General Admission Policies
The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School seeks students who demonstrate the academic preparation, professional promise, and personal character attributes necessary to meet the expectations and rigors of our academic programs. These are the core considerations that guide our evaluation of every applicant.
Admission decisions are based upon the information provided on the Application for Admission, personal statement, academic transcripts from previously attended universities, standardized entrance examinations, and any other materials that may be required the program to which a candidate has applied. Discovery of false or misleading information subsequent to admission may, at the University’s discretion, be grounds for withdrawal of the admission offer and 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 are applicable to both graduate and undergraduate programs offered at the Graziadio Business School. Admission requirements and procedures pertaining to individual programs are delineated in the program-specific sections of this catalog.
Application Procedures
The Graziadio Business School undergraduate and graduate applications are available online. Application fees vary by program and are non-refundable. To be considered for admission, candidates must complete and submit their application and supplemental documents by the deadline date published online. Candidates are responsible for monitoring their application file status in the WaveNet applicant portal and for satisfying all file completion requirements.
Application files that remain incomplete after the specified deadline(s) are subject to administrative withdrawal by the Office of Admission.
Previous applicants who wish to be reconsidered for admission may request to have their original application reactivated by the Office of Admission. The maximum reactivation period is two (2) calendar years from the original admission term. Applicants who exceed the 2-year reactivation window must submit a new Application for Admission and meet all current requirements for admission eligibility and application materials.
All documents submitted to the Admission Office become the property of Pepperdine University. Documents will not be returned or duplicated for any purpose. Additional information regarding this policy may be found under Record Retention Policy for Applicants.
Concurrent Applications to Multiple Programs
Candidates may apply to more than one program for a given admission term. If admitted to multiple programs for the same term, candidates must only commit to enroll in one program. A commitment is signified by the submission of the Intent to Enroll form and the applicable enrollment deposit.
Withdrawing an Application
Applicants must request in writing to withdraw their application prior to an admission decision. All documents submitted to the Admission Office become the property of Pepperdine University. Documents will not be returned or duplicated for any purpose.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School (PGBS) vary based on program-specific criteria, standards, and evaluation methods. A completed electronic application form, professional resume, personal statement, and academic transcripts from all previously attended universities are required by all programs. Most Graziadio Business School programs include additional requirements, such as standardized entrance/diagnostic tests, letters of recommendation, interviews, and other items that may be necessary to conduct a thorough and holistic evaluation of an applicant’s suitability for admission. The application requirements for each program are accessible on the PGBS Admissions website.
Transcripts
As an essential element in every admission application, an official transcript must be provided for each accredited college or university previously attended. All transcripts reflecting completed and/or in-progress coursework must be submitted to the Graziadio Business School Admission Office. The official transcript(s) must be issued by the Registrar’s secured transcript provider or issued by the Registrar in a sealed envelope.
Transcripts will be reviewed to verify institutional accreditation from one of the following agencies: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
At the discretion of the Admission Office, an unofficial transcript may be accepted for purposes of application review. However, admitted students who plan to enroll must submit an official transcript for each college or university previously attended by the first day of the academic term. Failure to do so may result in a delayed program start or a revocation of the admission offer.
Entrance/Diagnostic Test Scores
For programs that require an entrance and/or diagnostic test, the official score reports must be sent directly from the testing provider, either electronically or in a sealed envelope, to the Graziadio Business School Admission Office.
At the discretion of the Admission Office, an unofficial score report may be accepted for purposes of application review. However, admitted students must submit an official score report by the first day of the term. Failure to do so may result in a delay to the program start or revocation of the admission offer.
Requirements for International Students
In addition to the application requirements, international applicants must submit evaluated and translated transcripts and provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Evaluated and Translated Transcripts
Applicants whose previously earned degrees were from institutions outside the United States are required to submit transcripts that have been evaluated (and English-translated, if applicable) by World Education Services, International Education Research Foundation, or another foreign credential evaluation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The evaluated transcripts must indicate degree equivalency1, course-by-course equivalency, verification of institutional accreditation, and include a cumulative grade point average based on the standard 4.0 scale applicable to the U.S. educational system.
Evidence of English Language Proficiency
International applicants who earned their undergraduate/graduate degree in a language other than English are required to provide evidence of English proficiency. Applicants must submit one of the following to fulfill the English proficiency requirement:
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Scores from tests taken within the past two years from one of the following providers: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English (PTE).
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Academic transcript from an accredited U.S. college/university, reflecting a grade of “C” or better in a college-level English Composition course. ESL and remedial English courses are not accepted.
Exceptions to the English Language Proficiency requirement may be granted for applicants who:
Admitted students who are not United States citizens or legal permanent residents must submit an International Student Data form to initiate the visa request process. Instructions for this process may be accessed on the Office of International Student Services website.
Admission of Veterans
In addition to following the established admission procedures, veterans of the U.S. military and active service members should contact the Office of Student Information and Services for guidance on enrollment at the University and educational benefits eligibility. This should be done as early as possible to ensure sufficient time for processing Veteran Administration forms prior to enrollment. Pepperdine University offers a range of VA approved degree programs. However, the assignment and distribution of funds are controlled by the VA, not the University. Veterans must be enrolled at the University to receive benefits. Further information on policies related to veteran students may be found in the “Academic Policies” section of this catalog, under “Information for Veterans .”
Notification of Admission Decision
Official notification of admission decisions will be provided via email by the Pepperdine Graziadio Admission Office. Any other type or source of communication will be considered unofficial and be superseded by the official notification.
Offer of Admission
The offer of admission is valid for the program and term specified in the official notification of admission. To reserve a seat in the program, admitted students must submit an Intent to Enroll and a non-refundable enrollment deposit (amount variable by program) via the WaveNet applicant portal by the date specified in their admission letter. The funds are applied either toward the first trimester of tuition or other program-related costs, as delineated in the Financial Information section of the Catalog. Newly entering students are subject to any curriculum changes that may be instituted between the initial offer of admission and the start of the program.
Students admitted to more than one program may only submit an Intent to Enroll and non-refundable enrollment deposit to one program.
Admitted students are required to update the Admission Office in a timely fashion of any new information including but not limited to their academic status, grades, employment, misconduct or disciplinary action, criminal issues, that may have bearing on their eligibility for admission. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the offer of admission or 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.
Provisional Admission
Applicants with actionable admission files may be admitted on a provisional basis while pending official versions of documents required for final completion. The provisional admission status must be removed prior to the start of the program by providing the outstanding official items by the first day of the term. Candidates are responsible for monitoring their application file status in the WaveNet applicant portal and for making appropriate arrangements to meet file completion requirements. The Graziadio Business School Admission Office will issue written confirmation of receipt of all required admission materials and subsequent completion of an applicant’s file.
In rare cases, newly entering students may be unable to complete their admission file due to a delay in their previous institution providing a final, official transcript for recently completed courses. In such circumstances, students may, at the discretion of the Admission Office, enroll under unclassified status. Students under unclassified status must provide a degree verification letter from their previous university prior to the first day of the term and furnish the outstanding item(s) to complete their admission file within 14 business days from the start of the term. Failure to do so may result in a revocation of the admission offer or deferment of enrollment to a future term.
Conditional Admission
Some applicants may be initially admitted on a conditional basis, pending the completion of additional requirements or fulfillment of specified conditions. These requirements are typically in the form of additional courses or activities that the program admission committee may deem as necessary preparatory steps to ensure success in the program. The notification of conditional admission will specify a date by which these requirements must be fulfilled in order to gain full admission to the program.
Right to Rescind Admission
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. Discovery of false or misleading information subsequent to admission may, at the University’s discretion, be 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.
Appeals
Applicants denied admission who wish to be reconsidered for the same program in the same term must submit a written request accompanied with new academic information, such as updated test scores or updated grades not previously available at the time of application review. Applicants will receive a written response from the Admission Office. Appeals without new supporting information will not be reviewed.
Deferral of Enrollment
As a general guideline, candidates should apply for the academic term in which they intend to enroll. If extenuating circumstances necessitate a delay in enrollment, an admitted candidate may request a deferment for up to one calendar year from the original application term. In order to secure a seat in the future term, an Intent to Enroll form and applicable enrollment deposit must be provided to the Admission Office upon requesting the deferment.
