microsoft Office is supported and available for student use at graduate campus computer laboratories located in West Los Angeles, Irvine, and Encino.
Admission of International Students
International applicants must follow the regular admission policies in addition to the requirements below.
Applicants who attended schools outside the United States are required to submit certified transcripts in English. Submitted transcripts must include a cumulative grade point average (GPA on a 4.0 scale, A = 4.0) that has been evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as the World Education Services, Inc., at www.wes.org. (Exceptions: Schools with coursework taught in English and cumulative GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale).
Applicants who did not earn their undergraduate/graduate degree(s) with coursework delivered in English must submit the English Proficiency test score from one of the agencies listed below:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Contact: www.toefl.org or call (617) 671-2075.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE). Contact: usreco@pearson.com or call (323) 255-2771.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Contact: www.ielts.org or call (609) 921-9000.
Admitted students who are not United States citizens or permanent residents must submit an International Student Data form. Instructions for this process may be accessed online.
Admission of Veterans
Veterans who seek admission should follow the regular admission policies but also should contact the Office of Student Information and Services (Registrar’s Office) on the Malibu campus. This should be done as early as possible to expedite handling of applicants’ VA forms and counseling. Many of Pepperdine University’s programs are approved for veterans’ benefits; however, because assignment and distribution of funds are controlled by the federal Veterans Administration office rather than by the University, Pepperdine University cannot assure that a student will receive veterans’ benefits. Veterans must be admitted to the University before receiving benefits. Veterans are advised to consult the “Academic Policies” section of this catalog under “Information for Veterans .”
Financial Assistance
To assure the availability of any financial aid, the applicant should contact the Graziadio School Financial Aid Office, located at the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus, during the admission process, well in advance of registration. Additional information concerning financial aid may be found in the “Financial Aid ” section of this catalog or online.
Enrollment Classification and Admission Status
Enrollment in the University on other than Regular Status is not synonymous with admission to a degree program, and permission to enroll does not imply that the student is, or will be, automatically guaranteed the right to continue in a degree program. Students are classified in groups on the basis of their academic preparation and degree objectives.
Regular Status
Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements and conditions specified in the admission letter.
Unclassified Status
New students unable to complete their admission file prior to enrollment are allowed to enroll under unclassified status for the first term. Unclassified status requires students to complete their file within 45 days from the start of the term. Students are not allowed to register for future terms until their admission file is complete. Students are responsible for monitoring their application file status online and for making appropriate arrangements to meet file completion requirements. Units earned while on unclassified status do not guarantee admission. Admission to Pepperdine University will be confirmed by a letter from the associate dean upon completion of the admission file. Discovery of false information subsequent to admission is, at the University’s discretion, grounds for withdrawal of the offer of admission or for immediate dismissal at any point in the student’s course of study. Dismissal shall result in forfeiture of all charges paid and academic credits earned.
Nondegree Status
Students may apply for enrollment in Nondegree Status if they do not wish to pursue a degree or credential but intend to have credits received from the University transferred elsewhere. Students in this status may not advance register. No amount of course work taken while in Nondegree Status will assure a student of admission. Requests for permission to enroll in this status should be addressed to the appropriate Graziadio School Program Office.
Regulations Concerning a Second Bachelor’s Degree
Students who transfer to Pepperdine University with a bachelor’s degree from another accredited college or university may earn a second bachelor’s degree, provided they (1) fulfill 28 units of residence at Pepperdine University, (2) complete the Pepperdine University general studies requirements, and (3) complete the courses required for a major.
Students who previously have received a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University may not receive another bachelor’s degree, but they will be certified as having fulfilled additional majors following completion of the requirements for such additional majors.
Regulations Concerning a Second Master’s Degree
A graduate student who already holds a master’s degree from Pepperdine University and desires to study for a second master’s degree must meet all the admission requirements of the prospective division and also complete the minimum number of units of graduate residence work as outlined by the program for the master’s degree. The student is required to submit an application form and pay the application fee.
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