Welcome to Pepperdine Graziadio
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School stands as a leading global Christian institution, dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds thrive and actively contribute to our vibrant community.
Here, we recognize that business goes beyond commerce, profoundly shaping society. Our mission is to equip students with a robust ethical foundation to navigate and solve the intricate business challenges of tomorrow.
At Graziadio, education transcends traditional boundaries. Our distinguished faculty, talented students, and expansive alumni network—one of Southern California’s largest—create an environment where students are empowered to seize opportunities, drive impactful change, and emerge as leaders both in and out of the classroom.
Joining our community promises lifelong experiences. It challenges students to forge purpose-driven careers. We invite you to discover more about Graziadio, our supportive community, and our diverse range of programs.
Warm regards,
Deborah Crown Dean Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
ABOUT THE PEPPERDINE GRAZIADIO BUSINESS SCHOOL
At Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, we offer a world-class education anchored in innovation and experiential learning that is ethical in focus and global in orientation. Our alumni network of 50,000 purpose-driven professionals is dedicated to fostering sustainable businesses for a better world. Grounded in Christian values of purpose, service, and leadership, our community embraces a values-based curriculum, encouraging all students to discover their purpose.
HISTORY
The Graziadio School is named after visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist George L. Graziadio, Jr., who endowed the school in 1969. Graziadio often said, “The money you earn feeds your family . . . the money you give away feeds your soul.” This emphasis on the greater good remains a core tenet of who we are today.
MISSION
Inspired by our Christian values, we seek to:
• Foster transformational learning,
• Create applied knowledge, and
• Equip our students to lead lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
Through initiatives like the Pepperdine E2BTM (Education to Business) program, Global Business Intensives (GBI), and Social, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible (SEER) Business Strategy, we provide students with opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. These programs enable them to engage with the business world as George Graziadio envisioned—emerging as purpose-driven leaders dedicated to making a meaningful global impact.
QUICK STATS
1,381 Total Enrollments
10:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio*
1:1.12 Male/Female Ratio
50,000+ Graziadio Graduates
143,000+ Pepperdine Graduates
*Average ratio across all programs Statistics are as of June 2024
LOCATIONS
Malibu Calabasas West Los Angeles Irvine Online
Our campus locations immerse students in real-world learning environments within major business hubs.
Recognized by leading publications such as Fortune and U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s top business schools, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School offers a comprehensive range of doctoral, MBA, MS, and executive degree programs. These programs are available online, at our flagship campus in Malibu, and at several campuses across California.
CENTERS AND INSTITUTES
Pepperdine Graziadio demonstrates its commitment to enriching student learning experiences through our centers and institutes, aligning with our values-centered mission and advancing core business areas.
Center for Applied Research
To advance its mission to shape values-centered scholars and leaders, the Center for Applied Research at Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School promotes research initiatives and grant projects for students, alumni, and faculty.
Center for Women in Leadership
The Center for Women in Leadership works to build within all Pepperdine University women—students, faculty, and staff members—confidence and a sense of competency to fully take on the challenges of leadership through scholarship, mentoring, and engagement.
Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence
The mission of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence is to innovate in business education in ways that are relational, experiential, applied, and learner focused.
Institute of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (IEMS)
Through seminars, internships, and education, IEMS empowers Pepperdine students to create entertainment that makes a positive impact and fosters social and media entrepreneurship.
LEARN FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS
At the heart of Pepperdine Graziadio’s transformative business education is our distinguished faculty. With a blend of extensive industry experience and advanced scholarship, our faculty are renowned for their innovative teaching and research. They serve as inspirational practitioners, educators, and mentors within the Graziadio community and beyond. Just a few of the many faculty members leading the charge in developing the next generation of pioneering leaders follow.
Clemens
Kownatzki, PhD
With more than two decades in financial services, Clemens Kownatzki has held key roles in brokerage and treasury operations, advising clients on risk management and investing in options and derivatives. His global experience includes Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the US. Joining Pepperdine in 2010, he is now an assistant professor of finance and has been department chair of Accounting, Finance, and Real Estate since 2020. His research focuses on how risk and market volatility affect investment returns.