Record Retention Policy for Applicants
All documents submitted to the Graziadio Business School Admission Office become the property of Pepperdine University. Documents will not be returned or duplicated for any purpose. Documents for applicants who do not enroll are retained for 2 years and subsequently destroyed. Records for enrolled students are subject to the Graziadio Business School Student Records Policy.
Financial Assistance
Candidates seeking financial assistance in the form of federal grants or loans are advised to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in conjunction with their application for admission. This will help to ensure the timely receipt of pertinent financial information by the Graziadio School Financial Aid Office and expedite notification of financial aid eligibility. Additional information concerning financial aid may be found in the Financial Aid section of this catalog or the Financial Aid website.
Enrollment Classification and Admission Status
Unclassified Status
In rare cases, newly entering students may be unable to complete their admission file due to a delay in their previous institution providing a final, official transcript for recently completed courses. In such circumstances, students may, at the discretion of the Admission Office, enroll under unclassified status. Students under unclassified status must provide a degree verification letter from their previous university prior to the first day of the term and furnish the outstanding item(s) to complete their admission file within 14 business days from the start of the term2. Failure to do so may result in a revocation of the admission offer or deferment of enrollment to a future term.
Non-degree Status
Access to a limited selection of Graziadio School courses is available to students enrolling in a non-degree-seeking capacity. Requests for enrollment under non-degree status may be directed to the relevant academic program office. Courses taken under non-degree status do not earn any academic credit and, therefore, may not be applied toward any future degree programs in which the student may enroll.
Status Reactivation - Former PGBS Students
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 Graziadio School Program Office to request a reactivation of status. The status reactivation application must be received seven weeks prior to the start of the trimester in which the student wishes to enroll.
Status Reactivation - Involuntary Military Service
Students who are required to withdraw because of involuntary military obligation may be entitled to return provided they were in good academic and financial standing at the time of withdrawal. Students will need to contact the Graziadio School Program Office to request reactivate their status.
Policy for a Second Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
Prospective students interested in pursuing a second Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in an area of study different from their original degree must submit an application and supplemental documents for admission consideration. Admitted students must fulfill residency requirements, general studies requirements, and program requirements.
Students who previously received a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University are not eligible for a conferral of a second bachelor’s degree. However, upon the fulfillment of the requirements for the new area of study, they will be certified as having completed an additional undergraduate major.
A graduate of a PGBS master’s program interested in pursuing a second master’s degree at PGBS must seek and obtain approval from the relevant Graziadio School Program Office and Program committee, prior to submitting an Admission application.
The same procedure applies to those who have earned a business-related master’s degree at another institution who are seeking a PGBS master’s degree in a similar discipline. In these cases, the request must be accompanied by a copy of the non-PGBS Master’s program description, course descriptions, and an unofficial copy of transcripts.
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 10 Operating System (English version)
- Office 365
- 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 or Windows 11
- Microsoft Office 2016 or 2019
- Intel core i5 processor, 2.4 GHz or faster
- 8+ GB RAM
- 250GB SSD Drive
- 256 MB discrete video
- Integrated Ethernet (network) card
- Integrated wireless network card (802.11 b/g/n)
- USB ports
MAC OSX 11 Minimum Requirements
- Office 365
- 2.4 GHz or faster processor
- 8 GB RAM
- 250 GB hard drive
- Integrated Ethernet (network) card
- Integrated wireless network card (minimum 802-11b)
- USB ports
Recommended for Apple/MAC OSX 12 or Higher
- Parallels or Bootcamp with Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 2016 or 2019
- Microsoft Office 2016 or 2019
- 2.4GHz or faster processor
- 8+ GB RAM
- 250GB SSD 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.
Notes
- Degrees that are evaluated by an NACES-approved agency to be equivalent to at least 3 years of U.S. undergraduate education would be considered sufficient to meet the educational prerequisite for admission eligibility to PGBS graduate programs.
- At the discretion of the Admission Office, admitted students with outstanding final official transcripts/evaluations from institutions whereby the conferral date is after the start of first term of enrollment may be permitted to furnish the item(s) to complete their admission file by the end of the first term of enrollment.