Pepperdine University Jobs represent a gateway to fulfilling academic careers at one of the most picturesque campuses in the United States. Nestled in Malibu, California, Pepperdine University combines breathtaking ocean views with a rigorous, faith-based education that emphasizes ethical leadership and global perspectives. Founded in 1937 by entrepreneur George Pepperdine, the university has grown into a premier institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs across five schools: Seaver College, Graziadio Business School, School of Law, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and School of Public Policy. Whether you're pursuing professor positions at Pepperdine University, lecturer roles, or research jobs, you'll find a supportive environment that fosters innovation and community impact. Academic careers at Pepperdine University are marked by competitive salaries, with faculty earning averages that reflect the high cost of living in California while providing ample opportunities for advancement. Dive into higher education jobs at Pepperdine University, explore rate professors at Pepperdine University via Rate My Professor, and discover why this university is a top choice for academics. Ready to advance your career? Check out faculty jobs at Pepperdine University today.
About Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University, established in 1937 by George Pepperdine in Los Angeles, relocated its main campus to Malibu in 1972, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. As a private Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, its mission emphasizes purposeful lives through values-centered education, integrating faith, scholarship, and service. Key achievements include high rankings in U.S. News & World Report for undergraduate teaching and value, with notable alumni in entertainment, business, and politics. The university operates multiple campuses, including international ones in Europe and Asia, supporting global study programs. Pepperdine's academic strengths lie in business, law, psychology, and liberal arts, with Seaver College providing a broad undergraduate foundation and the Graziadio Business School excelling in MBA programs. Research initiatives focus on sustainability, public policy, and behavioral sciences, backed by significant funding. For more, visit the Pepperdine University Website. Explore academic jobs in related locations like Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in California, and Academic Jobs in Malibu.
Pepperdine University's history is rooted in providing accessible education with a moral compass, evolving from a small college to a comprehensive university enrolling over 10,000 students. Its key departments include the School of Law, ranked among the top for dispute resolution, and the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, known for clinical training. Notable faculty have contributed to fields like oceanography and entrepreneurship. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion enhances its appeal for higher education jobs at Pepperdine University. Students and faculty benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio, promoting personalized mentorship. Pepperdine's athletic teams, the Waves, compete in NCAA Division I, adding to campus vibrancy. For academics interested in professor positions at Pepperdine University or lecturer roles at Pepperdine University, the institution offers a blend of academic rigor and scenic inspiration, making it ideal for research jobs at Pepperdine University and beyond.
In terms of job trends, Pepperdine has seen growth in interdisciplinary programs, such as those combining business with sustainability, reflecting California's environmental focus. The university invests in faculty development, with resources for conferences and sabbaticals. Academic careers at Pepperdine University often involve community engagement, aligning with its service-oriented ethos. For those exploring salaries at Pepperdine University academia, data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education indicate competitive compensation, adjusted for the region's living costs. This overview positions Pepperdine as a dynamic hub for faculty jobs at Pepperdine University, inviting job seekers to consider its unique offerings.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Pepperdine University
Faculty job opportunities at Pepperdine University are diverse and aligned with emerging trends in higher education. High-demand roles include Assistant Professors in Psychology, Lecturers in Business Administration, and Research Fellows in Public Policy, reflecting the university's strengths in these areas. According to recent data from sources like HigherEdJobs and university reports, job trends for 2025 show increased openings in sustainable business practices and digital law, driven by California's tech and environmental sectors. Departments like the Graziadio Business School frequently seek experts in entrepreneurship, while the School of Law looks for faculty in international dispute resolution. Salary ranges vary: Assistant Professors earn approximately $85,000-$110,000 annually, Associate Professors $110,000-$140,000, and Full Professors $140,000-$180,000 or more, based on 2025 estimates from Glassdoor and AAUP data, factoring in experience and department. These figures are competitive, often including benefits like housing assistance in high-cost Malibu. For those pursuing academic careers at Pepperdine University, opportunities extend to adjunct positions in liberal arts at Seaver College. Explore professor positions at Pepperdine University or lecturer roles at Pepperdine University through Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Pepperdine. Research jobs at Pepperdine University focus on collaborative projects, such as those in behavioral sciences.
Pepperdine University's hiring emphasizes candidates with a commitment to faith-integrated teaching, making it unique among higher education jobs at Pepperdine University. Recent trends indicate a push for diversity in faculty hires, with initiatives to recruit from underrepresented groups. For example, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology offers positions in clinical psychology, with salaries starting at $90,000 for entry-level roles. Job seekers can find listings for faculty jobs at Pepperdine University on platforms like AcademicJobs.com, which aggregates opportunities in administration, research, and teaching. The university's international campuses provide global lecturer roles, enhancing career mobility. Salary data for 2025 suggests adjustments for inflation and market demands, with bonuses for research grants. Interested in rate professors at Pepperdine University? Visit Rate My Professor to gauge departmental cultures. Overall, Pepperdine offers robust academic opportunities, with a focus on work-life balance amid its scenic location.
To navigate these opportunities, consider networking at conferences or through alumni associations. Pepperdine's career services support faculty transitions, providing resources for tenure-track paths. For specific examples, recent postings include Assistant Professor in Communication at Seaver College, with a salary range of $95,000-$105,000, and Research Associate in Sustainability, around $80,000-$95,000. These roles highlight the university's innovation focus, making it a prime spot for higher education jobs at Pepperdine University. Link to related pages: Academic Jobs in California and Academic Jobs in Malibu.
