Pepperdine University Reviews

  • 101 Reviews
  • Malibu (CA)
  • Annual Tuition: $63,142
90% of 101 students said this degree improved their career prospects
95% of 101 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

Steven
  • Reviewed: 2/6/2017
  • Degree: Nursing
"Pepperdine is a great place to study, but it is a bit of a make-your-own-education in its Masters programs in social sciences, humanities, etc. You can easily squeeze by without putting too much work in, but you won't get much out of it. To really take advantage of what the school has to offer, you need to be self-motivated and search out opportunities on your own."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 1/3/2017
  • Degree: Psychology
"The MFT program at Pepperdine was fantastic. I had the opportunity to learn in a classroom and practicum setting. From that and the small, focused group setting, I learned valuable counseling and life lessons. The professors and staff are tremendous and bring a wide range of experience."
Stephen Balliet
  • Reviewed: 12/19/2016
  • Degree: Marketing - MBA
"The Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University is a phenomenal choice if you are looking for an individually tailored experience with a focus on ethics. The class size is generally between 12-30 allowing for plenty of individual attention. Professors are genuinely interested in enhancing your knowledge of their subject and provide an engaging and collaborative atmosphere. The focus remains on providing the most good to the most people. We constantly deliberate about how to maintain financial excellence at a firm while reducing impact on the environment and keeping ethical ideals intact. Furthermore, the career center is focused on rewarding initiative. They strive to bring great companies and speakers to campus, but also provide assistance to anyone trying to forge their own unique path towards their objectives."
Alexander Lewin
  • Reviewed: 9/27/2016
  • Degree: Clinical Psychology
"As an aspiring psychotherapist, I am very glad to be enrolled in the master's program in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. From my first session of my first class Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy I have been challenged to engage in rigorous critical thinking; invited to participate in high-level discussion; and impressed by the respect given, by both students and faculty, to the practice of psychotherapy. Even in the earliest hours of our education at least a year before we'll begin our on-site training we all abide by the central ethical tenet of psychotherapy: the well-being of the client is the first and highest concern. That's the generous spirit implicit in the Pepperdine program and the students it attracts. It's why we've all found our way to this field and to this university. I'm enrolled in the evening format classes meet at 4:15 PM and 7: 15 PM and this comes with a pro and a con. The great benefit I've enjoyed is that I'm exposed to a wide diversity of fellow students. Like me, they work during the day. Like me, they have other careers (or former careers) but are at Pepperdine to pursue their passion. Students represent myriad ethnic groups; they are as young as 22 and as old as 62; they have an array of aspirations and ambitions; and many (again, like me) have their own stories of personal therapeutic success. I love getting to know my fellow students. I love hearing their stories. I'm inspired by their belief in psychology and therapy as means by which we can facilitate communication, relieve suffering, and heal wounded souls. The drawback to this model is that unlike the daytime format, and unlike the structures of other equivalent programs in the Los Angeles area there is no cohort. Students take different classes at different times; they move through the program at their own pace; and they may not all be pursuing the same degree or licensure. While this makes the program very convenient you can fit your classwork into all the other obligations of your life we do lose something that the cohort model engenders, namely, a deep connection and camaraderie among a small group of aspiring therapists. This connection will form the foundation of a professional and personal community that will last for many years after school and training. Still, even to be enrolled in the GSEP at Pepperdine is to be a member of a community that is sturdy, optimistic, generous, and staunchly ethical. Professors make themselves readily available for private consultation with students; a network of Pepperdine alumni offer their counseling services at a discount to Pepperdine students; and the career counseling office remains at our disposal even after we graduate and begin our internships. I am privileged to be enjoying this education and confident that it will set me on a career path that will, in multiple ways, sustain me for decades."
Daniel Vieyra
  • Reviewed: 9/25/2016
  • Degree: Business Administration
"My amazing school. Wouldn't have been content elsewhere for my undergraduate studies. Professors and staff members are the most accommodating and caring people I've ever met. The Christian community teaches and fosters love for God's word. Moreover, despite it having a Christian-centered mission, Pepperdine has a diverse set of religions/beliefs/values. It's only my first year here and I can't stress how much I don't want time to pass so quickly. Thank you Pepperdine for providing an outstanding education for my fellows peers and I. Safe to say I go to the most beautiful school in the world!"
Gary Logue
  • Reviewed: 9/22/2016
  • Degree: Business
"I cannot express how impressed I am with the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University. It is an excellent program with top-notch professors that care about the success of every student and go out of their way to ensure everyone has a equal opportunity at success. I recommend this program to anyone interested in a business degree and desires personal growth and leadership development."
