Pepperdine University Online Graduate Programs - home

  • Career Paths with an MLS
  • How to Become a Compliance Officer
  • How Long Does It Take to Become a Paralegal?
  • Arbitration vs Mediation
  • What is an LLM?
  • Application Requirements
  • MDR/MLS Dual Degree
  • Which Degree Program Is Right For You?
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Engagement Opportunities
  • Types of Law Degrees
  • Leadership and Faculty

Student Profiles

  • Pepperdine Online Law Study Tours
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Course Catalog
  • Psychology Career Paths
  • MSABA Field Hours FAQ
  • Become a Behavior Analyst
  • Engagement Opportunities
  • Begin Your Application External link: open_in_new

Online Graduate Programs / Online Psychology Programs / Student Profiles

At Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP), we seek students who are passionate about serving others and making a lasting impact in their communities. Learn more about how our online master’s programs in psychology are helping students both advance in their careers and change lives. Explore their stories below.

Jasmine Ramirez

Master’s in Clinical Psychology

pepperdine university phd in psychology

I was able to reach out to a professor and express some of my research interests. They were then able to direct me to a professor who would be able to connect me and get me more involved in that field.”

See how Jasmine is networking in the psychology field.

Jennifer Lawrence

Master’s in Psychology

pepperdine university phd in psychology

The flexibility of the program allowed me to not only work full time but to continue traveling—all while meeting new people in class, having the flexibility to be anywhere, and still remaining engaged.”

Learn more about Jennifer’s academic journey.

Brianna Hart-Schlappich

pepperdine university phd in psychology

I looked into the program and thought it was exactly what I was looking for because it just seemed like the perfect fit—and luckily, it worked out.”

Find out why a career in psychology was calling to Brianna.

Dahlia Baerga

pepperdine university phd in psychology

I can honestly say that so far, Pepperdine has really felt like this supportive community that is actually interested in what you want to do and where you want to go.”

Explore how working in a high school environment has inspired Dahlia.

Krystal Espinoza

pepperdine university phd in psychology

This program allows me to embrace and be part of Pepperdine’s academic reputation.”

Discover how Pepperdine’s commitment to diversity caught Krystal’s attention.

Madison Wray

Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis

pepperdine university phd in psychology

I never had a negative experience with a professor.”

Read about Madison’s preparation for the next step in her career.

Tony Martello

pepperdine university phd in psychology

My favorite aspect of learning from this program is the emotional intelligence and growth that I’ve developed so far.”

Learn more about Tony’s rewarding experience in children’s counseling.

Take Your Next Step Toward Becoming a Pepperdine Student

Complete this brief form to learn more about your program of interest and connect with our admissions team.

Request More Information

  • Best Online Programs
  • Best Campus Programs
  • Behavior Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Counseling & Mental Health
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • General Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Industrial/Organizational
  • Marriage Family Therapy
  • Social Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Educational Psychologist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Family Psychologists
  • Marriage Family Therapist
  • School Psychologist
  • Social Psychologist
  • School Counselors
  • Neuropsychologist
  • I/O Psychologist
  • Sports Psychologist
  • Addiction Counselor
  • Mental Health Psychologist
  • Counseling Psychologist
  • Occupational Psychologist
  • Child Psychiatrist
  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • Mississippi
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • West Virginia
  • PsyD vs PhD

Pepperdine University Psy.D. Psychology Review

pepperdine university phd in psychology

The Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology has offered an APA-accredited Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree since 1990. As the institution enters its third decade of offering this degree, many prospective students may be interested in learning what aspects of the program would best appeal to them, or what might make them think twice.

So let’s learn more about Pepperdine’s Psy.D. degree and how students can decide what’s right for them.

About the Program

Before jumping into the benefits of the Pepperdine Psy.D., let’s learn a bit more about the school and this particular degree program.

  • Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
  • Main campus: Los Angeles
  • Accreditation: APA
  • First year of program: 1990

Tuition and fees

  • Full-time, in-state tuition: $64,200
  • Full-time, out-of-state tuition: $64,200
  • Per credit-hour tuition for part-time students: $1,605
  • Institution fees: $40

Student outcomes

  • Median years to completion: 5 (2009-2019)
  • Percentage completing in <5 years: 65% (2018-19)
  • Percentage completing in 7+ years: 0% (2018-19)
  • Degrees conferred, 2009-2019: 257
  • Percentage of students obtaining internships: 82% (2018-19)
  • Percentage of graduates earning professional licensure: 78% (2009-2019)

Degrees & requirements

  • Psy.D. degrees offered: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
  • Non-Psy.D. degrees offered: S. and M.A. in Psychology
  • Number of credit hours required: 82
  • Application method: Online
  • Application fee: $65
  • Admission requirements: 8-page autobiographical statement; GRE scores within past five years; resume; admissions interview; TOEFL test for non-native English speakers; two professional letters of recommendation
  • Admissions office address: 6100 Center Drive 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Biggest Pros

What factors are most strongly working in Pepperdine’s favor with the average Psy.D. student?

Immediate clinical exposure

Beginning in their first year, Psy.D. students at Pepperdine receive training in one of the university’s four community-based clinics, where they are exposed to real-world issues under the supervision of faculty. The Graduate School of Education and Psychology staffs three external clinics (in West Los Angeles, Encino and Irvine) as well as an on-campus clinic for students only. Students and faculty also provide counseling services to the homeless community through the Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission.

Internship flexibility

The program is designed to be completed in just four years, but the university also permits students to add a fifth year to accommodate a two-year half-time doctoral internship period. This flexibility is ideal for those who have families or other personal commitments that make a four-year full-time Psy.D. a particular challenge.

100% licensure rate

Though this differs from the official data the university is required to report to the APA, and which we’ve listed above, in more recent years, 100% of graduates have achieved state licensure five years after graduation, according to the most recent alumni survey.

Biggest Cons

We know what’s great about this program, but let’s learn more about what’s not so great.

For the average student, they’ll likely want to make sure they complete the program in four years, as designed. That’s because Pepperdine’s Psy.D. is among the most expensive in the nation on a per-year basis, with a single-year tuition rate of more than $64,000. This rate means the average student can expect to spend nearly $150,000 for the four years of their Psy.D. at Pepperdine.

No specialization areas

There’s no doubt the curriculum at Pepperdine is robust, modern and in-depth. But even with electives, it’s difficult for students to focus on a particular population group or therapeutic method through their classroom work. While many students may not find this problematic, for those who are passionate about a particular population group, that could be enough to dissuade them from pursuing a Psy.D. at Pepperdine.

The Bottom Line

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide whether the Pepperdine University Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is right for you

Providing students with hands-on clinical psychology experience starting from Day One truly sets Pepperdine University’s Psy.D. program apart, as few schools have the resources or program design to put clinical work front and center in this way. It’s an expensive program, to be sure, but for those who can afford it, or find another way to pay for it, like a scholarship or grant, the diversity of populations helped by the clinics Pepperdine staffs should be squarely in the wheelhouse for a typical Psy.D. student.

Pepperdine University’s Psy.D program made our Editors’ Choice  Best Accredited Psy.D. Programs for 2020 .

Learn more today.

Additional Resources

  • Online Application Hub
  • Admissions Requirements
  • Student Outcomes and Other Data
  • Program Overview
  • Psy.D. Program FAQs
  • Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission

MFT Programs: Education and Training

MFT programs

Pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy (MFT)? Selecting the right MFT program is a pivotal first step. Accredited programs offer the quality education, experiential learning, and diverse training you need to become successful in the field.

Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist requires a bachelor's degree, a master’s degree, completion of a rigorous licensure process, and continuing education for professional growth. MFT programs focus on experiential learning, providing students with clinical practice and a curriculum that addresses core competencies, cultural competence, and the socioeconomics of mental health.

Graduates with a solid family therapy education have diverse career opportunities with promising job growth, and they benefit from robust student support, professional development resources, and a community-focused educational environment.

How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist

MFT programs

To excel as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the mental health field, one must complete a combination of educational credentials, professional licensure, and have the intrinsic motivation to support others. Along with a master’s degree in the field, prospective family therapists must also complete specific licensing criteria—all underscored by an earnest desire to facilitate healing within families.

Core Components of an MFT Education

An MFT program offers an immersive journey beyond the pursuit of an advanced degree, equipping aspiring family therapists with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as competent professionals in the field of marriage and family therapy. MFT programs typically offer flexible formats to accommodate different student backgrounds and schedules, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to learn and excel.

