1.     I am interested in applying to both Palo Alto University’s Pacific Graduate School of Psychology PhD Clinical Psychology program and the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium.  Do I need to submit two different Statements of Purpose?

Yes, although both programs are committed to training clinical psychologists, the programs have different strengths, training missions, structure, and faculty. When applying to the Consortium please ensure that you have provided a personal statement referencing the specific aspects of the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium that will help you realize your career goals.

2. How many admissions offers are made? How many applicants do you admit? 

This information can be found on the data table below.

3. Do PGSP-Stanford PsyD students have access to the specialty tracks in the PhD program (e.g., Forensic, Neuropsychology, Meditation, Psychology and the Law)?

The PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium is a rigorous full-time program with three years of full-time coursework. As such, it is a rare exception that a student is in the position to take extra coursework outside of the PsyD curriculum.

5.     Does the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium have electives? 

Yes, even though the program follows a cohort model in general, students have an opportunity to take electives in their third year. Adult or child-focused electives are available. See our Course Descriptions for details.  

6.     Does the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium offer fellowships?

Yes, we have a limited number of fellowships that we distribute based on several broadly defined criteria including merit, diversity, and financial need. More information will be provided upon recieving an interview. 

7.     What is the difference between the Early Consideration and General Consideration application process?

There is no difference in the application process itself aside from the application deadlines. Applicants who do complete their materials in time to make the Early Consideration deadline may be invited to interview and extended an offer of admission prior to the April 1 deadline, however, and it is strongly recommended that applicants who consider the Consortium to be their top-choice program apply by the Early Consideration deadline.

8.     Are there teaching or research assistantships available to students?

The program does have several teaching assistantships available to students after they complete the first year of the program. Teaching assistantships are granted on a course-by-course basis, and students may apply for more than one during their time in the program. Unlike traditional PhD programs, we do not offer formal research assistantships. Several faculty in the program have research grants, though, and do hire student assistants as part of their ongoing research projects. Students interested in pursuing this type of experience are encouraged to contact the faculty member they want to work with to determine availability.

9.    I have a masters degree. Do you have a transfer credit policy?

TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY

Graduate Level: Only graduate-level courses are acceptable for transfer credit. A graduate-level course is any course for which a student received graduate credit at their previous institution(s). This may include graduate-level courses the student took as an undergraduate.

Acceptable Grades: A grade of “B” or better is required in the graduate-level course to be eligible for transfer credit.

Accreditation: Previous graduate work must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution.

Deadline for Requesting Transfer Credit: Requests for review of transfer credit must be submitted by Aug 1 of the year the student plans to enroll in the Consortium

Maximum Credit Awarded: A maximum of eight (8) units per quarter may be transferred, for a maximum of 24 units transferred into the Psy.D. program.

Transfer Unit Equivalencies: A student will be awarded the number of units the transferred course is equal to at Palo Alto University, which uses a quarter system. A transferred course must equal or exceed the number of units of the corresponding PsyD course. Multiple courses and their syllabi may be combined to meet eligibility for a Consortium course if the total units earned and content covered are determined equivalent.

Time Limit for Transfer Credit: In order to be eligible for transfer credit, the course must have been completed within five years of the student’s matriculation at Palo Alto University.

Transferable Courses: Only foundational courses are eligible to be met by approved transfer credit. Students applying for review of transfer coursework should indicate which course(s) they are applying to waive.

Appeals and Exceptions: A student may appeal transfer credit decisions in writing to the Curriculum Committee. Appeals must be submitted within one week after the incoming student is notified of the outcome of their transfer credit application.

Please note that because the PsyD program is billed on a flat rate, quarterly tuition schedule, transfer, or waiver of units will not result in a reduced tuition rate. Additionally, because of our cohort model with required courses in each quarter, your time to completion of the program will not be reduced; however, students who are allowed to waive required coursework will have the luxury of more time available for supplemental practica, research assistantships, paid employment, etc.