Academic Structure and Degree Programs: Six Core Colleges
Pepperdine University currently comprises six colleges and has more than 700 faculty and staff members. Seaver College is a traditional undergraduate college of arts and sciences, offering more than 46 majors and 47 minors. Caruso School of Law and School of Public Policy are located on the main campus in Malibu; Graziadio Business School and Graduate School of Education and Psychology are headquartered in Los Angeles. College of Health Sciences will officially open in the fall of 2025.
Distinctive Programs and Curricular Innovation: Global Perspective and AI Frontiers
Pepperdine University is renowned for its outstanding international programs, with six international campuses across six continents. The study abroad participation rate for undergraduates reaches 95%, ranking the university 11th in the U.S. and first among doctoral-level universities in the U.S. News rankings. The university has announced that it will launch a new semester-based academic program in Kyoto, Japan, for the 2026–27 academic year. In terms of curriculum innovation, the university will introduce AI skills courses for all undergraduates in the fall of 2026, integrating them into the core curriculum. Expert Tips for Winning a Pepperdine University Diploma
Main Campus Architecture and Historical Landmarks: From “Pepperdine Blue” to the Malibu Cliffs
The university’s main campus is located in Malibu. When it moved from Vermont Knolls, the first buildings featured a streamlined modern style with light blue exterior walls; later, paint stores in Los Angeles began calling this color “Pepperdine Blue.” In 1967, the university moved its undergraduate campus to Malibu. The new campus, designed by William L. Pereira and Associates, opened in 1972. Today, the campus sits on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The architecture blends California and Mediterranean styles, featuring red-tiled roofs, white walls, and large windows. The “Phillips Tower” offers a prime vantage point for viewing the Pacific Ocean.
Student Clubs and Organizations: Over 100 Clubs, 82% Participation Rate
Pepperdine University has over 100 active student clubs and organizations. 82% of Seaver College undergraduates participate in at least one of these clubs. Clubs cover a wide range of categories, including identity and culture, academic honors, service and outreach, student ministry, professional organizations, arts and entertainment, and special interests. In terms of Greek life, the university has 15 fraternities and sororities. Over 1,000 events are held on campus each semester. Additionally, 74% of undergraduates choose to live on campus.
Notable Alumni and Distinguished Contributions: From Business Leaders to Entertainment Icons
Pepperdine University has produced many notable alumni. Henning Strauss (’01) is the CEO of a well-known European workwear brand. Armond Lawson (’92) is an educator who received the Diamond Award for Lifetime Achievement. Yakov Smirnov is a renowned entertainer and a distinguished alumnus of the Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Martha Molina Bernadett (MBA ’01) is a family physician and innovator, and a distinguished alumna of the Grazia DiO Business School.