These programs design their curriculum with an emphasis on:

  • a wellness approach focused on recovery-oriented care
  • catering to diverse cultures and communities with cultural humility
  • evidence-based practices for treating emotional disorders, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other concerns
  • clinical work and supervised experience that prepares students to succeed in real-life settings

This provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of mental health and therapy through the lens of behavioral sciences.

Curriculum Breakdown

A master’s program in MFT is often built on a practitioner-scholar model that combines rigorous academic coursework with intensive experiential training. At the heart of family therapy education is the development of key clinical skills, which are honed through opportunities to work directly with clients under the supervision of a licensed therapist.

From mental health diagnosis to treatment, counseling and psychotherapy theories, professional ethics, and multicultural counseling – the behavioral sciences curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including:

  • Mental health diagnosis
  • Treatment options
  • Counseling and psychotherapy theories
  • Professional ethics
  • Multicultural counseling

This ensures that students are well-equipped to handle the complexities of the therapeutic process.

Courses within MFT programs also cover the socioeconomic aspects that influence mental health. By understanding and addressing these factors, students are trained to become culturally competent therapists, capable of delivering effective therapeutic interventions in a culturally sensitive manner.

Experiential Learning and Practicum

Experiential learning holds significant importance in MFT education. Clinical practice hours form the backbone of the curriculum, enabling students to actively apply theoretical concepts in a hands-on environment. This fusion of cognitive and emotional learning fosters:

  • personal and professional growth
  • developing interpersonal skills
  • understanding of the therapeutic process
  • self-knowledge

Students start their supervised clinical experience as early as the second term and continue throughout the program until graduation. This experience can range from providing services to people in community mental health settings to working on specialized therapies and programs and community-based interventions.

This hands-on training holds immense value for those looking to enter private practice in marriage and family therapy. With over 250 hours of supervision involving live, video, and audio-taped recordings of therapy sessions, students receive extensive feedback and critique, allowing them to refine their skills and prepare for real-world therapeutic settings.

Specialized Training for Diverse Needs

MFT programs

Specialized training is a crucial aspect of any top MFT program. These trainings, which focus on addressing various socioeconomic challenges and promoting cultural competence, train students to deal with the diverse needs of their clients.

A thorough understanding of socioeconomic factors is key to addressing a broad spectrum of family and relationship issues effectively. MFT programs that place a strong emphasis on the social and psychological implications of socioeconomics prepare students to competently address such diverse needs in their professional practice.

Addressing Socioeconomic Challenges

Individuals, couples, and families often experience the profound effects of socioeconomic conditions and societal pressures on their well-being. These influences play a critical role in shaping mental health outcomes and overall functioning within families. It's important that MFT students acquire an understanding of these factors as part of their education to become family therapists. They must learn how to effectively apply marriage and family therapy theories when addressing these issues during therapeutic sessions.

To ensure this comprehension is built into the educational foundation for aspiring therapists, MFT program curriculums emphasize the significance of socioeconomic elements in influencing familial interactions. By equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address obstacles related to poverty and social stressors, these programs prepare them more effectively for helping families navigate through such adversities successfully.

Cultural Competence in Therapy

Within our increasingly diverse society, the ability to navigate interactions with clients from various cultural origins is essential for therapists. Recognizing this imperative, MFT programs include targeted training aimed at fostering cultural proficiency within their student body.

Programs in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) feature foundational courses such as ‘Multicultural Counseling’ to adequately equip students for skilled engagement with heterogeneous groups. These classes are concentrated on honing the ability to perceive and meet the distinct needs of individuals across different cultures, preparing them to proficiently confront issues related to racism and intersectional oppression within therapeutic environments.

Career Outcomes and Professional Growth

The career trajectory for marriage and family therapy graduates is promising. With an expected growth rate of 15% through 2031, the demand for professionals in this field is robust and indicates a thriving job market.

Graduates with an MFT degree have the flexibility to work in a variety of settings such as private practices, hospitals, outpatient mental healthcare facilities, and social service agencies. Additionally, they have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as addiction and recovery, infidelity counseling, or LGBTQIA+ issues, expanding their professional expertise and niche.

Licensure and Beyond

In order to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), candidates are required to earn either a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or an equivalently focused discipline from an institution that holds regional accreditation or has COAMFTE accreditation . The initial educational requirements are only the first step toward licensure.

Following their academic education, graduates must then go on to gain two years of post-degree supervised work experience. They need to successfully pass both the clinical examination and the California Law and Ethics exam before they can obtain the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential under California Board regulations.

This comprehensive vetting process guarantees that professionals entering into family therapy practice possess not just theoretical knowledge but also practical skills. To retain this LMFT license within California , therapists are mandated to fulfill 36 hours of continuing professional education every year. This serves as a measure for keeping these practitioners up-to-date with current practices in marriage and family therapy.

Expanding Horizons

Graduates of Marriage and Family Therapy programs have the potential to venture into an array of career paths that extend well beyond the conventional roles in therapy. Armed with a strong emphasis on mental health and wellness, marriage and family therapy graduates can seek job opportunities across various sectors including healthcare, education, government agencies, and private consulting.

MFT professionals can utilize their skills within specialized areas of interest such as addiction recovery services, support for LGBTQIA+ individuals’ issues, grief counseling and trauma intervention, assistance through divorce processes, or anger management strategies.

By diving deeper into particular niches within mental health care delivery systems, MFT professionals not only increase their depth of knowledge but also gain a distinct advantage within the competitive landscape of mental health service provision.

Financial Investment in Your Future

Deciding to pursue an MFT degree represents a substantial financial commitment. When selecting an MFT program, prospective students must consider factors such as:

  • Program completion time
  • Specialization options
  • Available financial aid

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financial aid can significantly reduce the monetary burden for those engaging in an MFT program. Institutions commonly provide scholarship opportunities tailored for incoming students who are just beginning their studies within the MFT program.

Scholarships are available to current graduate students progressing through their educational path in the MFT program. By seeking out these financial resources, students can bolster their fiscal assistance and render their pursuit of higher education more economically manageable.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The advantages of completing an MFT program can be substantial. Those who graduate from such programs not only stand to gain higher earning potential but also enjoy versatile career options beyond conventional roles in marriage and family therapy. Graduates may seek opportunities in diverse fields like counseling psychology, social work, or applied behavior analysis programs—all potentially augmenting their investment’s value.

Student Support and Resources

A successful academic journey is bolstered by strong support and resources for students. In MFT programs, a thorough system of academic advising is implemented. Each student receives an assigned faculty advisor whose role includes customizing their educational path and offering mentorship.

Beyond the realm of academics, these programs extend career services designed to improve professional abilities and prepare students for employment. Networking events are also frequently arranged, bridging connections between students and both industry professionals as well as alumni, thus giving students crucial opportunities to forge significant contacts and acquire an understanding of the industry.

Networking and Professional Development

MFT students greatly benefit from networking and professional development opportunities. Alumni networks offer current students the opportunity to connect with experienced professionals in the field, providing insights and guidance that can greatly enhance their learning experience.

Membership and participation in professional organizations such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) provide students access to a range of professional development resources and networking events. These platforms allow students to interact with professionals in the field, gain industry-specific knowledge, and stay updated on the latest trends and research.

Learning Environment and Student Life

The educational experiences of MFT students are profoundly influenced by the learning atmosphere and various aspects of student life. Educational institutions such as Pepperdine University offer a nurturing environment that enriches the academic path for MFT students through an array of resources and opportunities designed to elevate their education.

Cohort Experience

Programs in MFT typically adopt a cohort-based structure, creating an organized and encouraging atmosphere for learning. This approach is key to developing community spirit, nurturing leadership qualities, and crafting enduring relationships between students.

Students are prompted to actively participate in collective academic efforts through joint clinical practice and coursework centered on practical application. Such teamwork in the educational process is enhanced by connections with professional circles offered by the program as well as a strong network of alumni, enriching the overall educational experience for students.

Campus Culture

At Pepperdine University, the educational journey of students is significantly enhanced by a campus culture that values and encourages diversity. This commitment to inclusivity ensures an enriching learning environment for every student.

Earn Your Marriage and Family Therapy Degree at Pepperdine University

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Pepperdine University prepares students to serve individuals, couples, families, and groups as a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in California. Consistently listed as a top choice for graduate clinical psychology programs by the National Center for Education Statistics, Pepperdine University's program is the most chosen Clinical Psychology Masters Program in the US.

Help Us Shape the Content You Love:

Blog Topic Feedback Survey.

Pick the topics you love from the dropdown menus below.

Select the topic that most interests you.

