Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

As Graziadio Business School is celebrating its 50th anniversary, the dean of the school, Deryck J. van Rensburg, has laid out a new strategic vision. ASPIRE 2025 is a plan of goals for Graziadio to develop into a well-regarded business school which is highly-ranked by the U.S. News and World report.

In early 2018, the school was renamed to Graziadio Business School (previously the Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business and Management). The next seven years will see major school enhancements to vastly improve the student experience, further develop faculty as business pioneers, and advance industry relationships.

Deryck J. van Rensburg's vision for the Graziadio Business School is to ''reach for new horizons and unleash its organic potential.'' It will do this by providing a transformational education from business experts, preparing students to become ‘Best for the World' leaders and entrepreneurs.

Graziadio Business School has 95 full-time faculty members and 30 adjunct members. Classes are small in size with an average of 26 students. This encourages interactive learning and helps students to build strong relationships with their professors and peers.

Highly qualified faculty are committed to their students and are experts in their field. Several members don't just teach – they also work professionally in the business sector and ensure that class content is relevant, up-to-date and comes from professional experience. Faculty are active role models the leadership skills they show are what inspires students to follow in similar successful footsteps.

Numerous events are held every year to help students gain knowledge beyond the classroom. This combines the expertise of the school, university research centers and institutes, and industry partners. There are networking groups, careers workshops, panels with Graziadio alumni, and various other invaluable events. These help students to understand the working world and prepare for success after graduation.

The graduate school of business at Pepperdine University, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, has been established for 50 years. The school aims to challenge students to develop bold thinking that facilitates transformation in both industries and communities. All programmes are designed with three key principles, namely integrity, innovation and entrepreneurship. The school gives students the opportunity to study from a range of programmes including MBA, MS, executive and doctoral degrees. Classes are small and supported by distinguished faculty which allows for the advancement of experiential learning and the stimulation of critical thinking. This approach helps to inspire students and professionals to reach their potential as leaders.

A range of part-time and full-time MBA, MS and executive degree programmes are also available online as well as six locations in southern California.

The Dresher campus in Malibu offers the majority of full-time graduate programmes. Offerings include a standard full-time MBA programme and an international MBA with a focus on global business. The full-time MBA programme offers a number of specializations that include applied analytics, dispute resolution, finance, and entrepreneurship and many more.

There are also a range of full-time MS programmes on offer which include real estate, applied analytics, human resources, applied finance, and global business.

The full-time MBA programme adopts an integrated approach to applied learning and emphasizes ethical leadership skills. Students of the full-time MBA programme have the additional option of pursuing the award-winning certificate in the Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible (SEER) Business Strategy programme. All MBA programmes are designed to provide a values-based, collaborative and experiential learning architecture with a view to developing students' leadership.

Applications to Graziadio Business School are based on a mixture of academic qualifications and personal achievements. The international admissions team is interested in students who will not only succeed academically but will equally fit in with the university community. They seek determined students who can demonstrate the university's values of purpose, service, and leadership.

To apply, students need to submit their application essay and supporting documents through the Common Application. They are also required to provide one essay question or up to two supplementary questions which will help the admissions team judge to determine if the student will suit the university.

The supporting documents required include an academic letter of recommendation, previous education scores (submitted directly from the school or testing authority), and proof of financial support. They will also need to prove their English language levels. This could be an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, TOEFL paper-based score of 550 or online test score of 79, or equivalent.

The international admissions team are experts at reviewing applicants from many different countries. Students are invited to contact the Office of Admissions if they have questions about anything to do with applying to Graziadio.

Students will be able to find all they require across each Pepperdine University campus. The large range of educational and social facilities available include dining areas, computer labs, technology support, shops, fitness centers, and three university libraries which collectively are home to over 800,000 books and resources.

Those who are studying with Graziadio Business School will live in the Drescher Campus accommodation, which boasts breathtaking ocean views. Apartments have places to relax, study and socialize, and are within walking distance to the school's building. There are free transport services for students to travel around campus and to the local shopping centre.

The Student Health Center has a wide range of medical services from immunizations to massage therapy. There are also dedicated support services for people with extra requirements such as disabled students or veterans.

A large variety of extra curricular activities and organizations are on offer for everyone to enjoy during their free time. This includes athletics programs, and student-run clubs such as Graziadio Student Ambassadors, Asian Business Club and Entertainment Media & Sports Society. As Pepperdine University is a Christian institution, there are plenty of spaces for students to explore spirituality – regardless of faith.

Graziadio Business School seeks to attract the brightest students from across the globe. It recognizes the high achievements of the international student body, and therefore offers several scholarships to eligible individuals.

For the majority of scholarships, students who apply to Pepperdine University through Common Application will automatically be considered. Applications will have to include results from an SAT or ACT test taken within the two years prior to applying.

Most scholarships from Graziadio Business School are based on academic excellence and are awarded annually. Evidence of extra curricular activity, work experience and leadership skills are all taken into account. Some scholarships include more specific criteria.

For international students who need extra financial support, there is an American co-signer loan option in place.