Applicants must complete and submit an online application through PSYCAS in order to be considered for admission.

PsyD applicants are required to submit in PSYCAS a statement describing your professional goals and aspirations in undertaking the profession of Clinical Psychology. This is your opportunity to define your goals, interests and career plans as they relate to your proposed course of study. We are trying to gain a sense of who you are and the distinctive experiences and interests that have motivated you to pursue this degree.

Please submit a statement that includes answers to the following questions. Please limit your statement to four, double-spaced pages. (Applicants must answer all prompts) 

Application essay prompt: 

1. Tell us about your interest in pursuing a PsyD in Clinical Psychology? Why are you interested in pursuing this degree at Mount Saint Mary's University? Please explain why you decided upon a PsyD vs. PhD? Also, please explain why you decided upon pursuing a doctorate vs. a master's degree? Describe your career goals and how this degree will benefit you. 

2. Tell us about your undergraduate/graduate academic experience including a description of both your academic strengths and weaknesses. Address any grade deficiencies or additional length of time to complete your degree and how you will manage any previous struggles in our program. How will you mange attending classes, completing homework, clinical placements, and home responsibilities? 

3. Tell us about your personal qualities that will benefit you in being successful in our doctorate program and as a clinical psychologist after graduation. Describe times in your life when you experienced challenges/struggles and how you were able to overcome these obstacles? How were you able to problem solve and manage these difficulties? 

4. As a psychologist, you will interact with various populations and work in a variety of different settings. What are your thoughts and feelings about working with individuals who are different than you in a multitude of ways (SES, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender diversity, etc.)?

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.

At least two (2) letters must be from faculty members who worked with you during your schooling and can speak to your ability of successfully completing a doctoral program in psychology. One (1) letter must be from a current or past supervisor familiar with your clinical or professional work.

Please note that letters of recommendation must be on letterhead and signed by the recommender. Your recommenders must submit their letters to PYSCAS for processing.

Please outline your educational and professional background and relevant experiences and activities, including community and volunteer work if applicable.

After you submit your application, arrange for all official transcripts from colleges, universities, and post-secondary institutions you have previously attended be sent to PSYCAS. View instructions on how to send your transcripts to PSYCAS.

Please note you will be required to submit a second set of official transcripts to our university if, and after, you have been admitted.

Important: Official transcripts are those that have been issued by an institution, and submitted directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions in a sealed envelope or electronically. Copies of transcripts mailed by applicants or hand-delivered will be considered unofficial.

Official transcripts may be sent to Mount Saint Mary’s University in one of two ways.

Mail transcripts to:
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Office of Graduate Admissions
10 Chester Place, Mailbox 181
Los Angeles, CA 90007

Electronic Delivery*:
Please instruct your institution to submit secure electronically-delivered transcript to graddocs@msmu.edu.
*MSMU does not accept electronic transcripts from overseas institutions or vendors.

International Transcript Credential Evaluation
International degrees must be evaluated by a professional agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Evaluations must include a course-by-course analysis indicating the type of degree received, the U.S. equivalency of the degree, the graduation date and a cumulative grade point average. These evaluations must be sent to PSYCAS. View instructions on how to send the evaluations to PSYCAS.

In addition to submitting a full application, applicants who are under consideration for admission may be invited to an admission interview with the academic director and/or a faculty member as part of the admission decision process. Applicants seeking admission must also complete an on-site writing sample as part of the admission interview.

Admission interviews are by invitation only. An invitation to interview is not a guarantee of admission to the program.