PsyD Program Admissions

In order to ensure a smooth transition into graduate study, PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium strongly recommends 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) of Psychology coursework including courses in:

• General Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Statistics
• Biopsychology
• Developmental Psychology

Strong preference is given to applicants with some form of clinical experience (e.g., crisis line, assessments, case management, therapy, etc.) to ensure that applicants have an understanding of the career to which they are committing themselves.

We strongly recommend applicants have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

The purpose of the personal statement is to provide a sample of the applicant’s ability to write in an academic and professional manner, as well as to learn about any qualifications/life events that were not captured in the application.

Formatting: Double space, and limit to 500 words.



We recommend that you reflect on the following questions as you develop your essay:

• Why are you pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology?  What led this interest?
• What are your long-term professional goals?
• What are your research interests (including faculty you want to work with, and why)?
• How will a PhD from PAU help you to achieve your goals?

In your essay, you may also wish to include reflections about the following:

Experience with and/or commitment to serving minoritized and marginalized populations



Personal qualities that will facilitate success as a graduate student and future psychologist

To see the latest transfer policy, please visit:

PAU Catalog Transfer Credit Information

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.

• You are welcome to apply to both the PhD and PsyD concurrently. Your applications will be reviewed separately by the two Admissions Committees, and the processes will generally run independently of each other. There is no penalty for applying to both programs – we do encourage you to be clear about how each program is a good fit for your academic and professional interests. 
• You should submit two Statements of Purpose, which address the distinct reasons for applying to each. 

1. Start an application for the PsyD program in PsyCAS
2. In the "Program Materials" section, select "yes" to the question that asks, "Would you also like to have your application considered for admission to PAU's PhD in Clinical Psychology program?"
3. In the "Optional Documents" section, upload your additional personal statement specific to the PhD program. 

• Students are not required to have a master’s degree, and there is no preference given to students with master’s degrees. There is also no penalty for having a master’s degree. 
• Grades from both the undergraduate and graduate levels are considered in the selection of students. Admissions Committee members do pay attention to trends in grades over time.  

All students who complete their application will: 

• The primary form of communication in the admissions process is email, and we will use the email address you list on your application. 
• All students will receive a decision, and we will provide updates as often as possible. 
• Offers of admissions are made on a rolling basis and will vary from student to student and year to year. Some students may hear as soon as two weeks after the interview; others may take a few months. You are always welcome to reach out to the Office of Admissions for an update about your application status. 
• PhD and PsyD students have until April 15th to accept an offer of admission. This deadline may be extended due to extenuating circumstances.  

• Work-study awards are part of the financial aid package. Once awarded work-study, students may apply for any work-study job on the PAU campus. While it is technically possible for students to use their work-study award at Stanford, it is rare. 
• International students are generally allowed to work on campus but should check with the International Students Office to ensure an on-campus position is permitted based on visa type.