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Admissions

Academic Preparation

Applicants to the Psy.D. program must submit documentation of having earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution. The minimum undergraduate GPA required for admission into the Psy.D. program is 3.0. Although an undergraduate major in psychology is not required, applicants must have at least 18 undergraduate semester hours of core psychology coursework prior to admission to the Psy.D. program. Courses must include introductory psychology, statistics, experimental psychology or research methods, physiological psychology, and abnormal psychology. In addition, one course from among the following is required: history and systems, social psychology, theories of personality, human development, and clinical or community psychology.

International students must submit proof of proficiency in the English language via a TOEFL score of at least 600, proof of financial sponsorship, and financial statements in order to be considered.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. These letters must come from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic preparation, fieldwork, employment, or volunteer experience. All three letters must be from individuals who are qualified to assess objectively the applicant's ability to succeed in doctoral-level study and potential to function competently as a professional clinical psychologist.

Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Purpose, and Autobiography

Each Psy.D. applicant must submit a current curriculum vitae. In addition, a statement of professional goals and aspirations should explain why the applicant wants to pursue doctoral study in clinical-community psychology and outline what the individual anticipates for his or her future as a result of earning the Psy.D. This statement must not exceed 500 words, and should be between 2-3 typed, double-spaced pages. Each applicant must also write a statement that addresses how pursuing the Psy.D. fits into his or her life, and ways in which life experiences have influenced and shaped the decision to pursue doctoral study in this profession. This document must not exceed 1,000 words, and should be between 3-4 typed, double-spaced pages. Applicants are encouraged to review documentation within the ULV Psy.D. website for a clear understanding of clinical-community psychology, and to incorporate this perspective into their statements.

Interview

Following receipt of application materials, all applicants being considered for admission will be interviewed. While it is most desirable for interviews to be held in person, telephone interviews may be arranged for applicants from distant locations. The interview will be conducted by at least two faculty members from ULV's Psychology Department.

Application Deadline

Application materials received in Graduate Student Services by January 15 for admission the next fall semester will be given first priority. Later applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. All new students are expected to begin the Psy.D. program in the fall semester. Students are generally notified of their admission status by the middle of March, and are given until the middle of April to respond, indicating their intent to begin in the fall.

Download Application

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All application materials should be forwarded to:

Graduate Student Services
University of La Verne
1950 3rd Street
La Verne, California 91750

When the applicant's first document is received, the Graduate Office will begin a file for the student. When all documents have been received, Graduate Student Services will forward the applicant's completed file to the Psychology Department for review and admission decision. The Department will contact applicants to set appointments for personal interviews and other screening.

Prospective students with questions about the application process may contact the Graduate Office at (909) 593-3511, ext. 4244. The office is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, except on Wednesday, when office hours are from 1 to 6 p.m. A completed application consists of: