Dec 08, 2024  
2019-2020 Graziadio Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Graziadio Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Full-Time Programs



The full-time graduate programs feature a portfolio of degree options focusing on various aspects of business and management, both domestically and globally. Students gain conceptual and analytical skills while applying theoretical concepts to authentic management situations. Degree requirements and features vary by program, depending on intended audience, undergraduate background, applicable business experience, and chosen track or area of emphasis (if applicable).

Full-Time Graduate Program Offerings

The fall trimester marks the standard start term for all full-time programs. A spring start term is specially reserved for graduates of Seaver College who have been admitted to the 5th-Year Joint BS/MBA or BS/International MBA Program. In addition, some MS programs offer a second start term in the spring. Specific program information and available alternatives are provided in later sections.

Classes for full-time degree programs are held at the main University campus in Malibu, with the only exception being those taken for the MS program in Human Resources (MSHR). MSHR classes are hosted at the West Los Angeles regional campus. 

Students in eligible programs may choose among the following concentrations: Digital Innovation and Information Systems, Dispute Resolution, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Leadership and Managing Organizational Change, Marketing. In addition, a certificate in Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible (SEER) Business Practice may also be earned by students in eligible programs. More information is available in specific program-related sections.

The full-time graduate programs foster an understanding of all key aspects of management in a multicultural learning community with a focus on values-centered leadership. Special attention is devoted to principles of international business, ethics, teamwork, and written and oral communication skills. Through the use of team-based methods, innovative problem solving, case studies, and field experiences, our programs strive to emulate real-world workplace dynamics. 

To develop successful business professionals and leaders, our programs are driven by the following objectives:

  • To cultivate personal values, integrity, and ethical behavior and to develop a values-centered leadership perspective and philosophy.
  • To create effective team members through an understanding of team dynamics, development, and applications to enhance success as leaders and managers.
  • To improve and enhance students’ understanding of business fundamentals through the application of theories in practical business settings.
  • To advance and refine the necessary written and verbal communication skills for effective business management and leadership. 

A typical class size of 27 students fosters an in-class atmosphere of seminar style group dynamics. The community environment encourages collaborative learning. Team assignments are used extensively in most classes to expand the collaborative learning environment, train individuals to function in today’s environment, and encourage student contribution and participation in each other’s education. The academic experience begins with a required orientation at the Drescher Graduate Campus, Malibu. This orientation, designed specifically for full-time students, provides program information and introduces business challenges that will be faced during the course of study.

Entering students are enrolled in BSCI 650 Personal and Leadership Development Workshop , which is designed to provide the skill and experience base for the formation and management of teams in the full-time programs. The workshop is a residential experience, and participants are required to stay at the facility for two nights. This course is graded credit or no credit.

The annual academic calendar consists of three terms - fall, spring, and summer - each spanning 15 weeks. These academic terms are divided into two sessions (A and B) to allow for the scheduling of shorter (7-week) courses. A typical full-time course load per term entails 16 units, comprised of courses that range from 0 to 4 in unit value. Due to the intensive nature of their curricula, full-time degree programs require a minimum of three trimesters to be completed. 

Global Business Requirement

All FTMBA students must complete at least 2 units of global business course work by satisfying one of the following options:

  1. A one-week, 2-unit Global Business Intensive course hosted by partner schools abroad, led by a Graziadio School faculty member.
  2. One trimester Study Abroad at a global partner business school.
  3. Summer school opportunities at a global partner business school.
  4. PGBS 694 G3: Going Global with Graziadio - Global Business Development Practicum (0-2)   
  5. An appropriately scoped Global Business Directed Instruction project.
  6. Complete one of the following courses with a grade of at least a “B- 
    1. FINC 667 Global Capital Markets and Institutions (4)  
    2. ISTM 664 Business Process Analysis and Innovation (2)  
    3. ISTM 665 Digital Innovation and Strategy (2)   
    4. MKTG 671 Global Marketing (2)  
    5. MKTG 680 Global Brand Management (4)  
    6. OTMT 671 Cross-Cultural Management (2)  

Admission Requirements for the Full-Time Graduate Programs

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Admission Requirements

The Full-Time MBA application process is intended to ensure a good fit between the program’s objectives and the applicant’s experience, qualifications, and potential. Admission decisions consider previous grade point average, work experience, and test scores, among other factors. Each applicant is assessed in a holistic way; no single criterion controls the admission decision.

