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Application Deadlines

Fall Completed Application Deadline: March 15
(semester begins in September)

Spring Final Application Deadline: October 15
(semester begins in January)

Applicants to the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy Program typically begin in the fall semester. To be considered for fall enrollment, the deadline for submission of a complete application is March 15. Students who apply prior to this date will be given consideration for our initial admission.

Applicants may apply to begin in the spring semester. The deadline for submission of a complete application for spring enrollment is October 15. Applicants for spring semester will be considered based on space available at the Azusa Campus, Orange County Regional Center, or San Diego Regional Center.

Prerequisites

In order to be admitted into the program, students must:

  • Satisfy two undergraduate prerequisites for full admission into the master's degree program. These courses are 1) Abnormal Psychology, and 2) Human Growth and Development or General Psychology, both of which must have been taken within the previous eight years and completed with a grade of B or better.
  • International applicants whose first language is not English must submit a TOEFL score of 600 minimum and are also encouraged to submit results of the Test of Written English (TWE) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE). Since written and verbal English language skills are crucial to the education, training, and practice of psychology, further testing for spoken and written English will be required for all international students upon entrance to the program or as deemed necessary at any point in the program.

    Students must meet standards appropriate to graduate-level study or they will be required to participate in concurrent speaking and/or writing classes in the School of Intensive English at APU until they achieve the required language skills. Students who do not meet language and writing standards are subject to dismissal from the program.

Admission Requirements – Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

International students have a separate application procedure that precedes the standard admission process. View international requirements below or contact the International Center at +1-626-812-3055 or by email.

Applicants must possess:

  • A bachelor’s degree
    A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required (or an equivalent degree from a college or university in another country). At the discretion of the university, a higher professional degree such as an MD or DC may be accepted as a substitute for the bachelor's degree.
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA
    A 3.0 baccalaureate grade-point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale is required. A limited number of applicants with a grade-point average between 2.7 and 2.99 may be admitted provisionally, at the department's discretion, by providing adequate supportive documentation including a statement of explanation and/or 12 units of upper-division, post-B.A. coursework with grades of B or better (extension courses excluded).

Applicants must submit:

  • A Graduate Application (Apply Online | Download PDF)
  • $45 nonrefundable application fee
    Note: The $45 application fee is waived for U.S. citizens/permanent residents applying to the Operation Impact Program.
  • Official transcripts (Download PDF)
    Request that official transcripts be sent to APU's Graduate Center for all degrees, certificates, and credentials earned prior to application to APU. Learn more about APU's domestic applicant transcript policy.
  • A professional interest essay (Download PDF)
    Submit a written statement covering:
    1. Brief background information which would help another person get to know you as a unique person
    2. Why you have chosen to pursue an M.A. in Clinical Psychology at this time in your life
    3. Why you are applying to Azusa Pacific University for your M.A.
    4. The experiences you have had that prepare you for a clinical psychology program
    5. Strengths and weaknesses that would affect your performance as a therapist
    6. Your professional goals.
  • Three letters of recommendation (Download PDF)
    Request letters of recommendation to be submitted by professionals who have current knowledge of applicant's academic or clinical ability and potential (e.g., professors, clergy, supervisors, employers)

All materials should be sent to:
Graduate Center: Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
Fax: (626) 815-4545
graduatecenter@apu.edu

Applicants must also:

  • Participate in a final interview

What to Expect

Once all admission materials have been received by the appropriate office, the Graduate Admissions and department faculty review the applicant's file. The applicant is then notified of the committee's decision.

*The downloadable version of this document is provided in a Portable Document Format (PDF). To learn more about PDFs or to install Adobe Acrobat Reader, visit Internet Utilities.

Admission Requirements – International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. CIS and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply to be a graduate student at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and other admission requirements specified by the program.

International applicants must:

International applicants must also submit:

  • An International Graduate Application
    (Apply Online | Download PDF)
    Note: This application is submitted in place of the domestic graduate application.
  • A $65 (U.S.) nonrefundable application fee
    Note: This fee is submitted in place of the $45 nonrefundable application fee for domestic applicants.
  • Official transcripts
    Request that official transcripts be sent to APU's International Center for all degrees, certificates, and credentials earned prior to application to APU. Learn more about APU's international applicant transcript policy.

  • Official TOEFL/IELTS score report (if applicable)
    Request official TOEFL/IELTS test scores sent directly from the academic institution to APU. For more information, read our English Proficiency Requirements for Graduate and Doctoral Programs.
  • An affidavit of support and a bank statement
    International applicants must provide an affidavit of support and a bank statement proving financial ability to pay for educational costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
  • A recent photo
    International applicants must submit one recent photo of yourself.
  • A résumé showing work experience
    International applicants must submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) that demonstrates recent work experience.
  • Three recommendation letters (Download PDF)
    International applicants must request recommendations completed by professors or employers (non-family members) who have knowledge of the applicant's academic ability and potential. Some programs require specific information in their recommendations.
  • Essays (international master's applicants only)
    International applicants must submit a typewritten essay addressing the following questions:
    1. How do you hope to benefit from an academic experience in America?
    2. Describe your current religious or philosophical beliefs.
    3. Explain why you would be a good candidate to study at APU, including any leadership roles you have experienced.

Submit all materials to:

International Center
Azusa Pacific University
901 E. Alosta Ave.
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
USA
+1-626-815-3055
Fax: +1-626-815-3801
Email IC

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the International Center, the department reviews the applicant’s file. The student is notified of the committee’s decision within approximately two weeks.

*The downloadable version of this document is provided in a Portable Document Format (PDF). To learn more about PDFs or to install Adobe Acrobat Reader, follow this link.

Note: This information is current for the 2009-10 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for the most current and controlling information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.