Application to the Psy.D. program requires the following:

• Completion of a B.S. or B.A. in psychology or in another area with a minimum of 18 quarter units or 12 semester units of psychology coursework, including Introductory Psychology, Psychological Statistics, Developmental Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology.
• Consideration will be given to applicants with low undergraduate GPAs if part of the applicant’s grade point average is based on coursework taken many years prior to the application, and more recent coursework shows performance at the previously stated levels (grade point average of 3.1 for regular standing and 3.3 for advanced standing) or if the applicant has a poor start in his/her prior education and shows improvement to the expected level, or if the applicant can explain below average performance for an isolated quarter or semester (e.g., due to illness). For those candidates outside the required GPA please submit a one-page (typed, double-spaced) explanation.
• An academic grade point average of 3.1 for regular standing and 3.3 for advanced standing.
• An academic writing sample: A writing sample of preferably eight-to-ten pages (typed, double-spaced) that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to think critically and reflectively. A sample that uses outside sources must include proper citations. Applicants may submit copies of previous work, such as a recent academic paper, article, or report that reflects scholarly abilities.
• Two letters of recommendation: Letters of recommendation will be accepted from academic advisors, professors, professional supervisors, or someone able to attest to your ability to undertake the work required for your program. (Standard business letter format preferred.)
• A professional goal statement: A one-page (typed, double-spaced) statement of your educational and professional objectives.
• A lifespan autobiographical statement: A four-to-six page (typed, double-spaced) introspective autobiographical statement discussing your values, emotional and spiritual insights, aspirations, and life experiences that have led to your decision to apply.
• The CIIS PsyD Program no longer requires the GRE as part of our Admissions process. However, we ask students who have been admitted to take the GRE post- admission.  We use these scores as a way of describing our incoming students' skills and capacities as part of our ongoing program evaluation.

Advanced Standing/Transferring Units:
Admission with advanced standing is available to a limited number of students who have completed a master’s degree or a minimum of 40 graduate units in psychology or counseling, plus 500 hours of supervised clinical/counseling experience. Candidates for advanced standing status may apply to have required courses waived based on documentation of completion of similar courses in their prior graduate studies, and to have the practicum requirement reduced from two years to one. Students admitted with advanced standing will complete a minimum of 60 units to earn the Psy.D. degree. Applicants who have been active students in another graduate program in psychology or counseling, but who do not qualify for admission with advanced standing, may apply to transfer a maximum of 15 units into the program. Please see the online catalog for more details.