Facebook pixel PKE MBA Curriculum | Graziadio Business School | Pepperdine University Skip to main content
Pepperdine | Graziadio Business School

Program Curriculum

An MBA Curriculum Built for Founders and C-Suite Executives

The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Presidents and Key Executives (PKE) MBA is intentionally designed for senior leaders, founders, and C-suite executives seeking to strengthen their strategic leadership and expand their organizational impact. Built exclusively for top executives, the program develops seasoned professionals into globally aware, ethically grounded decision-makers equipped to navigate complex business environments.

Delivered in a cohort-based format designed for busy executives, the program convenes approximately once per month for immersive weekend sessions. Students progress together in a close-knit cohort, allowing for deep peer collaboration and meaningful professional relationships.

Courses are delivered sequentially, enabling focused learning in one subject at a time while immediately applying insights to real-world leadership challenges.

 

 

Core Curriculum

The Presidents and Key Executives MBA is a 38-unit, AACSB-accredited program designed to enhance leadership competencies while equipping executives with analytical tools, environmental awareness, and implementation skills through an integrated sequence of courses, workshops, and applied projects.

The curriculum combines immersive leadership development, executive-level coursework, and applied strategic projects that enable participants to translate insight into action through the following program elements:

  Effective Executive Residential Workshop


The program begins with a four-day, live-in Effective Executive Workshop held at Villa Graziadio. This immersive experience introduces the full program structure while building strong working relationships among faculty, mentors, and cohort members.

The workshop focuses on leadership development, communication effectiveness, and management techniques while establishing the collaborative learning culture that defines the PKE experience.

  Integrated Executive Core Courses


Across the program, students develop advanced competencies in:

  • Strategic leadership and decision-making
  • Financial and market analysis
  • Organizational strategy and execution
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Global business awareness
  • Values-centered leadership and ethical decision-making

Each course reinforces practical executive thinking and equips participants to apply strategic frameworks directly within their organizations.

  Business Applications and Strategic Management Project


A defining feature of the PKE MBA curriculum is the Business Applications and Strategic Management Project, an integrated series of applied business projects completed throughout the program.

Participants develop a comprehensive strategic initiative focused on their own organization. Throughout the program, students:

  • Conduct internal and external business analyses
  • Formulate strategic objectives
  • Develop implementation plans
  • Apply research and business frameworks to real organizational challenges

The final project integrates cross-functional business insights and delivers a fully developed strategic plan with long-term implications for the organization’s future direction.

Faculty advisors and program mentors support students throughout the process to ensure academic rigor and meaningful real-world impact.

  Ethics and Law Session


Business leadership must be grounded in ethical judgment and legal responsibility. The Ethics and Law Session provides an immersive exploration of moral decision-making, corporate accountability, and legal considerations in executive leadership.

Through case discussions and faculty guidance, participants examine real-world ethical dilemmas while strengthening their ability to lead organizations with integrity and legal awareness.

  Project Seminar


Near the conclusion of the program, participants present an oral overview of their refined strategic project. Faculty feedback focuses on fine-tuning strategic insights and strengthening the final written implementation plan before submission.

 

 

Take the Next Step

Learn more about how to achieve your career goals with the Pepperdine Graziadio Presidents and Key Executives MBA Program.


Request Info

 

 

What Can Students Expect?

 

 

Personalized Executive Development

Each student is supported by an executive mentor who provides guidance throughout the program. Mentors help participants connect classroom learning with real organizational challenges while strengthening leadership effectiveness.

 

Strategic Confidence & Leadership Growth

Graduates develop sharpened skills in executive communication, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership, preparing them to guide their companies through complex decisions and long-term growth.

 

Applied Learning

The PKE MBA emphasizes practical application through strategic projects, case studies, faculty-led discussions, and peer collaboration. Executives continuously apply frameworks and insights to real-world business opportunities.

 

Future-Ready Education

The curriculum incorporates emerging topics, including artificial intelligence, technological innovation, and evolving global business dynamics, ensuring executives remain prepared to lead in a rapidly changing marketplace.

 

Ethical Leadership in Practice

A dedicated Ethics and Law Session explores real-world issues in corporate responsibility, governance, and legal accountability, reinforcing the program’s commitment to values-centered leadership.

 

Powerful Executive Network

With cohorts typically under 18 students, the PKE program fosters strong relationships among accomplished executives. Many graduates continue collaborating on ventures, partnerships, and leadership initiatives long after graduation.

 

Balancing Theory and Executive Application

The Presidents and Key Executives MBA integrates rigorous business education with hands-on strategic implementation through:

 

  • Effective Executive Workshop: Intensive leadership immersion at program launch
  • Business Applications and Strategic Management Project: Continuous application of coursework to an organization-specific strategy initiative
  • Case Studies and Simulations: Executive-level analysis and real-world decision-making exercises
  • International Session: Global market exposure and cross-cultural business learning
  • Executive Mentorship: Personalized guidance supporting leadership development and strategic thinking

PTMBA teacher with small class

 

PTMBA students in South Korea

 

Learn in Global Destination

PKE MBA students participate in an eight-day international session, traveling with their cohort to a global business destination outside the United States.

The experience includes company visits, faculty-led discussions, and interactions with international business, government, and community leaders. Students complete a cross-cultural academic project exploring global business strategy, market conditions, and leadership practices.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  What makes the PKE MBA unique?

The Presidents and Key Executives MBA is designed exclusively for CEOs, founders, and senior executives. The program combines a cohort-based structure, executive mentorship, immersive workshops, and a Strategic Management Project focused on real organizational challenges.

  How is the curriculum structured?

The program follows a lock-step cohort model with approximately monthly immersive weekend sessions. Courses are delivered sequentially to allow focused learning and cumulative knowledge building.

  Will I apply what I learn immediately?

Yes. The Strategic Management Project and course structure are intentionally designed for direct application within each participant’s organization.

  Are there global opportunities?

Yes. The eight-day international session provides executives with firsthand exposure to international markets, global leadership challenges, and cross-cultural strategy execution.

  How does the program reflect Pepperdine’s mission?

The program develops ethical, globally aware leaders committed to values-based decision-making and responsible leadership, reflecting the mission of Pepperdine University to prepare individuals who lead with both competence and conscience.