Applying to CIIS
Our Admissions team is here to assist you with the application process, tuition and financial aid, and finding the right program.
Welcome to CIIS! We’re a community of radically curious people who are seeking meaningful growth, academic rigor, innovative research, and community in the service of transforming self, society, and the earth. We are committed to educating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – with degrees and programs that celebrate the diversity of our global community. If you’re interested in joining us, you’re in the right place. We encourage you to explore the links below to learn more about applying to CIIS. Our Admissions team is here to help you as well.
To make sure you have the best chance of being accepted, we encourage you to apply by the priority deadlines, listed below. CIIS evaluates applicants based on rolling admissions until all slots are filled or until the final application deadline (whichever comes first). Many of our programs fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to get your application in early. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the admissions counselor for your program.
Mark Your Calendar
APPLICATION DEADLINES | |
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| September 15 | Spring application period opens |
| October 15 | 1st Priority deadline for Spring 2024 |
| November 15 | 2nd Priority review deadline for Spring 2024 International Student deadline for Spring 2024 |
| November 15 | Fall application period opens |
| December 1 | Spring final deadline |
| January 15 | Drama Therapy Fall Priority Deadline |
| February 15 | Fall Priority Deadline |
Each program at CIIS has unique application requirements. Please visit the program's page to learn about them.
General Admission Requirements
A GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous coursework is required. However, a GPA below 3.0 does not automatically disqualify an applicant and CIIS will consider a prospective student whose GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0. These individuals are required to submit a GPA Statement and are encouraged to contact our Admissions Team to discuss their options.
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Applicants to M.A. programs must have a B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited institution. Program - or discipline - specific accreditation cannot be substituted for regional accreditation.
- Those applying to Ph.D. programs must have both a M.A./M.S. and a B.A./B.S. (or their equivalents) from a regionally accredited institution in an appropriate discipline. Program - or discipline - specific accreditation cannot be substituted for regional accreditation.
- Students with an M.A. in an unrelated field may be admitted to a Ph.D. program with additional coursework requirements.
- Applicants to the Clinical Psychology doctoral program must have earned a B.A. or B.S. for regular standing, and an M.A., an M.S., or a minimum of 40 semester units in psychology or counseling for advanced standing (see the academic programs section for details).
- A grade point average of 3.0 or higher from previous academic institutions is required by all programs, with the exception of the Doctor of Clinical Psychology program, which requires a 3.0 average for regular standing and a 3.5 average for advanced standing. See the individual program descriptions for additional requirements.
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- Applicants to the undergraduate B.A./B.S. programs must have earned a minimum of 54 semester units of transferable credit from an accredited college. Up to 30 of these units may have been earned through satisfactory test results from the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Excelsior College Examination (ECE), and Advanced Placement Exams. The maximum number of total units a student can transfer is 84, with 75 being the maximum for lower-division units. Coursework marked by a grade of C-, D, D-, or F, or coursework falling under the rubric "physical education" is not transferable. Coursework taken twice for credit will be counted only once. Developmental or remedial coursework that cannot be applied toward a Bachelor's degree will also not be accepted.
- If you have earned more than 54 units, but less than 60 units, we will also require a copy of your high school diploma, transcript, or GED certificate.
- Applicants must demonstrate a readiness to explore and develop their life direction or vocation, a commitment to learning that incorporates significant personal growth, a willingness to work within a group setting, and college-level communication skills.
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Applications for Certificate Programs may be submitted through CIIS' online application platform. Applications may include: Background & Goal Statement, Resume or Curriculum Vitae, and an optional Scholarship Essay.
Tuition and Fees
Find tuition and fees for each school and level of study for Fall Semester 2023-2024.
Special Applicants
Everything you need to know for applying to CIIS as an international student, veteran, or out-of-state resident.
Find information about requirements, student loans, and financial aid for international students.
Find information about opportunities for financial aid for veterans and their families.
Find a list of states where CIIS is authorized to accept students. Regulations and authorizations are subject to change.
Academic Programs - Fall and Spring Start List
Our academic programs are unlike most in the academy today. All academic programs at CIIS have fall starts. Only some programs have spring starts. Use the chart below for reference.
