If my undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0, will my application still be reviewed?*
The minimum undergraduate GPA required for consideration is 3.0 and, if applicable, a 3.3 graduate GPA. Any exceptions to the established GPA minimum criteria or any other admissions criteria, are made at faculty discretion and grounded on faculty's overall assessment of the applicant and their credentials (e.g., demonstrated record of scholarship and/or specialized research training, strength of the applicant's prior academic training/institution, strength of applicant's letters of recommendation, and previous clinical experience.
Are scholarships and/or funding available?
Though funding is limited and competitive, the department provides some potential options for funding, including research/teaching assistantships, undergraduate teaching positions, partial tuition awards, funding for clinical service delivery, clinical administrative and other department positions. See Student Funding Sources (PDF) for more detailed information.
Who should I contact regarding all my questions regarding application in the Department of Psychology, including scheduling a meeting, campus tour and receiving more detailed information?
You can reach the department by emailing psyc@llu.edu or calling 909-558-8577. Your inquiry will be routed from there to the appropriate contact.
Can you tell me what documents have arrived and update me on my online application status?
You must complete your online application and pay the application fee in order for your application to be uploaded on the Admissions Committee Portal (ACP). Once it is uploaded you will be able to check your status by logging in with the user ID and password you set up to start your application. Please remember, unless your application appears on the ACP, we cannot view or assist with your application.
What do I need to know about letters of recommendation?
Once your online application uploads to the ACP, the electronic forms will be sent electronically to the email address you provided for your recommenders on your application. This usually occurs approximately 48 hours after the application appears on the ACP. If your recommender prefers to provide a letter of recommendation as a separate document, they may email it to admissions.sbh@llu.edu. Alternatively, hard copy letters of recommendation on letterhead may be mailed to: School of Behavioral Health Dean’s Office, 11065 Campus St., Griggs Hall 226, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350. The letter will then be uploaded to your online application.
What if the School does not receive all my documents and my application file is not ready for Admissions Committee consideration by the December 1 deadline?
We begin reviewing applications after the December 1 deadline, typically extend offers for interviews in January, and hold our admissions interview day in February. We do consider applications received following the December 1 deadline if there is space available.
How many students do you accept per year?
We accept approximately 15-17 PsyD and 8-10 PhD students per year.
Following interview and recommendation for a position, how long do I have to wait to receive my acceptance?
Recommendations are typically submitted to the School of Behavioral Health Dean's Office within a few days following interview. The School of Behavioral Health Dean will make the final decision on our recommendations for acceptance. Within approximately 7-10 days, an electronic email acceptance will be sent to you, with instructions to confirm your acceptance by making a deposit. All required documents must be on file before a final acceptance will be offered.
Does the Department of Psychology offer an application fee waiver?
An application fee waiver is considered on a case-by-case basis only after an applicant has been accepted and paid their fee to enter the program. If approved, the fee will be credited to the student account.
Will applying with an MA help my chances of being accepted?
A master's degree is not required to apply. We admit applicants coming from both bachelors and master's degree programs. An MA in Psychology will be awarded while you are pursuing your doctoral degree, at approximately the end of your second year in the program (coursework only).
May I apply to both programs, and will that help my chances of being accepted?
Apply only to the one clinical psychology program that you believe best suits your career goals. If, in the course of the application process, it becomes apparent that you are better suited for the other clinical program, we can make that consideration without an additional application or fee. Contact the department for clarification pertaining to the difference in programs, as needed.
If I apply with an MA in Psychology, will any of my courses transfer?
Limited transfer credit for previously completed graduate course work may be awarded. Once recommended, accepted, and confirmed, you may work with the department's Academic Affairs Committee to submit an Academic Variance form online to petition for transfer credit.
Department of Psychology