Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can complete the application online. Your recommenders can also submit their recommendations online.

At this time we are no longer accepting paper applications. If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact us.

The deadline for priority financial aid and housing consideration is Feb 1 and the final application deadline varies by graduate program as follows:

For complete instructions, be sure to review the checklist for your program. (Please note: the processing of documents is not automated. Please expect one to two weeks for your checklist on WaveNet to be updated.)

Preference is given to students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Preference is given to students whose scores fall in the 50th percentile or above.

Yes, however you must complete an application and pay an application fee for each department to which you apply.

It depends. Some departments hold applications and make decisions on them all at one time (after each deadline); in such cases the processing time may be longer. Other departments make decisions monthly, or as they receive each application. Departments will not make decisions on incomplete files. With the department's recommendation, the Dean of Seaver College will make the final admission decision. You will receive a letter stating the admission decision.

You will be able to check the status online. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that the application is complete and all materials have been received. We highly recommend that you check the status of your application through WaveNet.

Please note: the processing of documents is not automated. Please expect one to two weeks for your WaveNet checklist to be updated.

Visit each department's web site or contact them directly for information on curriculum and degree specifics.

The Graduate Programs office archives applications for 2 years. If you wish to apply again, please contact us to reactivate your application. You may wish to supply a new essay. If it has been more than 2 years since you applied, you will need to complete a new application. If you have completed any new coursework, you will need to submit updated transcripts.

We do not defer admission. We will keep your application on file for 2 academic years (including the academic year of application). If you wish to reapply, please contact us and ask us to reactivate your application. If it has been more than 2 academic years since you applied, you will need to complete a new application. If you have completed any new coursework, you will need to submit updated transcripts. Your application will be considered with a new pool of applicants; therefore the same decision may or may not be reached regarding your admission.

Your test scores should be sent to Pepperdine University Malibu. Use the institutional code provided by ETS ie., 4630. They will send your scores to us electronically. 

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is encouraged, but is optional for all applicants. Visit gre.org to find test dates and information. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of all international students whose native language is not English. Since its founding, Pepperdine University has welcomed students from other countries. Complete instructions for the international graduate application process are available at seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/application/graduate/process

International graduate applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting one of the following:

• an official transcript with the degree posted from a University whose instruction is primarily in English
• Score 600 or more on the paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• Score of 100 or more on the internet-based TOEFL

TOEFL must be taken within 2 years of time of application.  

Preference is given to students whose scores fall in the 50th percentile or above.

Test dates vary by location and can be found at ets.org. This site is an important resource for anyone planning to attend graduate school.

The TOEFL ensures that students enter the university with sufficient English skills. These skills are necessary for students to function in a graduate program. We do not currently accept the IELTS.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is required of applicants applying to accounting, communication or religion. American studies applicants may choose to submit the CSET instead. MFA applicants are encouraged to take the GRE but it is optional. Visit gre.org to find test dates and information. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of all international students whose native language is not English. Since its founding, Pepperdine University has welcomed students from other countries. Students from more than 70 countries are currently enrolled at Pepperdine University. Complete instructions for the international graduate application process are available at seaver.pepperdine.edu/admission/application/graduate/process

International graduate applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting one of the following:

• an official transcript with the degree posted from a University whose instruction is primarily in English
• Score 600 or more on the paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• Score of 100 or more on the internet-based TOEFL

TOEFL must be taken within 2 years of time of application.

No. We only accept original scores, sent to us by ETS electronically.

GRE scores are valid for 5 years. If your score is less than 5 years old, please contact ETS and have them send it to us. If it is more than 5 years old, you will need to retake the test.

Both of these questions have the same answer. We can tell prospective students whether or not their scores have arrived, and that is the only information we can release. In order to protect your privacy, we cannot divulge test scores over the phone because we cannot verify the identity of the caller.

No. The University does not employ graduate teaching assistants to teach undergraduate classes. However, each department has a limited number of graduate assistant positions available. The responsibilities vary. Please contact the individual division for information regarding assistantships available for their students. A graduate student may apply for additional financial aid through the Federal Stafford Loan Program or independent scholarships which have no relationship to the University.

Confirm Your Enrollment

We are excited to welcome our admitted students to Pepperdine University!
After you have been admitted to the University, you must accept your offer by completing the enrollment steps and follow the instructions as outlined in your acceptance letter. This will ensure that you secure your space at Pepperdine.

Submit Your Payment

The University will accept the following forms of payment in addition to financial aid and loans toward a student account balance: checks (must be drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars), and wire payments.
Please keep in mind that funds for a student's personal expenses or off campus living should be given directly to the students and not sent to the student account. Payments applied to the student account are for the balances due on the student's account related to tuition and fees and on-campus housing.

Obtain Your Pepperdine I-20

Once you have completed the instructions in your acceptance letter, contact International Student Services to begin the process of obtaining your Pepperdine I-20. Contact details are as follows: Phone: 310.506.4246, Fax: 310.506.7403, Email: oiss@pepperdine.edu

We no longer print copies of the catalog. The full catalog may be found online for your reference.

Students will register for the first term during orientation which is typically the Thursday before the first day of classes. After that students may register for classes online through WaveNet. During orientation, you will receive information on how to register for future semesters.

No. We no longer mail grades. Grades are available on WaveNet at the end of each term. We cannot give grades out over the phone as we cannot verify the identity of the caller.

Contact the Student Insurance Coordinator. All Seaver students are required to have insurance. If you already have insurance please be sure to notify the student insurance office.