Associate Professor of Finance
Associate Dean, Full-Time Programs
Cole Short, PhD
Cole Short’s research leverages financial and natural language data to examine how strategic leaders manage firm perceptions to enhance performance, covering areas like information disclosure, crisis management, and executive decision-making. Published in top journals such as Strategic Management Journal and the Journal of Management , he has received numerous accolades, including the Highly Cited Paper distinction by Thomson Reuters. With a background in strategy consulting and IT investing, he holds a PhD in strategy and entrepreneurship from the University of Georgia, an MA in economics from Boston University, and a BA in international studies from Baylor University, along with advanced studies in data science and machine learning at MIT.
Assistant Professor of Strategy
Dana Sumpter, PhD
Dana Sumpter explores social behavior at work through a cross-cultural lens, delving into energy, mindfulness, power, work/family systems, and relationships. Her research, featured in top journals like the Journal of Applied Psychology, has earned accolades, including an award for her case on a woman’s HR role in Oman. Passionate about qualitative research, she also contributes to outlets such as Harvard Business Review and the Long Beach Business Journal.
Associate Professor of Organization Theory and Management
We bring theory to practice and seek to transform the lives of our students through rigorous education, delivered with soul and purpose.
Ann
Feyerherm // PhD
THE POWER OF A PEPPERDINE MBA
FULL-TIME MBA
The Full-Time MBA at Pepperdine is tailored for ambitious leaders eager to leverage their drive and entrepreneurial mindset in the business arena. Located at our picturesque Malibu campus, students can complete their MBA in 12 or 20 months, enrich their studies with a certificate in Social, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible (SEER) Business Strategy, and engage in global business exploration through diverse study abroad opportunities.
12-Month
20-Month
JD/MBA
MBA/MPP
Joint Degree Options: Students can combine their Full-Time MBA to earn a dual master’s degree in these areas: Juris Doctor/MBA (JD/ MBA) or MBA/Master of Public Policy (MBA/MPP).
concentrations offered*
+ Business Analytics
+ Digital Innovation and Information Systems
+ Entrepreneurship
+ Finance
+ Leadership and Managing Organizational Change
+ Marketing
*Reflects current set of offerings, which may change over time.
FLEXIBLE, PART-TIME PROGRAMS , CUSTOMIZED FOR YOU
Part-Time MBA
Our Part-Time MBA program is designed for working professionals seeking a nationally ranked MBA that fits their busy schedules. Experience a flexible, values-driven curriculum taught by industry leaders in small, collaborative classes. Customize your MBA with concentrations that align with your career goals, and gain practical skills to immediately impact your role as a business leader. Benefit from unmatched flexibility in course formats and schedules, ensuring you can balance your studies with your professional and personal commitments.
Online Bachelor of Science in Management (Degree Completion)
Designed for the working professional, our Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM) program offers a real-world curriculum in a convenient online modality that allows for plenty of access to professors who have a hard-to-find combination of academic accomplishments and industry experience.
MBA Fast-Track Option
Our BSM/MBA pathway offers BSM students the option to earn an expedited MBA in as little as one year. With a fast-track pathway to earning an MBA, an extensive alumni network, and a premier reputation, the BSM/ MBA program is a big step forward in career advancement.
Online MBA
Experience the same transformative education offered by our on-campus MBA program with the added flexibility of online learning. Recognized among the Top 20 online MBA programs in the nation by Fortune, this program enables students to study from anywhere in the world. Engage in solving real-world business challenges for leading brands like Adobe and Coca-Cola through our Pepperdine E2B program and customize your degree with concentrations.
Specialization and Concentrations Offered
+ New: Healthcare Management (Specialization)
+ Business Analytics
+ Digital Innovation and Information Systems
+ Entrepreneurship
+ Finance
+ General Management
+ Leadership and Managing Organizational Change
+ Marketing
MASTER THE SCIENCE OF BUSINESS
At Pepperdine Graziadio, pursuing a master of science means transforming theory into practice. Students are guided by faculty leaders and collaborate with peers to develop specialized skills essential for career success. By tackling real-world business challenges, they innovate and create lasting impacts. Our MS programs also offer pathways to accelerate toward an MBA, providing a seamless transition to higher educational goals.
Master of Science in Applied Finance (Full-Time, In Person)
An emphasis on the right combination of theoretical and practical learning in our MS in Applied Finance provides a strong foundation for a career in banking, investment management, project finance, and private equity. During our fast-paced 12- or 15-month program options, students will be mentored by industry-leading faculty guiding them toward career success while introducing current, innovative financial technology. Some course highlights include global capital markets and financial modeling.
