Does Pepperdine have a religious requirement?

Pepperdine University requires all undergraduate students to complete three religion courses as part of their general education requirements, regardless of their personal religious beliefs. These courses include one New Testament class, one Old Testament class, and one additional religious course of your choice. You'll also need to attend 14 spiritual life events per semester, which can include guest speakers, musical performances, or volunteer activities.

Being non-religious does not negatively impact your chances of admission to Pepperdine. The university welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds, and approximately 54% of students identify as Christian, while others represent various religious traditions or no religious affiliation. The admissions process focuses on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities rather than religious beliefs.

As a non-religious student at Pepperdine, you can expect to encounter Christian values and traditions in campus life. Daily life includes opportunities for chapel services and prayer, though participation is optional except for the required convocation events. The university maintains a Christian worldview in its approach to education, but professors encourage open dialogue and respect diverse perspectives in classroom discussions.

Campus culture at Pepperdine emphasizes service, ethics, and personal growth alongside academic excellence. While the Christian foundation is present, many non-religious students report feeling comfortable on campus and appreciate the emphasis on values-based education. The required religion courses are typically taught from an academic perspective, focusing on historical and cultural understanding rather than faith conversion.