2025 Dean's Report

Rankings and Forging the Future

Rankings and Recognition: A Year of Distinction for Pepperdine Graziadio

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School continues to rise among the nation’s top business programs, earning accolades across prestigious rankings that highlight our commitment to academic excellence and meaningful impact.

About the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

At Pepperdine Graziadio, we believe business is a calling to serve, not just a means to profit. We exist to develop values-driven leaders who are equipped to reshape organizations and uplift communities.

Rooted in Malibu and founded on the principles of purpose, service, and leadership, Graziadio delivers a transformational experience that blends academic rigor with real-world relevance. As one of the largest graduate business schools in the US, backed by more than 50,000 alumni, our school’s impact spans industries, communities, and continents—from Silicon Beach to Southeast Asia.

What makes us different? A close-knit learning environment where students are known by name. Faculty who bring a unique blend of scholarly excellence and industry expertise. A commitment to measuring success not only by achievements, but by the lives we touch and the good we do.

We are bold thinkers, ethical leaders, and changemakers. And through every program and partnership, we prepare students to think deeply, act boldly, and lead lives for Greater Purpose.

Our Programs

Market-Relevant Programs for Every Career Stage

At Pepperdine Graziadio, we’re committed to offering a portfolio of programs that are both innovative and market-relevant, designed to support professionals across the entire life cycle of work. From emerging talent taking their first steps into higher education to seasoned executives seeking to lead transformative change, our programs are intentionally crafted to meet you where you are and propel you toward what’s next. Whether you’re pursuing your first degree, accelerating your leadership potential, or scaling impact within your organization, we offer a path for growth, purpose, and excellence.

Global Programs

Cultivating Global Fluency Through Immersive Learning

Developing global fluency is central to the Pepperdine Graziadio experience, where students grow holistically through meaningful engagement with the world. Rooted in values that emphasize inclusion and belonging, our community encourages students to embrace diverse perspectives with openness and respect.

This year, our commitment to preparing students for a borderless business world expanded through new immersive international experiences. With Global Business Intensives and strong partnerships at more than 30 global universities, our students don’t just study economic trends or business theories; they immerse themselves in boardrooms, startup hubs, and cultural centers across five continents. These experiences inspire thoughtful leadership, ethical decision-making, and confident action in unfamiliar environments, while providing firsthand insight into today’s global challenges and opportunities.

Faculty Research

Faculty Research That Moves Business and Society Forward

Great ideas don’t stay in the classroom; they shape conversations, challenge assumptions, and drive change. At Graziadio, our focus on creating and disseminating high-quality applied research comes to life through the work of our distinguished faculty.

More than educators, our faculty are mentors, innovators, and thought leaders who blend academic rigor with decades of industry experience. With most holding PhDs or DBAs, they bring a depth of knowledge and a spirit of inquiry that fuels both their teaching and their research.

This year, their scholarship addressed some of the most urgent topics of our time, from the evolving role of AI in leadership to global human flourishing and the rise of zero-waste business models. Their work is globally recognized and deeply relevant, sparking meaningful dialogue in the classroom and informing business practices across industries.

Student Success and Career Advancement

Guiding Career Journeys That Evolve with You

Career development at Graziadio is rooted in intentional progression. Through personalized coaching, global experiences, and a strong foundation in ethical leadership, the Student Success and Career Advancement team supports students as they pursue meaningful career paths that reflect both their goals and the evolving demands of the business world.

Each journey is unique, and for students like Ella Brubaker and Kaila Crouch, that journey is as inspiring as it is impactful.

Event Spotlight

Moments That Moved Us: Keynote Events

Throughout the year, Pepperdine Graziadio hosted a powerful lineup of events that brought together our community to explore critical topics shaping the landscape of business. These gatherings not only deepened engagement with current students, alumni, and industry leaders but also served as meaningful touchpoints for expanding awareness of our programs. By spotlighting timely themes such as sustainability, healthcare innovation, startup leadership, and ethical business, our events position Graziadio at the center of market-relevant conversations and attract mission-aligned professionals seeking growth and impact.