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Pepperdine | Graziadio Business School
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Master of Science in Applied Finance Program

Fast-Track Your Finance Career with a STEM-Designated Degree

Distinguish yourself as an innovative finance professional adept at identifying opportunities to enhance an organization's economic stability. The Pepperdine Graziadio Master of Science in Applied Finance (MSAF) provides a holistic, experiential approach, preparing you for a competitive finance career with a solid foundation in business valuation, equity analysis, financial accounting, and investment banking. Our STEM-designated curriculum, led by senior industry experts, will equip you to excel in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam.

Looking to elevate your career further? Apply your MS in Applied Finance towards core MBA requirements to earn an MBA in as little as 15 months. Additionally, an optional fourth-trimester internship practicum offers real-world business experience to help you thrive professionally.

 

  • Award-winning Malibu campus
  • Stem-designated curriculum
  • Degree specializations in financial management or investments
  • Exclusive access to Bloomberg terminals
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • Vast alumni network in Southern California

Quick Facts

Format: In-person
Start (terms): Fall
Location:  Malibu
Length: 12-15 Months
Average Scholarship Award: $19,000+

 

Program Highlights

 

 

Top-Ranked

One of the Highest-Ranked Business Schools in the US

 

Award-Winning Malibu Campus

Study while enjoying on-campus housing on our top-rated Malibu campus overlooking scenic beaches and the Pacific Ocean.

 

Curricular Track Options

Customize your degree with specializations in either financial management or investments.

 

STEM Curriculum 

Our curriculum meets STEM designation requirements, allowing F-1 students to apply for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.

 

 

Access to Industry Resources

As a student in the MS in Applied Finance program, you'll have exclusive access to our Bloomberg Professional Services terminals right on campus.

 

Streamlined Admission Process

No GMAT and GRE test scores required. Bachelor’s degree is required

 

 

Seaver Graduates: Double Up on your Pepperdine Future

Receive a 20% tuition discount or merit scholarship when you apply and enroll in a business program.

 

 

Take the Next Step

Reach out to us to learn more about the Graziadio Business School.

Get in Touch

Fill out the Request Information form to learn about the opportunities that await you as a student at Pepperdine Graziadio.

Attend an Event

Learn more about your program by signing up for a class visit, information session, webinar or graduate fair.

Start Your Application

Ready to start your journey to Pepperdine Graziadio? Begin your application today to take the next step towards your future.

 

MS in Applied Finance Admission

Program Deadlines

 

FEB
15

Fall 2025 Term: Regular Deadline

May
28

Fall 2025 Term: Final Deadline (International Students Only)

Jul
14

Fall 2025 Term: Final Deadline (Domestic Students Only)

Aug
25

Fall 2025 Term: Classes Start

 

 

 

Candidates must submit the following materials to be considered for admission to the Master's in Applied Finance program:

  • Personal Statement/Essay
  • Resume
  • TOEFL, PTE, IELTS Score, if applicable
  • Official transcripts
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Online application

For further admission information, please visit our main admissions website.

 

 

Pepperdine Graziadio is dedicated to providing our students with funding solutions and options to help them reach their educational goals. Through our Office of Financial Aid, we offer an array of financing options including: 

  • Merit awards
  • Federal loans*
  • Private student loans
  • Endowed scholarships
  • Referral scholarship

Our dedicated advisors are available to provide personalized guidance to best meet the various needs and circumstances of our students. For more information about financing your degree, schedule a consultation today. 

*Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

 

  Application Requirements

 

Candidates must submit the following materials to be considered for admission to the Master's in Applied Finance program:

  • Personal Statement/Essay
  • Resume
  • TOEFL, PTE, IELTS Score, if applicable
  • Official transcripts
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Online application

For further admission information, please visit our main admissions website.

 

  Financial Aid and Scholarships

 

Pepperdine Graziadio is dedicated to providing our students with funding solutions and options to help them reach their educational goals. Through our Office of Financial Aid, we offer an array of financing options including: 

  • Merit awards
  • Federal loans*
  • Private student loans
  • Endowed scholarships
  • Referral scholarship

Our dedicated advisors are available to provide personalized guidance to best meet the various needs and circumstances of our students. For more information about financing your degree, schedule a consultation today. 

*Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

 

 

Malibu Campus

See Your Future Differently From Malibu

Classes are held at the Malibu campus in sunny California. The expansive Malibu campus sits on 830 acres and overlooks the Pacific Ocean with nearly every spot on campus featuring stunning views of the beaches. Pepperdine is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study. Graziadio students also have access to graduate student housing and amenities like the library, gym, and swimming pool at our scenic Malibu campus.

PGBS International Students

International Student Experiences

  • As a visa-eligible program, we offer exceptional support to international students.
  • A dedicated enrollment services officer will make your admissions process easy and comfortable.
  • We integrate international students across our campuses. The Office of International Student Services (OISS) provides additional support for international students.
  • Enjoy access to housing and amenities at our scenic Malibu campus.
  • Participate in University social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events.
  • Build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues. The community extends beyond the program to the larger Graziadio and Pepperdine family.
  • Partnerships with professional networks and conferences and a robust alumni network further students' growth opportunities.

 


 

The Company You'll Keep

When you join the Graziadio community, you'll join a global network of over 50,000 alumni actively shaping the world of business at top organizations, including:

Boeing logo

Amazon logo

Northrop Gruman logo

Disney logo

Bank of America logo

Oracle logo

ATT logo

Kaiser Permanente logo

Wells Fargo logo

Edison logo

AMGEN logo

Pepperdine University logo

 

 


 

Fall 2023 Student Profile

Industries chart
Top Industries: Bar graph shows the percentage breakdown of current industries our students were employed upon time of application submission. 13.79% Financial Services/Insurance, 10.34% Real Estate/Development, 6.90% Consulting/Business Services, and 6.90% Manufacturing/Electronics. This information reflects the data collected from MSAF applications for the fall 2023 cohort.

 

24

Average Age

1 Year

Avg. Work Experience

48%

Female

52%

Male

What Our Students Are Saying

"I took two fixed income classes, Debt Securities and Strategic Issues in Finance, my second year which helped me pass the CFA Level II exam in May 2021. I learned holistic and quantitative finance in these courses, helping me not only in exams but also in a better position to understand post-pandemic real world financial problems."   - Ambrosia Chen, MBA Finance Concentration '20

Connect directly with a current student to ask questions and learn more about their experiences first-hand.

Student Experience


Students learning oustide at a table together

Values-Based, Purpose Driven

The Master of Science in Applied Finance at Pepperdine Graziadio comes with small, collaborative classes led by our renowned faculty who are personally committed to your academic and professional success. With ethical, sustainable business woven into the core of our teachings and an emphasis on experiential learning, you'll experience a truly unique, transformational graduate degree within a global community.


Two students talking about student success

Your Future in Applied Finance

Our Career and Professional Development department provides resources to connect MS in Applied Finance with other like-minded professionals and navigate potential career opportunities. Our dedicated advisors provide personalized guidance, career-building tools, and access to an extensive network of students, alumni, and employers around the globe.


Three students walking outside campus

Resources to Help You Achieve Your Goals

The academic success of our students is at the heart of everything we do. Through our wide variety of Student Success resources and workshops, our students have the opportunity to develop their writing, presentation, test preparation, and time management abilities as well as enhance their reading comprehension and access our comprehensive library services.


Three students walking outside campus

Beyond the Classroom

Life at Graziadio extends beyond the classroom with our student-initiated and student-run groups. Develop and enhance your leadership skills in one of the many clubs and organizations that are open to all current students. With over a dozen clubs and organizations such as Finance Club, Graziadio Veteran's Club, Net Impact, Entertainment, Media and Sports Society, and so much more to choose from, you'll be able to find a group that fits you.


London street outside Westminister Abbey

Study Finance in a Global Destination

Grow as a leader through international experiences that enhance cross-cultural communication and broaden career opportunities. MS in Applied Finance students have the opportunity to apply to and participate in a one-week Global Business Intensive trip or a full trimester program at one of our 40 university partners in over 25 countries.

Enroll in a Top Ranked Business School

We strive to facilitate an enriching student experience. The Princeton Review has reported on our high-quality programs and faith-based education.

 

Princeton Review Ranking Logo

The Princeton Review Ranking 2024

 

Contact Us

Linda Lenaghan

Linda Lenaghan
Assistant Director of Recruitment for Full-Time Programs 

310.506.4217
Meet with Linda
Email Linda

Take the Next Step

Learn more about Pepperdine's Master of Science in Applied Finance Program


 


 

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