Additional Suggested Topic

  • MA in Teaching
  • MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change
  • MA in Clinical Psychology
  • MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • MS in Leadership Pre-K to 12 Education
  • MS in Organizational Leadership and Learning
  • PhD in GLobal Leadership and Change
  • MS in Learning Design and Technology
  • MA in Clinical Psychology with MFT (Evening Format)
  • EdD in Organizational Leadership
  • MS in Leadership in Higher Education
  • Master's Degree
  • PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Copyright  ©  2024  Pepperdine University

  • Privacy Policy
  • GDPR Privacy Notice
  • Clery Notice
  • Terms of Use
  • Title IX
  • Web Accessibility

conversion

Seaver students having a discussion in a classroom

Psychology Major and Minor

  • Social Science Division

USNWR Psychology Badge

Psychology Degree

Our faculty provide psychology majors with a series of courses focusing on the foundations of psychological principles and methodology to prepare them for admission into graduate school or career entry as professional psychologists and therapists. Psychology majors may choose to enroll in courses, designed to enhance personal growth and improve interpersonal relationships.

Industrial Organizational Psychology Minor

Today industrial organizational (I/O) psychologists offer services through the scientist/practitioner model in settings that involve human resource management in both private and nonprofit sectors, government agencies, and the public policy field. Many offer services as professional consultants, managers, or evaluators.

What Psychology Grads Are Doing

Data collected from the 2022 class within six months of graduation.

Employed Full-Time or Part-Time

Admitted to Graduate School

Total Settled Graduates

Why Pepperdine

Pepperdine Seaver College is consistently recognized among the top-ranked universities in California and the United States. We are a Christian university where students grow in knowledge and character. As a liberal arts institution, we focus on providing rich opportunities for intellectual and spiritual exploration for students with a diverse community.

Located in Malibu, CA

13:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio

80% of Students Participate in an International Program

120,000 + Alumni Network

Psychology Program

Student resources.

  • Psychology Advisory Handbook
  • Information sheet for clinical/counseling graduate school

Possible Double Majors and Complementary Courses

  • Psychology and biology
  • Psychology and religion
  • Psychology and sociology
  • Psychology and communication
  • Psychology and criminology law courses: POSC 446, POSC 526, POSC 533, SOC 421, and SOC 436

Unique Aspects of the Major

In addition to broad academic offerings, a number of worthwhile fieldwork experiences are available. Students routinely work at a nearby detention facility for juvenile delinquents or in the local state hospital. A variety of other field placements are available with such agencies as those dealing with child abuse, adult mental retardation, drug abuse, educationally or physically handicapped children, and mental illness.

The faculty has developed expertise in assisting those students who desire to apply for admission to graduate school. When teaching specific areas, faculty emphasize the information needed to pass graduate school examinations. The faculty also counsels and assists psychology majors to select satisfying career goals in psychologically oriented fields or in other related settings.

Lastly, the faculty offers a few select courses that enhance understanding of the relationships between psychology, religion, and human values.

Career Opportunities

Recent graduates have found careers in industry, personnel, and research, and have worked as management trainees, counselors in various settings, and agencies educating children with special needs.

Psychology majors are often qualified to apply for state and county jobs in the area of corrections and welfare such as the Department of Children's Services.

Additionally, the industrial/organizational psychology minor allows undergraduates to take courses in the area of business management as partial fulfillment of their psychology requirements.

This way, students can incorporate both fields in pursuit of employment in an industrial career, which emphasizes psychological principles, such as personnel psychology.

Graduate School Admission Requirements

Requirements for admission to master's or doctoral programs vary greatly.

Master's programs—which include marriage and family counseling, industrial psychology, and clinical psychology—usually require a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher, and fulfillment of a core of undergraduate courses. Letters of recommendation are required.

Doctoral programs require a minimum grade point average of 3.3, completion of numerous psychology courses, and perhaps some other courses in physiology, chemistry and mathematics. In addition, students must perform above the median or higher in the three areas of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE): verbal, quantitative, and analytic. Some schools look for a high performance on the advanced GRE and on the Miller's Analogies Test (MAT).

Letters of recommendation from professors and other professionals are required, and it is very helpful if students possess some experience in related fieldwork.

Read the APA Graduate Study in Psychology book, and be prepared to take the GRE and the MAT in October the year before you hope to enter graduate school. Start applying for admission in November. Notification of acceptance arrives in April.

