What will I study as a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology student?

The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is a rigorous doctoral program that involves extensive coursework, research, a clinical internship and a dissertation.

View the full program structure and requirements

As a Christian institution, Biola seeks to admit applicants whose backgrounds clearly demonstrate scholarly aptitude, a commitment to the historic Christian faith, personal character and integrity, and a positive service-oriented motivation toward their field of study. Biola does not discriminate on the basis of the applicant's race, color, sex, socio-economic status, disability, or national or ethnic origin.

1. Complete and submit the online application

2. Submit a non-refundable $65 application fee

3. Submit supplemental application materials through your online application portal:

Official Transcripts

• Submit all official transcripts from previous academic institutions.
  • Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • If enrolled at the time the application is filed, be sure to request transcripts of work finished to date and final transcripts upon completion of your course of study.
  • Transcripts will be considered official only when a) mailed directly from the institution to Biola, b) sent electronically through an approved vendor or c) physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Final approval for admission is contingent on receiving an official transcript.
    • Mail transcripts to:
      Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
      13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639
• Note for International Students: All international transcripts need U.S. grade equivalencies noted (i.e. GPA on a 4.0 scale). If your transcripts do not show U.S. grade equivalencies, you must have them evaluated by a credential evaluation agency like SpanTran (Biola Discount), World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services (FIS). Be sure to choose "course by course report" and have SpanTran/WES/FIS send them directly to Biola University via online portal or post (13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639) in order to be considered official.

Three Reference Letters

• One academic recommendation (written by a faculty member)
• One spiritual mentor/leader recommendation (written by a pastor, spiritual director, ministry/church leader or bible study/small group leader)
• One additional recommendation of your choice (i.e., academic, employer or character reference). An employer reference can be an employer or supervisor. A character reference can be anyone other than a family member.
• Note: Additional instructions can be found in the online application.

Essays

• The essay prompts (seen below) can be found in the online application:
  • What significant events, influences, and experiences have you had which directed your interests towards clinical psychology? What would you like to do in this field after you graduate and obtain licensure?
  • What is it about Rosemead that interests you? How does your Christian faith integrate with your professional interests in clinical psychology?
  • How do you view cultural diversity within the realm of clinical psychology? How would you engage and effectively work with others (e.g., clients, peers, faculty, supervisors) who do not fully agree with your perspectives or have opposing views to you?
  • What are your research interests and how did you get interested in these topics? Are there faculty members that appear to have similar research interests as you?

Resume or CV

• A copy of your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

English Proficiency (required for non-native English speakers)

• Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown through one of the methods described below:
  • Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
    • TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
    • IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
    • Duolingo: minimum score of 125
  • A degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction.
    • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
    • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
    • Official catalog verification
    • Note: For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.
  • Completion of the English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam, which must be approved by the ELS Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.
  • Qualify for English Language Scholars (ELS), which allows students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores to still enroll in their graduate degree program. Students would be taking academic English courses concurrently with the graduate degree program courses. 
    • Students eligible for ELS will be assessed by the ELS Director to determine the total number of academic English courses to take while enrolled in their graduate program courses. The following are the scores needed to qualify for ELS: TOEFL iBT 90 / IELTS 7.0 / Duolingo 110–124.
    • Note: Students must be admitted to the graduate program first to be considered for ELS.

4. Interview with a faculty member (will take place in January and February)

 

Things to Note

• Track your application status at any time. You do not have to complete the application in one sitting. You can complete a portion and finish at a later time. Your information will be saved. When you apply, to guarantee confidentiality, you will be asked to create a user name and a password, and will receive a personalized identification number. Track your application status by logging in to the online application.
• Our admissions committee will carefully review your application. All those who are considered for acceptance will be placed in a group to be interviewed and ranked before the end of March. At that time, we will offer a limited number of acceptances to the highest-ranking applicants. A limited number of applicants will be placed on the waiting list for each program. When there are no further opportunities to be placed in the program, all applicants will be notified.
• Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution.
• International students who will be studying on campus are required to apply for an F-1 student visa. For more information, visit biola.edu/international/admitted-students.

Explore the frequently asked questions related to general, program and admissions for the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Biola University.

View FAQs