Is the Psy.D. program APA Accredited?
Yes, the Psy.D. program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Also, CIIS is accredited by the regional accrediting agency: the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. (See Accreditation for more information.)

How is the Psy.D. different from a Ph.D. in Psychology?
The emphasis of the Psy.D. degree is on clinical practice. The Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) is designed as a research degree, best suited for those who want research to be a primary component of their professional work. The focus and strength of the Psy.D. program has always been on clinical training -- producing well-rounded and competent practitioners.

How long does it usually take to complete the curriculum?
It takes four years to complete the Psy.D. Program (90 units) if you enter with Regular Standing. This includes the practicum, 2000 internship hours and the dissertation. For students accepted with Advanced Standing it takes approximately three years to complete the program (in order to qualify for Advanced Standing applicants must have an MA in psychology with a minimum of 500 supervised hours).

What is the most important consideration for acceptance into the program?
The Psychology Doctoral program considers a broad range of criteria when considering an applicant for admission into the program. Criteria include past academic performance, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), experience (both professional and volunteer) in the area of working with and helping others, goodness of fit in terms of values between the applicant and the program, self-presentation at interview, and other factors. Because the Psy.D. program requires rigorous scholarship, it is particularly important that an applicant have the maturity and commitment necessary to embark on doctoral studies. The personal interview (which is conducted in a group format with other applicants, faculty members and students) is an important tool for evaluating an applicant.

Can you have a concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatics or one of the other M.A. Counseling concentrations if you are in the Psy.D. program?
While students cannot combine the Psy.D. program with a concentration in another psychology program, students do have a choice of clinical concentration areas. Students use their elective choices for taking courses in their clinical concentration. Because coursework is made up mostly of electives, courses will vary from semester to semester depending on what electives are offered.

Is it possible to do your practicum in another state?
No, it is not possible to do your practicum in another state because you must attend Proseminar classes during this phase of your education. However, Clinical Psychology students may complete their doctoral internship in another state if the internship site is approved by the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship centers (APPIC) or the California Psychology Internship Council (CAPIC).