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 toward core MBA requirements to earn an MBA and gain real-world business experience to help you thrive professionally.
- New Streamlined “Fast-Pass” Admission: Apply easily and save time with no required letters of recommendation, interviews, test scores, or full-time work experience. Receive an admission decision quickly.
- 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
Tech-Driven Leadership
Gain a competitive advantage through MSAF courses that include artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging technologies—equipping you with the tools to drive innovation and strategic growth.
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 FutureReceive 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.
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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
Fall 2025 Term: Final Deadline (Domestic Students Only)
Fall 2025 Term: Classes Start
Information Sessions
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.
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:
Fall 2024 Student Profile
Top Industries: Bar graph shows the percentage breakdown of current industries our
students were employed upon time of application submission. 4.55% Consulting/Business
Services, 4.55% Energy/Utilities, 4.55% Real Estate/Development, and 4.55% Travel/Recreation.
This information reflects the data collected from MSAF applications for the fall 2024
cohort.
Average Age
Avg. Work Experience
Female
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
- What Sets Us Apart
- Careers
- Student Success
- Student Clubs
- Global Programs
- Veterans
- Women at Pepperdine
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Veteran and Military Support
Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents.
As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.
Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program.
Center for Women in Leadership
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is deeply committed to empowering women in business, who comprise over 50% of our student body.
Through initiatives such as Pepperdine's Center for Women in Leadership, the Graziadio Women's Business Association, and customized mentorship programs, we strive to cultivate a nurturing environment for all our students.
Top-Ranked and Top Choice
Choosing a top-ranked business school like Pepperdine Graziadio ensures you receive a high-quality education recognized by leading publications. By enrolling in our esteemed programs, you will benefit from our rigorous academic standards, comprehensive support, and enhanced career opportunities.
- One of the Most Chosen Business Schools in the U.S. (National Center for Education Statistics)
- One of the Largest Graduate Business Alumni Networks with Over 50,000 Graduates (National Center for Education Statistics)
- #1 Highest-Ranked Protestant Christian Institution Among National Universities (USNWR)
- #2 Best MBA for Nonprofit (Princeton Review)
- #4 Greatest Resources for Minority Students (Princeton Review)
- #5 Gender Diversity (LinkedIn)
- #7 Best Online MS in Business Analytics (Fortune Magazine)
- #14 Part-Time MBA (Fortune Magazine)
- #16 Online MBA (Princeton Review)
- #18 Best Career Outcomes (Poets&Quants)
- Tier One Global MBA (CEO Magazine)
- Tier One Premier Global DBA (CEO Magazine)
Contact Us
Linda Lenaghan
Assistant Director of Recruitment for Full-Time Programs
Take the Next Step
Learn more about Pepperdine's Master of Science in Applied Finance Program
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