Assistant Professor in Psychology 💼
Focus on clinical research; salary $85k-$110k.
Lecturer in Business 🎓
Teach MBA courses; salary $90k-$120k.
Research Fellow in Law 📚
Dispute resolution focus; salary $100k-$130k.
Associate Professor in Public Policy 🔍
Policy analysis; salary $110k-$140k.
Why Work at Pepperdine University
Working at Pepperdine University offers unparalleled benefits for academic careers, including a supportive community that integrates faith and scholarship. The university's coastal location in Malibu provides a serene environment conducive to innovative research and teaching. Unique advantages include access to international programs, professional development funds, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Faculty enjoy opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, such as in sustainability and ethics, with notable research centers like the Institute for Entertainment, Media, and Culture. Career prospects are enhanced by Pepperdine's network of influential alumni in Hollywood and business. Benefits include comprehensive health plans, tuition remission, and sabbaticals. Explore why academic careers at Pepperdine University are rewarding through Higher Ed Career Advice.
Pepperdine's commitment to ethical leadership attracts top talent, making faculty jobs at Pepperdine University highly sought after. The university's low turnover rates reflect high job satisfaction, with surveys showing strong support for diversity initiatives. For those in professor positions at Pepperdine University, the chance to mentor students in a values-driven setting is a key draw.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Pepperdine University
The salary guide for faculty at Pepperdine University reflects its status as a private institution in a high-cost area. Based on 2025 data from AAUP, Chronicle of Higher Education, and university disclosures, average salaries are: Assistant Professors $85,000-$110,000, Associate Professors $110,000-$140,000, Full Professors $140,000-$180,000+, and Lecturers $70,000-$100,000. Factors influencing pay include department (e.g., Law faculty earn 10-20% more), experience, tenure status, and research output. Location in California adds cost-of-living adjustments, with bonuses for grants. Compared to national averages, Pepperdine's salaries are above median, especially in business and law. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries. Salaries in Pepperdine University academia also include perks like retirement matching and health benefits.
Entry-level roles in education psychology might start at $90,000, rising with publications. Senior faculty in public policy can exceed $160,000 with administrative duties. Trends for 2025 show salary increases due to inflation and competition for talent. Factors like union negotiations (though private, faculty associations advocate) and market demands affect ranges. For academics eyeing higher education jobs at Pepperdine University, understanding these nuances is key. Link to University Salaries for more insights.
Pepperdine's salary structure supports career growth, with merit-based raises and opportunities for endowed chairs. Data indicates gender equity efforts have narrowed pay gaps. For job seekers, negotiating based on these ranges is advisable. Explore salaries at Pepperdine University academia further to plan your move.
| Role 📊 | Salary Range 📍 | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $85k-$110k | Psychology |
| Associate Professor | $110k-$140k | Business |
| Full Professor | $140k-$180k+ | Law |
| Lecturer | $70k-$100k | Liberal Arts |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Pepperdine University
Discover top educators at Pepperdine University through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics find highly rated professors, aiding course selection and recognizing teaching excellence. Ratings highlight strengths in programs like business and law. For professor ratings at Pepperdine University, visit Rate My Professor.
Dr. Robert Ballard - Oceanography
Rating: 4.8/5 - Known for engaging lectures on marine exploration.
Prof. Joi Carr - Film Studies
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expertise in multicultural cinema.
Dr. Lincoln Hanks - Music
Rating: 4.9/5 - Inspiring composition classes.
Prof. Sarah Stone - Psychology
Rating: 4.6/5 - Focus on clinical practices.
Dr. Michael Zak - Business
Rating: 4.8/5 - Entrepreneurship insights.
Prof. Elizabeth Krumrei-Mancuso - Psychology
Rating: 4.7/5 - Research in positive psychology.
Career Progression at Pepperdine University
Career progression at Pepperdine University follows a structured path, starting from adjunct or lecturer roles to tenure-track positions. Entry-level academics often begin as Assistant Professors, advancing to Associate with tenure after 5-7 years, then Full Professor. Salaries escalate accordingly: $85k entry, up to $180k+. Research funding is available through grants, especially in law and business. Professional development includes workshops and mentorship. University strengths in interdisciplinary work aid advancement. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Tenure processes emphasize teaching, research, and service, with support for publications. Pepperdine's faith-based environment influences career paths, promoting ethical leadership roles.
Research and Innovation at Pepperdine University
Research at Pepperdine University emphasizes innovation in sustainability, public policy, and behavioral sciences. Key centers include the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and the Center for Sustainability. Trends for 2025 include AI in education and climate resilience, with collaborations like those with NASA. Funding comes from grants and endowments. Explore Research Jobs.
Faculty lead projects in media ethics and global health, contributing to academic discourse.
Resources for Pepperdine University Academics
- Professional development workshops on teaching innovation 💼
- Faculty unions and associations for advocacy
- Comprehensive benefits including health and retirement
- Research grants and sabbatical programs 🔍
- Access to international campuses for global opportunities
Student Life and Perspectives at Pepperdine University
Student life at Pepperdine University is vibrant, with oceanfront activities, clubs, and faith-based events. Programs in business and law lead to strong career outcomes, with high employment rates. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include career advising and internships.
Perspectives highlight the supportive community and global study options.

