Admissions Overview
Our admissions team is dedicated to guiding you throughout each step of your educational journey. As you navigate the inquiry, application, decision, and enrollment process, please know that our admissions counselors are here to help — If you have any questions, please contact us to request more information and a knowledgable Admissions Counselor will be happy to assist you.
General Requirements for All Doctoral Programs
It is important to provide all required documents so the Office of Admissions can process your application for admission to Alliant International University. Please check the following list to make sure you have included everything needed to be considered for admission:
- a
Completed Online Application
Prospective students must submit an online application along with a non-refundable $65 application fee.
- a
Master's Degree
Applicants must possess at least a Master’s degree or higher from an institution of higher education that is regionally accredited in the U.S. (or its international equivalent).
Some programs may only require a Bachelor's degree. Please review the Program-Specific Requirements below.
- a
Minimum Cumulative GPA
All graduate applicants must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
The University requires that graduate applicants meet their individual program’s stated GPA minimum requirement for admission, if different.
If your undergraduate or graduate (if applicable) GPA is below the stated requirement, you must submit a petition requesting an exemption from this academic requirement. The petition is included in the graduate online application. The application allows you to provide a statement of exception or submit additional material that would document your ability to perform in an intensive academic environment.
- a
Official Transcripts
Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended.
Foreign Transcript Policy
Students who previously attended schools outside of the United States may be able to show proof of official transcript documents by providing either of the following:
Official Transcript and internal review by designated Alliant staff.
Third Party Review: A student may request an official evaluation of schoolwork which will be sent directly from a credible transcript evaluation service to the University. The evaluation must indicate that the document was based on an official educational record in order to be considered for transcript intake.**
** Students enrolling in Teacher Education programs must submit transcripts through the pre-approved entities listed on the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing portal. Alliant’s internal review is not sufficient for entry into these programs.
Note: this policy does not pertain to potential transcript evaluation for transfer credit purposes.
Degree Requirements for Foreign Students Enrolling in California Teaching Credential Programs
California teaching credential program applicants whose degree is from outside the U.S. must have their transcripts evaluated prior to being admitted to the Alliant International University teaching credential program.
To locate the most updated list of CTC-approved entities, please review visit: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/leaflets/cl635.pdf?sfvrsn=6
- a
Resume or CV
All applicants are required to submit a current resume or curriculum vitae detailing their professional experience.
- a
Letters of Recommendation
Two recommendations are required for all applicants.
Recommendations should be from references familiar with your work, your academic abilities, or your potential for scholarship and professional accomplishment.
- a
Faculty Interview
For most programs, an interview with a Program Director or Faculty is required.
- a
Essay
An admissions essay is required of all applicants.
Essay guidelines vary by program. Please review your program specific essay prompt and instructions for completing this step in the Program-Specific Requirements section below.
- a
Program Entry Requirements
In addition to the above requirements, most graduate programs at Alliant have academic entry requirements such as test scores, a specific undergraduate major, or identified coursework necessary for matriculation into specialized programs.
Please review the entry criteria for your desired program in the Program-Specific Requirements section below.
Program-Specific Requirements
The University’s admissions criteria vary from program to program and are designed to measure the qualities and capabilities required of a professional in the field to which the student is applying as reflected in an applicant’s academic ability, academic preparation, and other personal and non-academic factors.
Entry Requirements by Program
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California School of Professional Psychology
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:
- Earned a BA/BS in Psychology (a master’s degree will not fulfill this requirement)
- 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
- 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.
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California School of Education
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).
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San Francisco School of Law
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
Essay Prompts by Program
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California School of Professional Psychology
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
In a comprehensive 4-6 page (double-spaced) essay please address the following, using distinct sections for each part:
- 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).
- 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).
- 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)
- 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:
- 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- 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:
- 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.
- Write a brief autobiographical sketch, highlighting those experiences most relevant to your interest in organizational psychology, organizational behavior or organization development.
- 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:
- Your background
- Honors, activities and other creative accomplishments
- Your professional goals
- How do you see your participation in this program as enhancing your educational experience and ultimately your career?
- Upon completion of this program, how would you use this privilege to better society?
- 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).
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California School of Education
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.
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California School of Management and Leadership
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.
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San Francisco School of Law
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?