Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about the Master of Arts Degree programs at LIOS Graduate College. If your question isn't answered here, please contact us at 425.968.3400 or 1.800.789.LIOS: we're happy to help!

What about Financial Aid and Scholarships?
Does the LIOS master’s degree in Psychology/Systems Counseling (SC) meet State licensing requirements?
Can I transfer credits to LIOS Graduate College from other educational institutions?
How long will it take me to complete my master’s degree?
Are you accredited?
When can I start?
Why are LIOS classes in residential conferences?
I understand I’ll be working with real-time clients. What does this mean?
What will a LIOS master’s degree do for me?
Where have LIOS alumni found employment?
Is residency required for all residential conferences?
How can I learn whether LIOS offers the right program for me?

What about Financial Aid and Scholarships?

Saybrook and LIOS work to secure funding for a high percentage of students through student loans and scholarships. FAFSA student loans are available through Saybrook University. Please see the Financial Aid Section of the University website for more information. LIOS offers New Student Scholarships to incoming students who show high academic and professional achievement, and LIOS offers the Scholarship for Multicultural Leaders to outstanding students from diverse ethnic and racial communities.

Financing your Saybrook University Education 2011-2012

Does the LIOS master’s degree in Psychology/Systems Counseling (SC) meet State licensing requirements?

The Psychology curriculum currently meets state of Washington requirements for licensing as a Mental Health Counselor, and it meets curriculum requirements for licensing as a Marriage and Family Therapist with the addition of one elective course offered by LIOS Graduate College. Graduates who are licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist with the state of Washington qualify for membership with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). For information relating to post-master's degree licensing requirements, contact the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)—Mental Health Division at http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Professions/MentalHealth/licensure.htm

Students planning to practice in other states or provinces should contact the appropriate organizations of those regions. Some states and provinces may require additional course work to meet certification standards. As always, because requirements may change, it is the responsibility of the student to research the specific requirements of the organization from which the student is seeking credentials. LIOS will work with students to help them meet these requirements through independent study.

Can I transfer credits to LIOS Graduate College from other educational institutions?

Courses may not be transferred from other colleges or universities in order to meet the graduation requirements.

How long will it take me to complete my master’s degree?

The length of time to completion is two years for both the Psychology/Systems Counseling (SC) and the Organizational Systems/Leadership and Organization Development (LOD) programs.

Are you accredited?

Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Colleges and Universities Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Saybrook University is also authorized by the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act.

When can I start?

Students may enter in fall or spring. No matter the entry point, the same curriculum content and contact hours are offered, differing only in schedule and faculty. Fall and spring entries deliver curriculum in seven residential conferences each year. Course work is normally completed in four semesters, or within two years. On occasion, students require additional time to complete their projects.

Program Calendars

Why are LIOS classes in residential conferences?

A key aspect of LIOS experiential education is the modular format of class delivery. Modular classes are scheduled for a sequence of days (four to five in a row) with residential stays encouraged for the duration of the conference. This format provides an environment that fosters community growth and development, and it supports the active learning laboratory of experiential education. Modular course work takes the student out of known contexts and relationships, and immerses them in an educational experience that is transformative and enriching.

I understand I’ll be working with real-time clients. What does this mean?

Psychology students have a 600-hour internship during their second year (along with the seven residential conferences), while LOD students have a first-year Team Action Research Project and a second-year Individual Action Research Project that incorporates working with real clients within the community. Students are supported in both of these external experiences by faculty and peer advising groups.

What will a LIOS master’s degree do for me?

A LIOS degree is highly respected, and our grads are known for their ability to “hit the ground running.” In fact, many employees express their surprise at how well prepared and experienced our graduates are, and students often report that their employers notice differences immediately in the workplace as new skills are brought to the table. Many Psychology grads start their own practices or join nonprofit counseling agencies immediately upon program completion. Organizational Systems graduates are prepared to put into practice the skills they have honed over their two years at LIOS of academic and practicum experience.

Where have LIOS alumni found employment?

Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks are only a few of the large corporate employers who value the LIOS Organizational Systems degree. As increasing numbers of companies experience major transitions (including downsizing), the skills of experts in change facilitation will continue to be in demand. LIOS-trained counselors and mental health professionals with a deep understanding of family systems continue to find work in a wide variety of health care and social services organizations, such as Sound Mental Health, Northshore Youth and Family Services, and NAVOS Mental Health Solutions.

Is residency required for all residential conferences?

Full-residency is required for two conferences each year. Partial-residency is available for remaining conferences. The residential conference format is designed to nurture a learning community, and full-residency is highly recommended by faculty, students and alumni. The Tuition and Fees sheet outlines the different payment options that reflect these choices.
Psychology students attend four mini-conferences and Leadership and Organization Development students attend one mini-conference in their first year of the program. These mini-conferences are not residential, so students will need to arrange their own lodging and meals.

How can I learn whether LIOS offers the right program for me?

Join us at one of our Information Sessions – a Taste of LIOS – held throughout the year here in Kirkland, WA. Faculty host a small “taste” of experiential curriculum and prospective students have a chance to talk to alumni, staff and current students.
The Director of Admissions also takes perspective students down to sit in on a class. These curriculum visits give applicants a chance to see the program in action. The Admissions department can also arrange for you to speak to recent graduates as another way to help you discern whether this innovative and transformative education is right for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions