edX Online

About the program

  • Four concentration options:

    Choose between Leadership in Learning Design and Technology, Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education, Leadership in Higher Education, and Organizational Leadership and Learning.

  • Become an educational leader:

    Develop seamless, connected, and inclusive learning experiences, and learn how to drive change in your industry through educational initiatives.

  • Doctoral pathway:

    Take advantage of our doctoral pathway; upon graduation, some units can apply to your choice of the Graduate School of Education and Psychology’s four doctoral programs.

Curriculum

The online Master of Science in Education has a 30 credit curriculum that takes 15 months to complete part-time. This curriculum is composed of six core courses, three concentration courses, and a final capstone project. You will choose between four concentrations, and have the option to take part in an immersive experience at our Malibu, California campus.

  • Core courses:

    • Critical Thinking and Communication (3 credits)

    • Virtual Learning, Collaboration, and Transmedia (3 credits)

    • Ethics, Values, and Inclusion (3 credits)

    • Program Design and Evaluation (3 credits)

    • Applied Analytics and Data Visualization (3 credits)

    • Entrepreneurial Leadership for Innovation and Change (3 credits)

    • Capstone Integration Experience (3 credits)

  • Concentration courses:

    The online Master of Science in Education offers four concentrations you can choose from to become the best leader you can be in your industry. For each concentration, you will complete three additional courses. The four concentrations are:

    • Concentration in Leadership in Learning Design and Technology (9 credits total)

    • Concentration in Leadership in Higher Education (9 credits total)

    • Concentration in Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education (9 credits total)

    • Concentration in Organizational Leadership and Learning (9 credits total)

  • Immersion experience (optional):

    The optional, weekend-long immersion experience takes place on Pepperdine University’s campus in Malibu, California. It serves as a platform for students to engage with peers, faculty, and industry professionals in a collaborative environment. Through community building and engaging sessions, students can deepen their understanding of their field and build meaningful connections.

Ready to advance your career?

Admissions

Pepperdine University’s online MS in Education program seeks applicants who want to step into leadership roles within their industries — you do not need a background in education, and the program is not only for teachers. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with a preferred minimum of a 3.0 GPA to apply. 

There are two cohort start dates per year: September and January. The following materials are required to apply:

  • Online application

  • Résumé (optional)

  • Transcripts

  • Two letters of recommendation (LOR)

  • Personal interview (may be required as a needed secondary review) 

  • Personal statement

  • Proof of English language proficiency

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Immersions

During the immersion, you will:

  • Participate in specialized sessions led by faculty and staff from the MS program. 

  • Engage in a variety of activities, including sporting events, cultural performances, academic discussions, and networking opportunities. 

  • Connect and build community with peers in person from all five schools within Pepperdine University, fostering cross-disciplinary interactions. 

  • Apply and integrate into your coursework what you’ve learned during the immersion.