Master of Science in Business (Full-Time, In Person)
Our 12-month MS in Business emphasizes the real-world application of classroom material, including foundational training in current and emerging technologies. Regardless of career aspirations, the program focuses on practical business skills and knowledge, designed to equip students with a competitive advantage as they begin their careers.
Master of Science in Business Analytics
(Full-Time, In Person and Part-Time, Online)
During our 16-month MS in Business Analytics, students tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing business today from both a decision-sciences and information-systems perspective. With a focus on predictive analytics, risk management, optimization modeling, and information technology, this program is designed for those seeking an analytical career in evidence-based organizations that rely on big data.
Master of Science in Global Business (Full-Time, In
Person)
Explore different cultures, earn academic credit, and learn the nuances of the global economy in our intensive, fast-moving MS in Global Business. This 15-month international program begins with an assessment of students’ global mindset, which is then used to complete a personalized development plan that is actively reviewed and updated during each trimester of study. Students will be immersed in international learning opportunities such as the study abroad program at our top-tier global partner universities and internships at businesses around the world and emerge prepared for a globally minded and ethically conscious business career.
Master of Science in Human Resources
(Part-Time, Online)
For those interested in taking their career in human resources to the next level, our part-time MS in Human Resources program dives deep into the key foundations of HR while giving a solid grounding in the business disciplines necessary to being an effective human resources business professional. Students in the program become strategic partners who understand how the human resources function aligns with and supports business objectives.
Master of Science in Management and Leadership (Part-Time, Online)
The MS in Management and Leadership produces leaders who spark meaningful change across large-scale corporations, nonprofit institutions, and ambitious startups.
During the program, students learn how to motivate teams, build alliances, and inspire others to reach their peak potential. The program will culminate with a capstone service-leadership project involving hands-on consulting with local nonprofits.
Master of Science in Real Estate (Full-Time, In Person)
Emerging technologies, changing demographics, and new consumer preferences are disrupting our cities and real estate. The 12-month MS in Real Estate program allows students to keep pace and accelerate their real estate career through a deep dive into negotiation, finance, economics, and law, arming them with practical skills needed to succeed in real estate investment, development, and asset management. From local industry partnerships to a global real estate trip, the program is an enriching experience that is creating the next generation of real estate leaders.
EXECUTIVE PROGRAMS
We offer transformative learning experiences tailored for seasoned executives and senior managers through our acclaimed graduate programs. Our Presidents and Key Executives (PKE) MBA, Executive MBA, and Master of Science in Organization Development programs are crafted to nurture visionary leadership skills, preparing executives to address the most challenging business issues.
Presidents and Key Executives (PKE) MBA
The Presidents and Key Executives MBA is the premier program designed exclusively for C-suite leaders, offering established executives and entrepreneurs a transformative journey to redefine their legacy. Over 15 months, participants engage in dynamic boardroom-style classes with a diverse cohort, collaborate on a strategic management project, and gain invaluable global perspectives during an intensive eight-day international residential session.
Executive MBA
Our 19-month Executive MBA program provides aspiring executives with the opportunity to learn and network within small peer cohorts. They develop innovative leadership competencies and corporate strategies through applied strategic research projects, guided by experienced executive mentors.
Master of Science in Organization Development
The two-year Pepperdine Master of Science in Organization Development equips leaders to master strategic change. With immersive courses across three continents (China; Costa Rica; France; Watsonville, California and Washington, DC), students gain field experience at Fortune 500 companies, innovative businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Course subject matter frequently changes to reflect relevant industry topics and trends. Find out more on our website.
Pepperdine created a quality graduate program staffed with successful businessmen/ women as academic instructors delivering an MBA for Presidents and Key Executives to foster the lifelong learning that our world needs for healthy growth.
Amy Towner // MBA ‘18, PKE 139
CEO Healthcare Foundation of Ventura
County
EARN A DOCTORATE. CHANGE THE WORLD
Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Our Executive DBA is a premier program designed for experienced business leaders and executives eager to tackle their next career challenge. Over three years, students join a global community of practitioner-scholars and dedicated faculty mentors, conduct high-impact research to revolutionize business and management practices, and have the exclusive opportunity to present their dissertation research at the annual Executive DBA Conference.
