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SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY
MARSTON/WATSON HALL
206-281-2987
GRADADMISSIONS@SPU.EDU

Faculty, students, and staff in the School of Psychology, Family, and Community strive to become a community of learners:

• Guided by faith. Exploring the implications of vital expressions of Christian faith for the human condition, as well as for emotional and relational healing and health.
• Rooted in academic discipline. Fostering rigorous and creative learning environments, as well as contributing primary scholarship to the scientific study of psychological and social processes.
• Committed to service. Grounding our learning community in the theory, research, and application of our disciplines in order to produce skilled graduates who can serve with character and competence in a broken world; nurturing creative partnerships with our local community and beyond in order to serve in and learn from socially and culturally diverse settings.

MISSION STATEMENT
As a community of scholars and professionals who embrace a broad Christian worldview, we are committed to developing psychologists who accomplish the following:

• Integrate the findings of scientific psychology with the interpersonal skills and sensitivity necessary for effective clinical practice.
• Incorporate biopsychosocial and spiritual perspectives into the science and practice of the discipline.
• Appreciate and respect the inherent diversity that characterizes individuals and groups.
• Embrace a vocation of service to individuals, families, and their communities.

PROGRAM DISTINCTIVES
The doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) in clinical psychology is accredited by the . This program is a full-time, five-year, integrated and organized sequence of studies and practice experiences based on the "local clinical-scientist" model of training. The local clinical-scientist embodies and expands upon the original scientist-practitioner model of clinical psychology.

Research and clinical practice are balanced in the curriculum, and our graduates function in various roles as health care clinicians, university scholars, program directors, and supervisors.

Coursework is grounded in empirical literature that examines the interplay among biological, psychological, and social factors related to human adjustment; this biopsychosocial perspective infuses all aspects of the doctoral curriculum and training experiences. Perspectives on diversity are incorporated throughout the curriculum, addressing individual and group differences and the implications of diversity for the ethical and effective practice of clinical psychology. And, in our view, a full appreciation of diversity includes spiritual and religious factors as well. Additionally, both faculty and students are committed to a vocation of service to others.

SEQUENCE OF STUDY
To graduate with the Ph.D., each student must complete 204 quarter units of courses, which include 32 units of dissertation; two one-year, part-time practicum placements; and a full-time one-year internship. A master of arts in psychology (M.A.; the first two years of 77 quarter credits) is earned en route to the doctorate. The following is the typical required sequence for completion of the doctoral degree within five years of admission.

GENERAL ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
The program begins in Autumn Quarter and admits students once a year. The application deadline is December 15.

Listed below is a brief outline of University and program requirements for admission to clinical psychology doctoral studies. For detailed information on admission, please visit . , or request an application packet by email at gradadmissions@spu.edu or by phone at 206-281-2091 or 800-601-0603.

1. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and prior to admission with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0. An undergraduate major in psychology is preferable. However, applicants whose bachelor's degrees are not in psychology may wish to take the to demonstrate adequate knowledge of general psychology. All applicants should have successfully completed a statistics or tests and measurements course, as well as at least five other psychology courses prior to application from among the following: abnormal, developmental, experimental, physiological, social, learning, motivation, or personality.
2. The (GRE) is required. A minimum score of 1100 for the combined verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE is preferred. The test must have been administered within five years of the deadline date for application to the program. The is not required, but may be advantageous for applicants without a psychology bachelor's degree.
3. Applicants will submit three letters of recommendation, one professional reference from a person in a related field (e.g., clinical supervisor), one academic reference from a former professor or instructor, and one personal recommendation (e.g., any professional, but not a member of the applicant's family). Note: Please use the forms included in the , being sure to follow the instructions.
4. Applicants must submit a typed personal statement. Generally, statements should be three to four pages in length. Please address career objectives, rationale for seeking a degree in clinical psychology and why you choose to attend SPU. Mention professional and personal strengths as they apply to clinical psychology, related work experiences, research interests, personal values, religious ideals, and other information you deem appropriate. Note: Preference is shown to those applicants who possess potential for both clinical and scientific work, as demonstrated by prior work or volunteer experiences.
5. Applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and obtain a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test or 250 on the computer-based test.
6. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must provide an official confidential statement of financial support covering each year of intended enrollment. This is necessary in order to issue the paperwork for an I-20 immigration form. Documentation must be included in the application packet.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS
The Admissions Committee of the Department of Graduate Psychology (DGP) will conduct a preliminary screening process. Finalists will be invited to come to campus for personal interviews in late February or early March. Admission to the doctoral program depends upon recommendation by the DGP faculty and approval from the chair of the department.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT
Students with a master's degree, or those who have taken other graduate coursework in psychology at a regionally accredited institution, may be allowed to transfer up to 20 quarter units. Students must submit syllabi of any courses for which they request transfer of credit. Courses accepted for transfer must have been passed at a grade of B or higher and completed within seven years of transfer. Any transfer credit petitions should be submitted only after formal admission to the program.

Note: Additional details regarding the requirements of our clinical psychology doctoral program can be found in the Doctoral Student Handbook, Clinical Training Guidelines, and Research and Dissertation Guidelines available from the .

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