Our Students
School of Nursing Educational Philosophy
The School of Nursing emphasizes both academic excellence and Christian values. Degree programs are designed to address timely community needs for providers of health services and care. Specialization in a particular field offers students in-depth training for clinical practice while they develop a personal standard of conduct that reflects the Pepperdine mission of strengthening lives for purpose, service, and leadership.
Academic Excellence Grounded in Faith
The School of Nursing is committed to the concept that the total development of the student is the heart of the educational enterprise. A description of the Nursing student must include both those qualities that initially earned admission to a selective program and those that the student and society at large should expect the program to add or to enhance during the period of matriculation.
Educating the Whole Student
We believe that the total development of the student is at the heart of nursing education. Students grow not only in skill and knowledge but also in moral character, leadership capacity, and the ability to serve with empathy and resilience.
Characteristics of Our Nursing Students
General Qualities
- An outstanding record of academic performance and service activities that indicates emerging maturity and promise of continuing growth.
- Strong moral character evidenced by past actions, such as explicit examples of mature ethical and moral decision-making, responsible and productive behavior, exhibition of a spirit of servanthood, and commitment to volunteer participation in institutions such as church, school, and nonprofit public service agencies and projects.
- An inquisitive mind and a willingness to learn.
- Creativity and special talents, especially the capacity for leadership – professional, personal, and social.
Nursing-Specific Qualities
- Demonstrate clear and thoughtful motivation for pursuing nursing, with goals that align with the program and the ability to articulate a vision for future contributions.
- Articulate the integration of faith and values into care, demonstrating compassion, ethical reasoning, and the ability to apply spiritual sensitivity in practice.
- Demonstrate effective strategies for time management, adaptability, perseverance, and coping with academic and clinical demands.
- Provide strong examples of teamwork and leadership, demonstrating conflict resolution skills and the potential to lead with empathy and accountability.
- Demonstrate empathy and understanding of diverse populations, with the ability to navigate emotionally difficult and complex situations effectively.
A Community of Faith and Diversity
The School of Nursing welcomes students from diverse religious heritages, both Christian and non-Christian, while maintaining its foundation in the University’s Christian character and heritage.
Learning Outcomes and Graduate Distinction
Breadth and Depth
- Broad-based general education paired with focused nursing expertise
Intellectual Growth
- Lifelong pursuit of knowledge and adaptability in a changing healthcare landscape
- Ability to think critically, logically, and independently
Communication Skills
- Excellence in reading comprehension, active listening, public speaking, and formal writing
- Ability to share and interpret ideas with clarity and confidence
Cultural and Global Awareness
- Exposure to Western and non-Western traditions
- Appreciation of the arts, sciences, and global perspectives
Moral and Ethical Development
- Capacity for thoughtful value-based decision-making
- Engagement with Christian ethics in life and professional practice
Service and Leadership
- Dedication to service in healthcare, public life, and community engagement
- Development of leaders who prioritize the common good over personal gain