Pepperdine University Reviews

"I chose Pepperdine over other programs because of their reputation but have been incredibly disappointed. It's basically a diploma mill. All of my teachers have been adjunct, several are new graduates themselves with no teaching experience, no license, and little clinical or research experience. The MAP program does not prepare you for doctoral programs and several of my classes won't even transfer. I've only had three doctoral level professors and all of them graduated from Alliant. If you just want the degree and easy classes then enroll but if you want to earn a doctorate then Pepperdine is just a waste of time and money.Read Less"

"Pepperdine is an exceptional University. There isn't a bad thing I can say about the school. During my time at Pepperdine I was apart of the Womens soccer team, which gave me a purpose while I was at school. From there I made life long friends and mentors, that I talk to bi-monthly. Pepperdine prides itself in have intimate class sizes that, the largest class being about 100 students, and that was something I really liked. I would always hear my friends from other school say they had auditoriums filled with 700+ student, and knowing myself I would have been lost in the shuffle. Pepperdine's campus is also breath taking, the school is located across the street from the ocean and they always have events going on so you feel connected to the university and the community. Lastly, I want to note that the ac anemic advisors and professors are exceptional. while at Pepperdine I was originally a Sports Medicine major and half way through I decided to change to a Psychology major, the professors and advisors worked with me, got me on the right track and I graduated in 4 years.Read Less"

"I loved my experience at Pepperdine University. At Pepperdine, I gained an education that prepared me for my graduate studies and challenged me in my intellectual development; I learned to ask better questions, to think deeply and critically, and to manage a variety of responsibilities at the same time. While all of this was valuable, the biggest takeaway from my Pepperdine experience was the community I developed. Through international programs, life in the residence halls, and my work as a Resident Advisor and on the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council, I developed friendships that will last a lifetime. I met people that had different views from me, and rather than alienate me, they challenged me to think deeply about why I believe what I believe and their influence ultimately made me a more informed and confident person. Pepperdine cultivates this strong community primarily through International Programs, which is ranked #1 in the world. Having studied in Argentina and London, I can attest to the superb nature of these programs and how they made me more globally minded, equipped me with a second language, and enhanced my personal development. On campus, the Great Books Colloquium contributed the most to my academic development, and I would recommend it to all students. I learned the most in my Great Books classes. I love Pepperdine, and I'd choose it again and again. Pepperdine is a Christian institution, and while this is apparent in Pepperdine's administration and campus life, I never felt like the university was forcing any ideas on me. I always felt like I could express my views freely. Pepperdine is true to its mission; it equips you for purpose, service, and leadership in the great wide world after graduation. And the ocean view isn't too shabby. Ayo Waves!Read Less"

"Pepperdine is an amazing school in which the values of purpose, service, and leadership are upheld consistently. I gained superior knowledge and experience as an undergraduate psychology student. The faculty is top notch, the campus is gorgeous, and the student body is diverse and hard-working."

"Pepperdine's Graduate School of Education and Psychology is a small, but progressive program. The classes are innovative, and the instructors are genius and always willing to help. The diversity in the classes enriches your prospective and worldview."

"This is a great school and a great program. I really enjoyed my experience getting my Master or Arts in Psychology. There were many opportunities to network with classmates and faculty. You definitely get a sense that the staff and faculty support their students."

"I loved my masters program at Pepperdine! My classes were no more than 10 students and I felt like my professors were always available to me when I needed extra help. Each class is so diverse and fosters such great discussion, enabling an immense amount of personal and professional growth."

"This is a fantastic program. The faculty members are wonderful and the campus and classes are small. It provides lots of opportunity for networking and getting to know all of the staff, faculty and students. The classwork isn't very difficult but you will definitely learn a lot."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Although i'm just beginning the program I think the major pro is that fact that they offer a lot of support to incoming grad students. I have never been put off when I ask a question. The con is simply that the grad programs are so expensive."

"I feel that the faculty at Pepperdine University have real world experience that is brought into the classroom. It is great to have a theory and application in all of my classes to be successful in the work place."

"This is for the GSEP program, MA in psychology. The program I have experienced so far is very informative and of high quality. The workload is reasonable from most professors. There is some unnecessary repetition of content in the required classes, especially research. This is unfortunate due to the high cost of each class."

"The atmosphere and professors at this campus are outstanding. They care about your education and want you to succeed. The only negative I would say is that it is a lot less social than undergraduate. At this campus you attend class and leave, so it is a bit harder to engage with others."

"Career support is stellar. They spend tons of time with their students making sure they get a practicum site and job opportunities. On the other hand, some of the adjunct professors are really poor quality"

"The doctorate program in clinical psychology is challenging and comprehensive all at the same time. Many of the faculty are able to provide real-world applications of their experiences as a Psychologist. The majority of faculty have been supportive and patient. It is expensive to live and work in Los Angeles. I find myself driving throughout the city in order to work at different sites. Some of the technology in the classrooms are in need of updates but I have never had a problem."

"Pepperdine University offers satellite graduate campuses throughout Southern California, staffed with high caliber adjunct professors."

"Overall I have been extremely pleased as a graduate student at Pepperdine University. The curriculum for my program is thorough, and extensive enough so that it ensures each graduate is well-versed in their field. The Pepperdine community/network is focused on fostering all students as best they can, and that atmosphere is easily identifiable on the campus. Also, the quality of academia at Pepperdine is well-known. Great things can be said about the faculty and staff as well, they are easily accessible and always willing to help in any facet. I am glad I have been given the opportunity to complete my graduate studies in Clinical Psychology & Marriage/Family Therapy at Pepperdine.Read Less"

"The learning environment is wonderful and so is the networking. However the program is expensive and that is a concern."