To be considered eligible for admission to the Full Time MBA program, a student must have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited four-year college/university or foreign institution. International academic institutions must be accredited by the ministry of education or accrediting bodies from their respective countries.

  1. A completed online Application for Admission with a specified essay, resume and the nonrefundable application fee must be submitted electronically to the Graziadio Business School Admission Office. The application fee is waived for Five-Year BS/MBA or BS/IMBA applicants.
  2. An official transcript with your posted baccalaureate degree must be provided.  All transcripts reflecting in-progress and/or completed coursework toward your undergraduate degree(s) must be submitted to the Graziadio Business School Admission Office. The official transcript(s) must be issued by the school Registrar(s) and provided in a sealed envelope.  If you have not completed your baccalaureate degree at the time of application, submit a current transcript.
  3. A Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years is required. The GMAT is waived for Five-Year BS/MBA or BS/IMBA students.
  4. Applicants who completed coursework outside of the United States or are not United States citizens/permanent residents must also meet the international student admission requirements listed in the Admission Information section of the catalog.  

12-Month Full-Time MBA

Admission into the 12-month MBA is granted to applicants with at least three years’ work experience plus college credit in the following prerequisite courses: financial accounting, managerial accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistical methods, finance (upper division), and marketing (upper division).

15-Month Full-Time MBA

Admission into the 15-month MBA is granted to applicants with at least three years’ work experience who lack the prerequisite course work to qualify for the 12-month program

20-Month Full-Time MBA 

Admission into the 20-month MBA is granted to applicants who lack sufficient work experience and/or the prerequisite course work to qualify for the 12-month or 15-month program.

IMBA

Admission into the IMBA is granted to applicants with qualifications similar to those of the 20-month MBA applicant.

JD/MBA

Admission into the JD/MBA is granted to applicants with identical qualifications as the 20-month Full-Time MBA requirement and concurrent admission to or enrollment in the School of Law.

MBA/MPP

Admission into the MBA/MPP is granted to applicants with identical qualifications as the 20-month Full-Time MBA requirement and concurrent admission to or enrollment in the School of Public Policy.

Five-Year BS/MBA or BS/IMBA

Admission to the Five-Year BS/MBA or BS/IMBA is granted to students in their junior year at the Seaver College Business Division, Pepperdine University. All Five-Year applicants are required to receive approval from Seaver College prior to applying to the Graziadio School. They must also show intention to complete Seaver College requirements prior to admission.

Master of Science (MS) Programs Admission Requirements

The Full-Time MS application process is intended to ensure a good fit between the program’s objectives and the applicant’s experience, qualifications, and potential. Admission decisions consider previous grade point average, work experience, and test scores, among other factors as required. Each applicant is assessed in a holistic way; no single criterion controls the admission decision.

To be considered eligible for admission to the Full-Time MS program, an applicant must have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited four-year college/university or foreign institution. International academic institutions must be accredited by the ministry of education or accrediting bodies from their respective countries.

Admission into the MS in Business Analytics (MSBA), MS in Applied Finance (MSAF), MS in Global Business (MSGB), MS in Human Resources (MSHR), or MS in Real Estate (MSRE) programs is granted to students with recent undergraduate degrees and limited or no work experience.

  1. A completed online Application for Admission with a specified essay, resume and the nonrefundable application fee must be submitted electronically to the Graziadio Business School Admission Office.  
  2. An official transcript with your posted baccalaureate degree must be provided.  All transcripts reflecting in-progress and/or completed coursework toward your undergraduate degree(s) must be submitted to the Graziadio Business School Admission Office. The official transcript(s) must be issued by the school Registrar(s) and provided in a sealed envelope.  If you have not completed your baccalaureate degree at the time of application, submit a current transcript.
  3. A Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years is required. The GMAT or GRE score requirement is waived for the MSGB, MSHR and MSRE programs.
  4. Applicants who completed coursework outside of the United States or are not United States citizens/permanent residents must also meet the international student admission requirements listed in the Admission Information section of the catalog.

Notification of Admission

The Admission Office will inform the applicant of the status of the application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all required admission documents by published deadlines.

Admission to Pepperdine University will not be considered final until the admission file is complete even when acceptance to the program may allow a 45 day enrollment as an unclassified student.  Students will not be allowed to continue beyond the first term until all official documents have been received.  Credits earned while on unclassified status do not guarantee student’s admission. Admission will be confirmed by a letter from the associate dean.