The Executive DBA Candidate
The Executive DBA is ideally suited for business professionals with at least eight years of executive experience who have a passion for solving real-world problems. This flexible yet rigorous program challenges top-tier executives to grow through applied research, expert faculty mentorship, and collaboration with peers at the pinnacle of their careers.
The Benefits of an Executive DBA (vs a PhD or MBA)
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration emphasizes research that generates new knowledge and enhances business practice. This research tackles pressing contemporary issues within their broader organizational and economic contexts, with a practical implementation focus. A PhD, in contrast, primarily contributes to theoretical frameworks while an MBA aims to develop strong leaders through established business knowledge.
I was motivated to enroll in the Executive DBA program to be a role model for my daughters and grandchildren and increase awareness of the contributions of underrepresented groups whose voices are not always heard. The DBA program expanded my knowledge of boards and diversity and has impacted my life professionally and personally.
Sharifa Batts // MBA ’18,
DBA ’21
Executive Vice President ESG and Safety of Ports
America
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES WORLDWIDE: GLOBAL PROGRAMS
Studying abroad was my absolute favorite experience! I learned how to live like a true resident, finding an apartment and renting it in Spanish, learning how to successfully navigate the metro, opening a foreign bank account, and applying for healthcare coverage. Luckily, I also learned how to make delicious paella, attended a ‘fútbol’ game, and watched a flamenco show for free! Studying abroad was one of the best experiences of my life!
Maria Alvarez // MS ’20
Program
Participant
Our Global Business Intensive courses and exchange programs with more than 40 international partner universities offer students firsthand experience navigating challenges in the global economy. Collaborate with peers, faculty mentors, and seasoned executives, earning academic credits at prestigious institutions while building an international network and honing crucial global business skills.
Go for a Week, Learn for a Lifetime
Our one-week global intensives provide deep cultural dives into key business hubs worldwide. Tailored for busy professionals, these immersive experiences seamlessly integrate into your schedule, offering rich learning opportunities within an abbreviated timeframe.
Expand Your Horizons with a Trimester Abroad
Embark on multi-week or trimester-long study abroad experiences to enrich your MBA at our partner universities. Engage directly with dynamic global enterprises, exploring the intricacies of the international marketplace.
Brazil
Costa Rica
France
Italy
Ireland
Miami
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Spain
Singapore
Switzerland
INDUSTRY COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
We put education into action by offering our students a range of ways to partner with companies and organizations across Southern California. You’ll engage in relevant, meaningful work that sparks life-changing opportunities in the community and worldwide.
The Pepperdine E2B TM (Education to Business) Program
Pepperdine E2B is a unique, client-based experiential learning program that connects MBA students with executives to address complex issues facing today’s most notable organizations. E2B provides global powerhouses, regional brands, and startups the ability to harness the power of MBA student talent to expand their intellectual resources while affording students real-world experiences to challenge and inspire their professional development.
Pepperdine E2B offers more than 50 live-case consulting projects annually across multiple disciplines. Since its inception in 2003, the E2B program has partnered with a broad mix of companies from local businesses to companies with an international reach and reputation.
Socially, Ethically, and Environmentally Responsible (SEER) Business Strategy
Our MBA programs are dedicated to introducing students to the complexities of sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and ethics. Students can apply the SEER values of socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible business strategy across a wide range of industries and lead the next generation of exceptional organizations that generate business results with a positive global impact.
The Pepperdine E2B program enables partner companies to tap into our talented MBA students who provide fresh thinking and insights to address complex business issues .
Lynda
Palmer // MBA ’91
Director
Pepperdine E2BTM Program
Practitioner Marketing
NONDEGREE PROGRAMS: EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
Aligned with Graziadio’s dedication to lifelong learning and focus on nurturing values-centered leadership, our Executive Education department provides an extensive array of short, noncredit professional development programs. Participants engage directly with top-tier faculty, enhancing their professional competencies and sharpening their competitive edge. Courses and programs are offered year-round, with options spanning weekends, weeklong intensives, and multi-week sessions to accommodate diverse schedules and learning preferences.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Based upon the SEER Business Strategy, the Corporate Social Responsibility program teaches how to apply its principles to create superior, sustainable, and profitable products and services.
Executive Leadership Essentials
Designed for members of the C-suite, our three-day Executive Leadership Essentials program will enhance knowledge of core executive leadership competencies.
Leadership Essentials for Managers
Leadership Essentials for Managers, tailored for mid-level leaders, is designed to target leadership competencies and cultivate skills critical to drive organizational change and build high-performance teams.
