Admissions Process

We require a personal interview with the prospective student, and we do not send out brochures, catalogs or applications upon request. Our concern is to ensure a goodness of fit with our school. Our rich learning environment emphasizes high quality education with mature, accomplished learners. We do not have a large and costly administrative staff. Virtually all of our professors are working professionals. It is important to us that a new student consider carefully the advantages and disadvantages of attending PSP.

At the end of the personal interview, the interviewer and the prospective student come to a collaborative decision whether to move the application process forward. If an application is given and received, the prospective student goes back into their world and begins to pull together the required materials. Prospective students regularly talk with School representatives during this time, and we normally follow-up with the prospective student to encourage more dialogue, as necessary. This give-and-take, collaborative approach to the admission process, is characteristic of the way education is pursued at PSP.

When an application is complete and returned to PSP, the Admissions Committee usually makes a decision within two weeks. Students may enter into classes at the beginning of any term (Fall, January Intercession, Winter, Spring, Summer). In fact, a prospective student may take up to three classes on a per unit basis before being formally admitted to PSP.

Regarding the issue of course equivalency, equivalency may be granted for specific PSP-required courses, based upon previous graduate level academic work at another institution. If an equivalency is granted, the student will not have to take the required course. However, no unit credits will be granted in connection with the equivalency. To satisfy degree requirements, students will need to take sufficient elective units to replace the units lost through receiving an equivalency. Such course equivalency substitutions are not a means of reducing the time to degree completion. Such substitutions allow a student experienced in one area to focus on new areas of learning.

Regarding the issue of the transference of credits, it is generally not recommended that students enrolled at PSP seek to transfer in courses from other graduate institutions or to seek graduate credit for courses taken at an undergraduate level. Typically, the course being offered at PSP will be at a highly level than that offered at other graduate schools (because of the age and maturity of the PSP student body and the extensive experience of the PSP faculty); furthermore, the concepts and practices in a specific area of psychology are usually changing so rapidly that an update will be of value to virtually any PSP student.

Finally, course equivalencies and transfers are discouraged because of state licensing laws. PSP students who wish to become licensed must become informed of current licensing requirements (regarding when a course is taken and the content of the course) before seeking course equivalency or transfer of credit. An upper combined limit of 12 units may be allowed.

If you are interested in arranging for a personal interview, contact Administration/Registrar at (916) 641-6542, or e-mail psychology@surewest.net.