Honors Club

The Pepperdine chapter of Psi Chi and the Psychology Club provide excellent resources and opportunities for students. Psi Chi is the national honor society for psychology students. Its purpose is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship for individual members, and to advance the science of psychology. Membership is open to psychology majors who meet the national requirements . Guest speakers, movies, and parties are arranged for members.

Student Research and Publications

Our psychology students have worked with professors in their areas to publish and present their unique research in a variety of places.

Honors Research Program in Psychology

Psychology majors are encouraged to participate in the two-semester Honors Research Program, aimed at providing students with insight into how psychological scientists design research projects, collect and analyze data, and communicate their results to the scientific community. Students apply to the program in the fall semester of their junior year and are admitted to the program based on their grade point average, career goals, and successful completion of prerequisite psychology courses (PSYC 200 or 210, 250, 310, and enrollment in 442 during the spring semester of their junior year).

Students are selected by a committee in the fall semester of their junior year and are notified in time for preregistration for the spring semester of that same academic year. Upon acceptance into the program, students enroll in Research in Psychology: Advanced Research Seminar for two consecutive terms (three units each term).

During the first semester of the program, students will design an original experiment including the formulation of a hypothesis, completion of a literature review, and creation of a research design under the supervision of one of the psychology professors. Students will be required to present their research proposals formally to the psychology faculty and the other students in the class.

During the second semester of the program, students will collect and statistically analyze their data. In order to complete the program, they must present their research findings as a written manuscript for publication in APA format, as well as successfully complete an oral research presentation before the psychology faculty and students.

Upon successful completion of these research requirements, the psychology faculty will recommend that students' transcripts and diplomas be marked "Honors in Psychology." It is expected that the research will be presented at a local, regional or national professional psychological conference.

Psychology Student Testimonials

Take the Next Step

Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's undergraduate programs.

Get In Touch

Learn more about how you can join the Pepperdine community.

Visit Our Campus

Explore Seaver College and connect with an admission counselor.

Start Your Application

Submit an application and be one step closer to becoming a Wave.

Request Information

Social Science Division Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90263 Office: AC 201

310.506.4372

Robert E. Williams Divisional Dean & Professor of Political Science

Robert Escudero Office Manager

Related Programs

  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Copyright  ©  2024  Pepperdine University

  • Privacy Policy
  • GDPR Privacy Notice
  • Clery Notice
  • Terms of Use
  • Title IX
  • Web Accessibility
  • Office of the President
  • Administration

National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) Membership

Pepperdine University has joined the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) as an Institutional Member. The NCFDD is a nationally-recognized, independent organization that provides online career development and mentoring resources for faculty, post-docs, and graduate students. They provide a variety of virtual programs and resources including: 

  • Weekly Monday Motivator 
  • Monthly Core Curriculum Webinars 
  • Monthly Guest Expert Webinars 
  • Access to Multi-Week Courses 
  • Access to Dissertation Success Curriculum for graduate students 
  • Private Discussion Forum for peer-mentoring, problem-solving, & moderated writing challenges 
  • Monthly Accountability Buddy Matches 
  • Access to 14-Day Writing Challenges 
  • Access to the Member Library (Includes past webinar materials, referrals, and readings)

All Pepperdine faculty members can enroll in this program as part of our institutional membership. We invite you to explore the benefits of membership with NCFDD at their website: https://www.ncfdd.org/ .

Institutional Membership

To claim your free Institutional Membership, complete the following steps: 

  • Go to https://www.ncfdd.org/
  • Choose your institution from the drop-down menu. 
  • Select “Activate my Membership” 
  • Complete the registration form using your Pepperdine email address (@pepperdine.edu) 
  • Go to your institution email to find a confirmation/welcome email. Click “Activate Account” in the email. 

If you have any questions about the membership, please contact: Kindy DeLong, Associate Dean, Seaver College, [email protected] .

Copyright  ©  2024  Pepperdine University

  • Privacy Policy
  • GDPR Privacy Notice
  • Clery Notice
  • Terms of Use
  • Title IX
  • Web Accessibility

Pepperdine University Mourns the Passing of Life Regent Glen Holden

Pepperdine University is saddened to announce the passing of Ambassador Glen Holden, a fervent supporter of higher education and a dedicated member of the Pepperdine community for 49 years. Ambassador Holden, who served as a member of the Board of Regents for more than 30 years and began his service as a Life Regent in 2019, passed on April 18, 2024, at the age of 96.

