ADMISSION TO THE M.A. PROGRAM
The PCC M.A. Program seeks individuals who are drawn to the Program's mission and goals, are open to multiple points of view, write well, and think critically. Admissions decisions are based on past academic achievement, maturity, and motivation for educational and personal development.
Applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the Institute. Information about application procedures and deadlines, and transfer of credit can be found in the CIIS catalogue or at www.ciis.edu. The materials required include the following: an autobiographical statement (4-6 pages), a goal statement (1 page), an academic writing sample (5-15 pages), and transcripts. The autobiographical statement should describe significant events in your life that have led to the decision to pursue admission to this program. The goal statement should articulate why you are interested in PCC in particular, and, if appropriate, how these interests relate to your long-term personal and professional aspirations. PCC will consider applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, the arts, or professional degree programs.
ADMISSION TO THE PH.D. PROGRAM
Admission to the PCC Ph.D. program is highly selective and independent of admission to the M.A. program. PCC seeks applicants who have done outstanding work at the M.A. level and who demonstrate the necessary preparation and motivation for dissertation research and writing in their desired area of specialization. Applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds will be considered.
Applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the Institute. Information about application procedures and deadlines, and transfer of credit can be found in the CIIS catalogue or at www.ciis.edu. Those admitted into the doctoral concentration who do not have an M.A. from CIIS in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness must complete an additional 18 units of course work (minus equivalencies) from the core section of the M.A. curriculum. The application materials required include the following: an autobiographical statement (4-6 pages), a goal statement (2-4 pages), an academic writing sample (5-15 pages), transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. The autobiographical statement should describe significant events in the applicant's life that have led to the decision to pursue admission to this program. The goal statement should articulate why the applicant is interested in PCC, and how these interests relate to his or her long-term personal and professional aspirations. In the goal statement, applicants should also identify at least one PCC core faculty member who would be appropriate to serve as his or her mentor in the Ph.D. program and show close familiarity with that faculty member's particular area(s) of expertise.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
The PCC program admits students in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. Applications for the fall semester have a priority deadline of March 1. For the spring semester, the priority deadline is October 15. Applications will continue to be reviewed beyond the priority deadlines on a space available basis.
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURES
Applications are initially received by the Admissions Office. When an application is complete with all required materials, it is forwarded to the PCC office. Application review typically takes between 2-4 weeks. If an application passes the initial review a faculty member will contact the applicant to arrange an interview (phone or in person), after which a final decision is made.
HOW TO APPLY
Download an Application Form and submit by mail
FURTHER ASSISTANCE
Prospective students are recommended to visit an Open House or schedule an appointment with the PCC program faculty or staff prior to applying to the program. Dates for fall and spring Open Houses can be found at www.ciis.edu. Also, most PCC classes and extracurricular offerings are open to prospective students. Please contact the PCC Program Coordinator at 415.575.6270 for more information. Allyson Werner, Senior Admissions Counselor, can also be reached at 415.575.6155 or awerner at ciis.edu.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The Institute welcomes applications from international students. Basic admissions guidelines for applying as an international student are listed on the application. For specific questions about being an international student at the Institute, please contact the International Student Advisor, Jody O'Connor, at 415.575.6157, or joconnor at ciis.edu.
TUITION AND FEES
http://www.ciis.edu/admissions/tuition.html
FINANCIAL AID
http://www.ciis.edu/admissions/financial_aid.html
HOUSING RESOURCES (INCLUDING HOTELS)
http://www.ciis.edu/students/housing.html