Mini MBA
Master core disciplines of business and discover the key concepts and theories for applied business and management in our Mini MBA program.
Healthcare Management and Leadership
Customized for healthcare management professionals, the Healthcare Management and Leadership program explores the systematic business understanding of organizational principles, practices, and insights of the healthcare industry.
Cyber Risk Professional
Our Cyber Risk Professional program prepares participants to become the driving force in combating cybercrime at their organization. Learn how to effectively identify, evaluate, prepare for, and mitigate cybersecurity threats regardless of the industry or one’s IT background.
Business Analytics
The Business Analytics program prepares participants with the abilities to analyze data effectively, translate insights into actionable business strategies, and use critical information to drive meaningful impact on business outcomes.
Private Capital Markets
In the Private Capital Markets program, students secure private equity investments with the critical analysis and evaluation skills needed to successfully navigate today’s complex capital markets.
Financial Management for the Family Office
Financial Management for the Family Office introduces family office personnel and advisors to best practices to better manage an organization’s finances and make informed investment decisions.
THE PEPPERDINE ALUMNI COMMUNITY
The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School boasts a global alumni network of 50,000 members, making it one of Southern California’s largest. Our alumni are empowered individuals committed to serving as purpose-driven leaders, actively shaping the contemporary business landscape worldwide.
Brandi Harleaux is the chief executive officer of South Post Oak Recycling Center in Houston, Texas, where she oversees the responsible, sustainable handling of scrap metal from private, industrial, and governmental clients. She is a sought-after speaker and entrepreneurial expert who openly turns to her personal faith as a guide in her life’s work and service.
Brandi Harleaux // MBA ’12
Chief Executive Officer
South Post Oak Recycling Center
As senior vice president of Global Sourcing and Procurement at NBCUniversal, Daphne Harvey manages strategy development, negotiations, and contracting, overseeing more than $12 billion in annual spending. She has established global sourcing and procurement organizations for two entertainment giants, driving process efficiency, cost savings, and tighter financial controls. A key lesson from her Pepperdine Graziadio experience was achieving elevated results through effective teamwork. Daphne implemented a “cross-functional team-based sourcing strategy,” leading business experts from various disciplines through systematic processes to uncover value improvement opportunities.
Daphne Harvey // MBA ’98
SVP of Global Sourcing and Procurement
NBC Universal
As executive vice president and chief information officer at Hertz, Tim Langley-Hawthorne leads the technology team that is enabling a 100+-year-old company on a new path to becoming an essential component of the modern mobility ecosystem. Through technology, Tim’s team is building new digital experiences for customers and enabling efficient fleet management for one of the largest worldwide vehicle rental companies.
Tim Langley-Hawthorne // MBA ’03
Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer Hertz
Denise Roberson, Omnicom and TBWA agencies’ first chief purpose officer, has served Fortune 500 companies like Apple, Google, Sephora, Disney, and PepsiCo. She helps businesses connect their brands with purpose and sustainability for global impact. A respected speaker, author, and advisor, her expertise is sought by Forbes , Cannes Lions, HBR , and the United Nations. Previously, she led Jadi Communications for nearly two decades, offering strategic services to clients such as National Geographic, Procter & Gamble, Sony, and Mazda Motorcars.
Denise Roberson // MBA ’14 , PKE 131
Chief Purpose Officer
Omnicom\TBWA\Chiat\Day
READY TO TAK e THE NEXT STEP ?
APPLY
If you’re ready to take the next step in your education and career, delve into our array of MBA, MS, and Executive programs tailored for full-time and part-time students. Our enrollment advisors are here to guide you through the admissions journey from start to finish. Come visit us and explore our stunning California campus locations firsthand.
VISIT
Experience life as a Pepperdine Graziadio student by visiting our campus. Immerse yourself in our vibrant community—meet fellow students, attend a class, take a guided tour, join an information session, and enjoy coffee or lunch with a current student.
GIVE
Each contribution elevates the stature of our alma mater, enriching our curriculum, student experience, financial stability, and academic reputation. Your gifts fund scholarships, endowed faculty positions, new program centers at Graziadio, and other critical initiatives.
Join us in supporting endeavors that enhance program quality, reinforce our values-centered mission, and bolster our national reputation.
LEARN MORE
bschool.pepperdine.edu