Considered one of the principal innovators and leaders of change in the life insurance industry in the United States, Ambassador Holden is world renowned for successfully leading in the sale of insurance products through major New York Stock Exchange member companies, as well as issuing the first interest-sensitive life insurance products in the United States. In 1973, he founded The Holden Group (THG), where he acted as chair and became the principal stockholder until he sold the company after nearly three decades. THG is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  

Ambassador Holden’s strong commitment to private enterprise led to his appointment by President George H. W. Bush as United States Ambassador to Jamaica. While serving, Holden was able to attract more than $400 million of American private capital and implemented the Enterprise for Americas Initiative Policy—a policy that served as a basis for the North American Foreign Trade Agreement (NAFTA). 

A longtime supporter of Pepperdine, Ambassador Holden was the venerated recipient of the University’s highest honor, the Doctor of Laws degree, in 1988 from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Additionally, Ambassador Holden and his late wife, Gloria, were involved in numerous professional, municipal, cultural, and educational board activities. Together, Ambassador and Mrs. Holden were generous benefactors to Pepperdine students through the Glen and Gloria Holden Endowed Scholarship. To honor their commitment to higher education, on November 29, 2002, Casa Holden was dedicated and continues to serve as the central location for students at Pepperdine’s international campus in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ambassador Holden co-chaired the Campaign for Pepperdine from 2010–2015, which raised $470 million, and served on the Board of Advisors at the School of Public Policy. The University dedicated Holden House on the Malibu campus in honor of Glen and Gloria in 2019.

Ambassador Holden is survived by his son, Glen Holden Jr.; daughter, Geannie Holden Sheller, who is a cherished member of the Pepperdine community through her support of the Boone Center for the Family; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, and daughter, Georgianne Holden Stone (’78, MS ’87).

More information about a memorial service to honor Ambassador Holden’s life is forthcoming.

Copyright  ©  2024  Pepperdine University

  • Privacy Policy
  • GDPR Privacy Notice
  • Clery Notice
  • Terms of Use
  • Title IX
  • Web Accessibility

IMAGES

  1. Accepted Students

    pepperdine university phd in psychology

  2. Pepperdine University Psychology Graduate & Doctorate Degree

    pepperdine university phd in psychology

  3. Land Of The Free Foundation-Pepperdine University Graduate School of

    pepperdine university phd in psychology

  4. Graduate School of Education & Psychology

    pepperdine university phd in psychology

  5. Pepperdine University Reviews

    pepperdine university phd in psychology

  6. Pepperdine Psychology Masters Acceptance Rate

    pepperdine university phd in psychology

VIDEO

  1. Pepperdine GSEP Career Services Retreat (2019)

  2. #Jamii Career Connect Series: To Doctorate or Notorate

  3. Pepperdine University Welcomes Ed Schilling

  4. Registration How To Video

  5. Pepperdine Master's in Psychology Students

  6. Do I Regret Going To Pepperdine University? *my honest truth*

COMMENTS

  1. Doctorate of Psychology Program at Pepperdine University

    Psychology Doctoral Program. The Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Our courses and required training prepare students to become licensed clinical psychologists and to serve the community through applied ...

  2. Graduate Programs in Education and Psychology

    Since 1971, Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) has been an innovative learning community where individuals of diverse perspectives work collaboratively to foster academic excellence, social purpose, meaningful service, and personal fulfillment preparing future generations to be catalyst for inspiration and change.

  3. Graduate School of Education and Psychology

    The Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) is dedicated to training skilled leaders, administrators, and practitioners of the highest level within two allied fields of human care: education and psychology. As part of its overall mission, GSEP seeks to be an inspiration for change in all of its students (approximately 1,800 enrolled), encouraging them to reach their potential so ...

  4. PsyD in Clinical Psychology

    PsyD Admission Requirements. Applicants for the PsyD program must possess a master's degree in psychology or a closely related field that reflects a graduate-level foundation of knowledge in the following domains: biological aspects of behavior, cognitive and affective aspects of behavior, social aspects of behavior; psychological measurement ...

  5. Pepperdine University MA in Clinical Psychology

    Online Clinical Psychology Master's Program Highlights. Prepare to positively affect the health and well-being of those in need by completing the following curriculum requirements: 8-12. sessions. 62-68. units. 4. sessions of field placement. Graduate ready to earn your LPC or LMFT licensure in as few as 27 months.

