International Studies Pepperdine University

Overview

The International Studies programme at Pepperdine University provides a multidisciplinary framework for understanding the complex political, economic, and cultural forces shaping our modern world. Students engage in rigorous academic training that merges essential language skills with substantive expertise in intercultural studies and global development.

This degree is designed to equip undergraduates with the technical skills and conceptual abilities required to interact productively with diverse global communities. By exploring ethical implications and Christian perspectives on international issues, the curriculum fosters a deep sense of global citizenship and social responsibility.

Why International Studies at Pepperdine University?

Located in Malibu, California, the institution offers a unique liberal arts environment with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This ensures personalised mentorship from core faculty members who are experts in regions such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as specialists in post-civil war theory and visual culture.

The university is highly ranked for its commitment to academic excellence and character development. A distinctive feature of the experience is the emphasis on global immersion, with 80% of students participating in international programmes to enhance their regional expertise and linguistic fluency.

Students benefit from extensive research opportunities, often co-authoring papers with faculty members. Additionally, the university’s Washington, D.C. programme provides a strategic platform for internships within federal agencies and international organisations, supported by a vast network of over 120,000 alumni worldwide.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 71860 per year
• National fee: USD 71860 per year
• Local fee: USD 71860 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires students to establish competency in two languages or complete upper-division courses in a single language. Modules may include:

• International Political Economy
• Intercultural Studies
• Regional Studies
• Global Politics
• International Institutions
• Global Economic Development
• Comparative Politics
• Visual Culture
• Literature
• Film
• Linguistics
• Cultural Studies
• History
• Geography
• Political Science

Students choose a specific concentration to refine their expertise. The Global Politics track focuses on sovereign states and governing procedures, while the Regional Studies track allows for deep specialisation in Europe, Latin America, Asia, or the Middle East and North Africa.

Careers with International Studies

Graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in both the public and private sectors. Many pursue roles within the State Department, Foreign Service, or various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focused on global justice and humanitarian aid.

The programme also serves as a robust foundation for those entering multinational corporations, international religious services, or diplomacy. Recent data indicates that a significant majority of graduates are successfully settled into full-time employment or advanced graduate studies within six months of finishing their degree.