Juli F
  • Reviewed: 8/20/2016
  • Degree: Business Administration
"Pepperdine is an incredibly values-centric university and that shows through in the quality of people who are associated. Professors and students alike display a high level of integrity and academic excellence. It is a truly caring atmosphere that makes new students feel welcomed and supported. That's not to say that the MBA program is easy. The curriculum is rigorous and pushes students to the maximum in order to expand their knowledge and abilities."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 7/22/2016
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"Pepperdine has small classes and dedicated professors."
Kayla Castro
  • Reviewed: 1/13/2016
  • Degree: Business
"There are a ton of pros to Pepperdine -- it's a very relational school and the students are all invested in creating a network post-graduation. The faculty are nearly always accessible and eager to help. The downsides are the costs of living in Malibu or West LA, lack of easy transportation to/from school, and the lack of scholarships available to students (it's a very expensive program!). Otherwise, I would highly recommend this program to students who want to gain hands-on, applicable skills for the business world."
Eneyew Girma
  • Reviewed: 12/30/2015
  • Degree: Psychology
"Well, it's not a cheap graduate program. Therefore, you must be sure what your career goals are before attending Pepperdine University. For the Clinical Program there are two options: Master's in Psychology or the Master's in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in MFT. If you are absolutely sure you want to pursue a PsyD then the Master's in Psychology is the better option for you as it has not as many units."
Angela Dahiya
  • Reviewed: 9/22/2015
  • Degree: Psychology
"I feel like Pepperdine's Masters in Psychology program is beneficial in preparing students for doctoral degrees or work in the field of mental health. The professors provide ample guidance to students throughout the program and through the process of applying to doctoral programs as well."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 8/10/2015
  • Degree: Law
"The campus is obviously beautiful, but I think the best thing the school has to offer is the faculty. The majority of the professors are truly excellent and interested in their students as individuals -- if you put yourself out there, they will help tend to your intellectual and personal growth. The school also has a big emphasis on service and social justice, finding not just a job after school but a vocation. The obvious downside is the cost -- I have no idea how I will pay off my debt, despite all my financial aid. Another thing to consider is the school's big emphasis on religion/spirituality -- it's a big upside for some people, but if you're not into it then it could be a downside for you. It's also not a school I would want to go to if I were gay."
Robert Maglio
  • Reviewed: 5/31/2015
  • Degree: Law
"Pepperdine School of Law has an amazing faculty that genuinely care about the students. However, the Career Services Department is small, and it is difficult to find externships and post-graduate employment."
2009 Spanish graduate
  • Reviewed: 5/29/2015
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"Pepperdine is a great school, and the Spanish program is 5. The location is beautiful, of course, which is awesome. Unlike a lot of small liberal arts colleges, a degree from Pepperdine means something. They are serious about academics there. Faith is also a part of the university's life, but they don't shove it down your throat if you aren't religious."
Amanda Vazquez
  • Reviewed: 5/13/2015
  • Degree: Business
"Pepperdine is beautiful campus! It's a friendly, safe environment for people of all walks of life. The faculty and staff are extremely helpful and welcoming. If you can afford the tuition, housing and need for a car it's a great campus."
Andrew Villamil
  • Reviewed: 3/17/2015
  • Degree: Counseling Psychology
"Excellent University, but very, very expensive, it would be nice if they could get more support for students who qualify."
Ling Li
  • Reviewed: 1/25/2015
  • Degree: Law
"The number one program in Dispute Resolution. Hard but great."
erika pham
  • Reviewed: 1/21/2015
  • Degree: Organizational Leadership
"I would have liked the focus of each class to be geared towards our dissertation topics. That idea was mentioned but when it came down to it, it never happened. So when it was time to start our dissertations, many of us found it difficult to select a topic and find direction."
Andrea Payne
  • Reviewed: 1/20/2015
  • Degree: Instructional Technology
"I like Pepperdine University because of the location. It is close to the ocean with an amazing view. The faculty also is there for you whenever you need help. They go out of their way to help the students succeed."
Susan Abdel-Haq
  • Reviewed: 1/14/2015
  • Degree: Marriage & Family Therapy
"Pros: Many networking opportunities and the courses prepare you very well to become a Marriage and Family therapist. There are many career opportunities that can emerge upon completion of this program. Professors are very accessible and supportive. Cons: Not enough financial aid and flexibility in the program."