  6. Start Your Application Process Today

    IELTS scores can be sent electronically by choosing "Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology" from the dropdown menu. International students must submit their I-20 checklist documentation directly to the Office of International Student Services (OISS) after admission and enrollment confirmation.

  7. Graduate Admission

    Graduate students at Pepperdine University earn advanced and professional degrees in individualized learning environments that focus on both personal and professional goals. Our graduate programs include master's, doctoral, and joint degrees, as well as specialized certifications. Areas of study include law, education, psychology, public policy ...

  8. Graduate School of Education and Psychology ...

    In a continued effort to create and foster a diverse community of inclusion, equity, and belonging, the Education Division of the Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) will launch the inaugural Pepperdine Excellence Postdoctoral Project for Equity Research (PEPPER) on September 1, 2021.

  9. Doctoral Program Course Information

    Psychology. PsyD in Clinical Psychology. Links to course information specific to the doctoral programs at GSEP including PsyD, EdD in Learning Technologies, and more.

  10. Degree Programs and Majors

    Graduate School of Education and Psychology: Graduate: Master of Arts (MA) Online: Online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis: ... Pepperdine University. 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90263. 310.506.4000. Facebook; Instagram; Twitter; LinkedIn; Youtube;

  11. Online Psychology Master's Programs

    Since its founding in 1971, the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) has been an innovative learning community where faculty and students of diverse cultures and perspectives work collaboratively to foster academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.. Today, that innovative learning community is available to students all over the globe ...

  12. Online Graduate Programs

    Pepperdine Online is the latest evolution of that mission. From Malibu to every corner of the globe, our online graduate programs in business, law, and psychology are preparing students for purposeful work and purposeful lives. We invite you to learn more about our world-class online programs and what it means to be a part of our extraordinary ...

  13. Jennifer Harriger

    Jennifer Harriger is a professor of psychology at Pepperdine University. She received her BS in biology, her MS in clinical and health psychology and her PhD in developmental psychology. She teaches Foundations of Psychology, Lifespan Developmental Psychology, Child Clinical Psychology, Psychology of Gender, and Body Image and Eating Disorders.

  14. Cindy L. Miller-Perrin

    Biography. Dr. Cindy Miller Perrin earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Washington State University and is currently Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine University. She enjoys teaching undergraduates and is the recipient of the 2008 Howard A. White Award for Teaching Excellence at Pepperdine.

  15. Student Profiles

    Student Profiles At Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP), we seek students who are passionate about serving others and making a lasting impact in their communities. Learn more about how our online master's programs in psychology are helping students both advance in their careers and change lives. Explore their stories below.

  16. Pepperdine University Psy.D. Psychology Review

    The Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology has offered an APA-accredited Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree since 1990. As the institution enters its third decade of offering this degree, many prospective students may be interested in learning what aspects of the program would best appeal to them, or what might make them think

  17. MFT Programs: Education and Training

    The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Pepperdine University prepares students to serve individuals, couples, families, and groups as a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in California.

  18. Psychology Major and Minor

    Social Science Division Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90263 Office: AC 201. 310.506.4372. Robert E. Williams DivisionalDean & Professor of Political Science. Robert Escudero Office Manager. Psychology majors will learn the foundations of psychological principles and methodology to prepare them for admission into ...

  19. Three questions for Pepperdine's Farzin Madjidi on working with 2U

    For today, I worked with 2U to engage in a Q&A with Dr. Farzin Madjidi, Dean of Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP).. Q: In 2017, GSEP partnered with 2U to launch three online degree programs—a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Art in Psychology, and a Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis—which have since graduated over ...

  20. National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) Membership

    Pepperdine University has joined the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) as an Institutional Member. ... Graduate School of Education and Psychology; School of Public Policy; Pepperdine University. 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90263. 310.506.4000. Facebook; Instagram; Twitter; LinkedIn;

  21. Pepperdine University Mourns the Passing of Life Regent Glen Holden

    Pepperdine University is saddened to announce the passing of Ambassador Glen Holden, a fervent supporter of higher education and a dedicated member of the Pepperdine community for 49 years. ... in 1988 from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Additionally, Ambassador Holden and his late wife, Gloria, were involved in numerous ...