I am interested in the evening format masters in psychology programs. 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 meeting. For a schedule of upcoming meetings and to RSVP
to the meeting of your choice, visit here. If you're unable to attend, contact us at 310.258.2850 to set up an appointment.
What are the admission periods for the master's programs in psychology? When will
I know if I am accepted?
We operate on a "rolling admissions" basis. This means we review and accept applicants
as the complete application file is received. 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.
Priority and Scholarship Application Deadlines:
Fall: June 1
Spring: October 1
Summer: February 1
Do I have to send in all application materials at once?
No. You can send in different pieces of your application as they are completed. We
will hold any materials that arrive under your name, but will only begin tracking
you and corresponding with you as an applicant when we receive your completed application.
What are my chances of being accepted into the program?
At GSEP, we utilize a holistic approach in our thorough review of each and every application.
This means that we do not disqualify any applicant based on any one part of their
application. However, our priority is always to accept applicants of quality.
Will professional references be accepted?
References should come from individuals who are familiar with your professional and
academic abilities. Recent college graduates should have at least one academic recommendation,
while applicants who have been out of college more than three years may use either
academic or professional recommendations. Letters can be sent in lieu of the forms
provided in the application booklet.
Can foundation classes be waived?
Foundation courses are waived for applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree
in psychology or a closely-related field. Applicants 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.
I am an International Applicant. What additional admission requirements do I need
to submit?
Applicants who attended schools outside the United States are required to submit certified
transcripts in English. Submitted transcripts must include a cumulative grade point
average (GPA on a 4.0 scale, A = 4.0) that has been evaluated by a NACES member credential service (www.naces.org) such as the World Education Services, Inc. (www.wes.org) or the International Education Research Foundation (www.ierf.org)
If you have not completed your bachelor's degree at the time of application, submit
a current transcript. Upon degree completion, you are required to provide official
transcripts in a sealed envelope prior to enrollment.
Mailing Address:
Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology Admissions
6100 Center Drive 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
International applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit
a minimum passing score of 550 on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL). The computer-based TOEFL test requires a minimum passing score of 80. Information concerning the availability of this test in foreign countries can be
obtained by contacting TOEFL, Educational Testing Services, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
or online at www.toefl.org. As an alternative to the TOEFL, you may submit a score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS exam. You can find out more at www.ielts.org
What is the difference between the two master's programs in 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 licenses as a Marriage & Family Therapist
(MFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) in the state of California. 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 do the master's programs in psychology take to complete?
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, or the MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage
and Family Therapy in as few as 2.5-3 years.
Both programs offer 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 12 or more units per term.
When are the classes offered?
Classes in the evening format program are offered in the late afternoon and evening.
Each class meets once per week from 4:15-7 PM, or from 7:15 -10 PM. Classes are offered
Monday-Thursday. During the summer term, classes meet twice per week.
While the courses are offered in the evening, near the end of the program, students
begin clinical training. Many of our clinical practicum sites only offer supervision
and clinical counseling hours during weekdays. Students will need to adjust their
daytime schedules to meet the practicum site schedule requirements.
Where is Pepperdine's evening format master's program in psychology 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, Encino, and
West Los Angeles Graduate Campuses. Once enrolled, students can take courses at any
and all of our three campuses.
Can I change programs if my interests change?
Yes. With approval from the MA in Clinical Psychology program director, it is possible
to change between the evening format MA in Psychology and MA in Clinical Psychology
programs once enrolled in the program. Nine courses are common to both programs and
eligible credit can be transferred.
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 meetings, as most meetings
include a financial aid presentation. Call 310.568.2317 to confirm.
Does Pepperdine assist with clinical practicum experience?
Yes. MFT Clinical Training and Professional Development staff assist students in locating
Pepperdine-approved clinical practicum sites. The clinical training staff visit and
evaluate established and potential sites, while maintaining the Field Placement Directory,
online practicum site directory (Handshake), which lists sites approved by Pepperdine.
Can I go straight on to the doctoral program from the masters 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 our doctoral program.
What are the requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or
a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)? Can I become licensed in other
states?
The Pepperdine MFT program is designed to ensure that our graduates will have met
all academic requirements to sit for the MFT or LPCC licensure exams in the state
of California. An overview of licensure requirements can be found here.
Overall, our graduates have been quite successful in pursuing licensure in other states;
however, because licensing requirements vary across states, we strongly recommend
that you contact the licensing board in the state in which you are interested in working
prior to starting the Pepperdine MA in Clinical Psychology program.
What is your antiracism and antidiscrimination statement?
The evening format MACLP program and GSEP psychology division stand in solidarity
against racial inequities and injustice and other forms of discrimination and oppression.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that is enriched and
strengthened by diversity including but not limited to race, ethnicity and national
origin, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class, age, ability status, and religion.
GSEP also encourages all community members to engage in critical learning and reflection
to strengthen our capacity for being effective, active, and outspoken against all
forms of racism and intersectional oppression.