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Pepperdine | Graduate School of Education and Psychology

MA in Psychology FAQs

 I am interested in the MA in Psychology program. Where should I begin?

The first step in the process, and the best way to get all of your questions answered, is to attend an information session. For a schedule of upcoming sessions and to RSVP, please visit here.
If you are unable to attend, please contact us at 310.258.2850 to set up an appointment.

 What are the admission periods for the MA in Psychology program? When will I know if I am accepted?

For our Master of Arts in Psychology program, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology operates on a "rolling admissions" basis. This means we review and accept applications as they are completed. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline. You will receive a decision via mail within three to four weeks after the submission of your completed application.

 Do I have to send in all application materials at once?

No. You can send in different parts of your application as they are completed. We will hold any materials that arrive under your name, but will only begin tracking your application and corresponding with you when we receive your online application.

 What are my chances of being accepted into the program?

At Pepperdine, we utilize a holistic approach in our thorough review of each and every application. This means that we do not disqualify applicants based on any one part of their application.

 What are the minimum admission requirements?

Please visit our Admissions Requirements page for a full list.

 Will professional references by accepted?

Please refer to our Admission Requirements webpage.

 Can foundation classes be waived?

Students who have taken undergraduate or graduate-level courses judged to be equivalent in content to foundation level courses may petition to waive such courses. Previously taken courses will qualify for waiver consideration if they were taken no earlier than seven years prior to admission and a grade of "B" or better was earned. Applicants without recent course work (within the last seven years) in psychology, however, will be required to complete foundational courses in preparation for the core curriculum. Foundational courses are offered as part of the master's program.

 Where should I send my application materials?

All application materials, including GRE scores, should be sent to our West Los Angeles Graduate Campus, regardless of which campus an applicant plans to attend. The GRE institutional code is R4326, department 2001. The MAP code is 2729. The admission address is:

Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Enrollment Services Office
6100 Center Drive – 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045

 I am an international applicant. What additional admission requirements do I need to submit?

Please refer to our Admission Requirements webpage.

 What is the difference between the MA in Psychology and MA in Clinical Psychology?

The MA in Psychology program provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the principles of psychology within the framework of a strong clinical emphasis. This program prepares individuals for doctoral study in psychology or positions in human services, vocational counseling or marketing.

The MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy provides the knowledge and experience needed to work as a clinician, in private practice or with an agency, by preparing students for the Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) and/or the LPCC Licenses. As part of the curriculum, students are required to gain supervised counseling experience in approved clinical settings. This program is designed for students who wish to gain knowledge and develop skills necessary for providing high quality psychotherapeutic services in a variety of settings.

 How long does the MA in Psychology program take to complete?

Pepperdine's evening format MA in Psychology program offers great flexibility. Each student can progress at his or her own pace, taking fewer or more courses each term, depending on each individual's preference. Part-time students may take as few as 3 units per term and full-time students may take as many as 12 units or more per term.

As a full-time student taking 6 units each semester, one can complete the MA in Psychology in as few as 1.5-2 years.

 When are the classes offered?

Classes are offered in the late afternoon and evening. Each class meets once per week from 4:15 -7 PM or 7:15-10 PM. Classes are offered Monday-Thursday. During the summer term, classes meet twice per week.

 Where is the Master of Arts in Psychology program offered? Do I have to take all of my classes at the same campus?

At Pepperdine, we offer evening format psychology courses at our Irvine, Calabasas, and West Los Angeles Graduate Campuses. Once enrolled, students can take courses at any and all of our three campuses.

 Is funding available?

Yes. The best way to learn about opportunities for grants, loans, scholarships and assistantship positions is to attend one of our Information Sessions, as most meetings include a Financial Aid presentation.

 Can I go straight on to the doctoral program from the master's program?

There is a separate application process for admission into the doctoral program. Applicants to the doctoral program must have a completed master's degree, or will have completed a master's degree prior to starting the program. Acceptance to one of the master's in psychology programs does not guarantee admission to the doctoral program.