Financial Aid Policies

Financial aid is available to qualified students enrolled in the Full-Time Program. Students may apply for scholarships and loans administered by the Graziadio Business School by contacting the Financial Aid Office. Awarded scholarships and approved loans are applied only to the trimester for which they are granted; students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for most of the financial aid programs. Scholarships are program-specific and not automatically applied if a student changes programs after enrollment. Scholarship recipients are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average for the award to be continued in future trimesters. Additional information regarding the policies governing awards and loans may be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid Office. Information regarding all financial aid programs administered by the University may be found in the section of this catalog entitled “Financial Aid .”

Course Loads, Transfer of Graduate Credit, and Waiver of Courses

Course Loads

The full-time graduate programs are designed for full-time students only. Each student enrolls for a full course load (typically 16 units) each trimester. In rare cases, which require approval by the Academic Program Office, students may be allowed to enroll in more than 18 units per term.

Transfer of Graduate Credit

At the time of application to the program, students may petition to transfer up to two graduate-level courses taken at AACSB and regionally accredited colleges or universities into the full-time graduate programs. The petition must include course descriptions, syllabi, and other information that may be requested to assist the Program Committee in determining potential equivalency with Graziadio School courses. 

Transfer-eligible courses must have been completed within five years of the student’s initial enrollment in the relevant Graziadio School program. Only courses in which grades of “B” or better were earned will be accepted. Accepted transfer courses are shown on the transcript as “credit” only and are not factored into the cumulative grade point average.

12-Month Full-Time MBA Course Waiver

Students admitted to the 12-Month Full-Time MBA program who meet the following criteria are eligible to request waivers for up to three core courses:

  • An earned undergraduate business degree from an accredited U.S. institution with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • A minimum grade of B+ in the core course the student has taken in the previous institution and seeks to waive.
  • Maximum of 3 courses may be waived.
  • The waiver of courses would not reduce the unit requirement of the program. Instead, these waived courses/units have to be replaced with elective courses/units.

Seaver College Alumni Course Waiver

Alumni of Seaver College who are admitted to the 20-Month Full-Time MBA program are eligible to request waivers for up to three core courses. Waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and students must meet the following criteria:

  • For Seaver College alumni who graduated with a degree from Seaver’s Business Administration division, the student would be eligible to waive up to 3 courses that are essentially equivalent, taken at Seaver, in which the student achieved a grade of B or higher.
  • For Seaver College alumni who graduated with a business-related degree (e.g., Economics), the student would be eligible to waive courses within their major that are essentially equivalent, taken at Seaver, in which the student achieved a grade of B or higher.

The total number of units required to complete the 20-Month Full-Time MBA program is reduced based on the courses waived (up to a maximum of three courses).

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence may be granted during a student’s course of study. A written request must be submitted to the Program Office, indicating the reason for the intended leave and the expected re-enrollment term. The maximum allowance of a leave of absence is one year. Any requests that exceed this allowance will require an exception by the relevant program committee. Prior to requesting a leave of absence, students should consult with their designated academic advisor regarding the potential impact on their degree completion plan. International students in F-1 visa status must additionally obtain clearance from the Office of International Student Services.

Standards and Measurements of Achievement for Full-Time Graduate Students

Standards of achievement and methods of assessing student performance in each course are delineated in each course syllabus at the outset of the academic term. Through the duration of the student’s program, a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is required to maintain satisfactory academic standing. Each graduate-level course must be passed with a grade of “C-” or better. A core course in which a grade lower than “C-” was earned must be retaken and completed with a passing grade. A grade lower than “C-” in an elective course may be made up by completing either the same course or a different elective with a passing grade.  A course may only be repeated once, and in all cases, both grades will remain on the student’s transcript and be factored into the cumulative GPA. 

Student academic performance is monitored by the Program Office at the end of each term, and any student falling below the 3.0 GPA minimum is subject to academic probation. Students placed on academic probation will be notified in writing and informed of the conditions applicable to the probationary status. The probationary status will not be cleared until the student has reached the minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.  

Students who fail to regain good standing within the time frame specified in the initial notification of probation will be subject to dismissal from their degree program. Other circumstances that may lead to dismissal include:

  • Cumulative GPA falling below 3.0 at any point during the degree program
  • Earning any grade lower than a “B” while on academic probation
  • Earning a grade lower than a “B-” in more than two courses within the program
  • Earning a grade lower than “C-” in any course

Program Requirements

Programs

Certificate

Graduate Degree Program

Joint Degree Program