Doctoral Degree Specific Requirements

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

PhD in Clinical Psychology

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Preparation in Psychology. One of the following three options must be completed prior to matriculation:
  1. Earned a BA/BS in Psychology (a master’s degree will not fulfill this requirement)
  2. Completion of the following four courses with a grade of “C” or better:
     • Statistics
     • Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology
     • Experimental Psychology/Research Methods in Psychology
     • Physiological Psychology, Learning/Memory, Cognitive Psychology or Sensation/Perception
  3. 80th percentile scores or better on the GRE Psychology Test

PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy

In addition to the GPA Exemption Petition, applicants who have an undergraduate or graduate (if applicable) GPA below 3.0 and whose most recently earned degree is not in psychology or a related field (e.g., anthropology, child development, communications, education, family studies, human development, social work, sociology) must have completed coursework in the following two areas with a grade of “C” or better before matriculation into the program:

• Introduction to Psychology or General Psychology
• Human Development or Child Development

PhD in Organizational Psychology

PsyD in Organization Behavior

Master’s degree from a regionally accredited university which includes at least 9 units in organizational behavior, organization development, social or behavioral science, or a closely related field OR demonstrate 10 or more years of significantly related work experience.
 

EdD in Educational Leadership & Management

Available to students with only a Bachelor's or a Bachelor's plus Master's degree. Minimum cumulative GPA for both options is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

PsyD in Educational Psychology

PPS Credential/Certification/Licensure to practice School Psychology (not a requirement for the School Counseling track).

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution OR an associate degree from an accredited community college, OR have completed, in good academic standing, a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter units at an accredited institution.
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

In a comprehensive 4-6 page (double-spaced) essay please address the following, using distinct sections for each part:

1.  A brief autobiographical sketch. Discuss your life up to now: your family, friends, home, work and community. We are particularly interested in those experiences most relevant to your interest in professional psychology and how those experiences have helped formulate your career goals (at least 3-4 pages).
    
2. Since many different graduate programs exist, and the choice is such an important one, explain specifically why you have chosen to apply to the PsyD program at CSPP, and which aspects of CSPP, its programs, its approach to diversity, and its mission have attracted you to the school (1 page).
    
3. What applied clinical problem would you most like to focus on in your PsyD studies and in the PsyD clinical dissertation/doctoral project? Tell us something about your knowledge of the relevant theory and concepts, research, and the application of that scholarship to clinical practice. (1-2 pages)
    
4. In what emphasis, proficiency or academic area would you choose to concentrate your studies at CSPP? Please relate this to your career goals.

PhD in Clinical Psychology

In a comprehensive 4-6 page (double-spaced) essay please address the following, using distinct sections for each part:

1. A brief autobiographical sketch. Discuss your life up to now: your family, friends, home, work and community. We are particularly interested in those experiences most relevant to your interest in professional psychology and how those experiences have helped formulate your career goals (at least 3-4 pages).
    
2. Since many different graduate programs exist, and the choice is such an important one, explain specifically why you have chosen to apply to the PhD program at CSPP, and which aspects of CSPP, its programs, its approach to diversity, and its mission have attracted you to the school (1 page).
    
3. What research or applied clinical problem would you like to explore in your PhD dissertation? Please be specific. Tell us something about your knowledge of research methods and other investigative formats, integration of the professional literature on the topic, and the application of theory and scholarship to this research problem. We are interested in your own past activities and experiences as a scholar or researcher and encourage you to draw on those experiences. (1-2 pages).
    
4. In what emphasis, proficiency or academic area would you choose to concentrate your studies at CSPP? Please relate this to your career goals.

    

PhD in Organizational Psychology

PsyD in Organization Behavior

In a comprehensive 4-6 page (double-spaced) essay please address the following, using distinct sections for each part:

1. Describe your career objectives, including your reasons for wanting to undertake studies in the specific program to which you are applying. Please also discuss why you are interested in studying at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University.
    
2. Write a brief autobiographical sketch, highlighting those experiences most relevant to your interest in organizational psychology, organizational behavior or organization development.
    
3. Although we recognize that your specific areas of study may change over the course of your training, please describe a research or applied organizational problem that you might like to explore in your studies. Please be as specific as possible. This essay should demonstrate your knowledge of organizational psychology or organizational behavior and how multicultural and/or international issues play a role in the project or research you describe. Also, as relevant, please demonstrate in this section your knowledge of contemporary issues and current research in the field. Use the essay to show your understanding of research methods, the application of theory and scholarship to applied problems, and your ability to integrate the professional literature with your own perspectives on the issues.
    

PsyD in Marital and Family Therapy

In a comprehensive 4-6 page(double-spaced) essay please address the following, using distinct sections for each part:

1. Your background
2. Honors, activities and other creative accomplishments
3. Your professional goals
4. How do you see your participation in this program as enhancing your educational experience and ultimately your career?
5. Upon completion of this program, how would you use this privilege to better society?

EdD in Educational Leadership & Management

PsyD in Educational Psychology

EdD in TESOL

In a comprehensive 4-6 page (double-spaced) essay please address the following, using distinct sections for each part:

A brief autobiographical statement; professional aspirations; any professional organizations to which you belong; honors, activities, and other accomplishments; any experience in the field to which you are applying, which may include any experience in K-12 settings or higher education, teaching, or working with children and adolescents.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

PhD in Leadership

• A brief autobiographical statement including future professional plans.
• The professional organizations to which you belong and honors, activities and other creative accomplishments.

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

In a comprehensive 4-6 page (double-spaced) essay please address the following, using distinct sections for each part:

A strong personal statement answering these questions: Why do you want to study law? What in your background leads you to believe you will be successful in law school and in a legal career? What special skills, attributes, and experiences will you bring to the Law School community? What other pertinent matters should the committee consider in weighing your application?