Once you have established that this program is the right fit for your lifestyle, aspirations, learning style, and interests, we encourage you to start the admission process by verifying you are eligible, learning how the admission committee evaluates applications, and completing your online application.
Criteria ––> Am I eligible to apply?
Fielding Graduate University encourages applications from individuals who have strong academic and professional backgrounds and have demonstrated potential to contribute to the field of clinical psychology.
Applications are evaluated according to a compensatory model; extensive competencies and /or experience in one area can compensate for limited experience in another.
Applicants for the Clinical Psychology PhD program should have:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or an equivalent international degree
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0
- Excellent English reading and writing skills
- Coursework in psychology
- Supervised experience as a volunteer or professional therapist in a counseling or clinical setting
- Experience in psychological research through coursework and/or hands-on research
You are encouraged to apply even if you received your degree from a discipline other than psychology as long as you have taken courses in psychology and have some supervised clinical and research experience.
Evaluation ––> What does the Admission Committee look for?
The Admission Committee evaluates the following:
- Critical thinking and writing skills
- Ability to function as an independent learner
- Professional goals
- Professional and/or academic achievements and activities
- Maturity and self-awareness as expressed in autobiography and interview
- Computer competence
- Time and resources to attend cluster meetings and academic sessions
Application Checklist ––> What do I need to complete my application?
A complete application portfolio for this program includes:
You will need to specify your intended faculty advisor and cluster meeting location. Your application is considered, interviewed, and decided based on the location you choose, and is not automatically transferable to a new faculty advisor. If you plan to move during the application process, you must notify the Admission Office.
All application materials become the property of Fielding Graduate University. We encourage you to keep copies for your records.
Decisions ––> How will the admission decision be made?
Once you have submitted your complete application portfolio, you will be notified by e-mail that it is ready for review. The Admission Committee reviews all completed application portfolios two times a year to determine if you meet the admission criteria and are eligible for a faculty interview.
If you are selected for an admission interview with a regional faculty member, you receive instructions for contacting your regional faculty member to schedule a face-to-face interview. At the conclusion of the interview, the faculty member evaluates the applicant’s potential for success in the program and sends an evaluation to the Admission Committee.
The Admission Committee makes the final admission decisions. Applicants are informed in writing. Acceptance into your specified cluster does not guarantee acceptance into an alternate cluster. If you plan to move during the application process, please notify the Admission Office.
Enrollment ––> How do I accept an offer of admission?
If accepted, you will receive a link via e-mail to our online enrollment Web site containing your admission agreement and tuition payment forms, travel and accommodations information, and orientation schedule. You will need to confirm your attendance about 4 weeks prior to the online orientation session by returning your admission agreement and making an initial tuition and NSO fee payment.