Here are some frequently asked questions about the admissions process at Saybrook University. If you have any further questions please contact us regarding our process, or download the Saybrook University Catalog:
Can I get credit for previous academic work or life experience?
Transferable coursework must have been graded A or B or equivalent and parallel courses offered at Saybrook.Transcripts are reviewed on a course-by-course basis. You must have completed courses you present for transfer within the last 10 years.
Exact credit for prior academic work depends on the degree program you have chosen. For example, MA applicants in psychology who have completed some graduate level coursework from a regionally-accredited school, or who hold a master's degree in an unrelated field, may receive up to 12 units of credit towards the Saybrook master's degree in psychology. Doctoral applicants in psychology who have earned a master's degree in a related field from a regionally-accredited school may transfer a maximum of 18 units towards a doctoral degree.
MS students in Mind-Body Medicine may transfer up to 3 units and PhD students may transfer up to 9 units. An exception is made for students pursuing the PhD MBM - Integrative Mental Health specialization, where up to 30 graduate level units may be transferred toward the 92 unit PhD, provided that students have a licensable degree in mental health. Transfer credits in MBM must be used toward an elective, or must represent a good fit for a required course.
Saybrook does not give direct credit for life experience, but competency in certain areas from previous graduate work, independent learning, or work experience may contribute to the pace with which you complete the programs.
Can students apply for a PhD with only a bachelor's degree?
Students must complete a master's degree at Saybrook or elsewhere before applying for the PhD. An exception is made for students who are applying to the PhD Clinical Psychology program, who have completed a BA/BS in Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work, or 12 semester units/20 quarter units of Psychology coursework at a regionally accredited college or university.
For most of our students, up to 31-units from the master's degree may transfer into the PhD program in the same program area. For Mind-Body Medicine, all 35 units from the Saybrook MS MBM degree will transfer toward the 82-unit PhD MBM program. Transfer credits between degree programs or from master's degrees earned elsewhere will be reviewed for relevance.
What are the application deadlines?
Applications for all programs are reviewed year-round for all terms on a rolling admissions basis. You will be notified of your admissions status a few weeks after we have received your completed application. We don't wait to notify all students at the same time. We urge you to submit all your application materials at least four weeks before the term in which you want to enroll to allow time for processing and to ensure that we are able to reserve a space for you.
While there is no specific deadline for admissions, there is a scholarship deadline (June 1, 2013 for Fall 2013). To be considered for the highest level of awards, we must receive all your application and financial aid materials by that date. NOTE: you should start your financial aid application (FAFSA) process at least three months prior to your proposed enrollment date to guarantee timely disbursement of tuition funds.
When can I begin the program?
Each school has two start dates, one in the January/February timeframe and the other in August/September. Please consult the Admissions Calendar or Academic Calendars for each school for additional information
May I speak with Saybrook students, alumni, and/or faculty?
Yes, we're happy to arrange that. Please contact Admissions at 800.825.4480 or 415.403.1206, or e-mail admissions@saybrook.edu if you would like to speak one-on-one with current students, alumni, and/or faculty. Speaking with someone within the Saybrook community is a great opportunity to gain a more comprehensive perspective on our programs and community.You can also visit our blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or YouTube pages to get a flavor of Saybrook. Our Events offer many opportunities for you to meet many people at once: participate in a live open house/webcast, call into a teleconference, or attend a Residential Conference as our guest.
For your convenience, call us toll-free during business hours 800.825.4480 Pacific Time, or e-mail us at admissions@saybrook.edu.
