FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Saybrook University. If you have any further questions please contact us regarding our degree programs, distance learning format, admissions process, or download the Saybrook University Catalog:

• How does distance learning work?
• Is Saybrook accredited?
• Can I get credit for previous academic work or life experience?
• What is the cost?
• Do you offer scholarships?
• What does the tuition include?
• Can students apply for a PhD with only a bachelor's degree?
• How many independent study courses can a student take in one year?
• What is the average length of Saybrook's degree programs?
• What are the residential meeting requirements?
• Are Saybrook graduates eligible to pursue state licensure?
• What are the application deadlines?
• When can I begin the program?
• May I speak with Saybrook students, alumni, and/or faculty?

How does distance learning work?
Saybrook combines online and face-to-face residential courses from expert faculty to provide a unique educational approach. This mix permits close collaboration between faculty and students, and develops a learning community. On a practical level, students combine learning guides, course readers, and books with online lectures and study sessions to understand the subject matter and complete writing assignments at home.

The extensive course guide serves as a map, which takes the student through the course. The faculty provides critique, feedback, and suggestions for revisions until assignments are satisfactorily completed.

Please visit the individual college webpages for more on the Saybrook learning model.

Is Saybrook accredited?
Yes.  Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Colleges and Universities Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of the six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education.  For more information on accreditation, go to: http://www.wascweb.org. 

Can I get credit for previous academic work or life experience?
Master's level applicants who completed some graduate level coursework from a regionally accredited school, or who hold a master's degree in an unrelated field, may transfer in a maximum of 12 units/credits towards the Saybrook master's degree. Doctoral applicants with a master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited school may transfer in a maximum of 18 units towards a doctoral degree. Transcripts are reviewed on a course by course basis.  Transferable coursework must have been graded A or B or equivalent and parallel courses offered at Saybrook. No direct credit is given for life experience, but competency in certain areas from previous graduate work, independent learning, or work experience contributes to the pace with which you complete the programs. 

What is the cost?
Visit the Tuition and Fees page for the most current information. For payment plan information visit the Degree Payment Options page. When planning the total cost of attending Saybrook, you should also include fees for books, travel, on-line service, and Residential Conferences. These additional expenses may range, on average, from $3,000 to $6,000 annually.

Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, we offer scholarships for incoming degree students. Please go to Student Scholarship Program page.

What does the tuition include?
The tuition includes costs for one year's worth of courses. Students have to complete a minimum of 12-units per year to maintain good academic standing. The tuition also includes Saybrook's administrative services for students, library resources, materials for conferences, services with faculty, and allows students to register for classes culminating in a degree. There will be additional expenses for books, room and board at Residential Conferences and travel costs to attend conferences. These costs vary depending on specifics.

Please visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.

Can students apply for a PhD with only a bachelor's degree?
Students must complete a master's degree before earning a doctorate. If a student completes Saybrook's 31-unit Master's degree, all of those 31-units will transfer into the 76-unit doctorate program.

How many independent study courses can a student take in one year at Saybrook?
Students can take a maximum of six (6) units of Independent Study during the Saybrook master’s program, and nine (9) units of Independent Study during the Saybrook PhD program. A maximum of nine (9) units of Independent Study may be taken in a combined MA and PhD. program at Saybrook.

What is the average length of Saybrook's degree programs?
The master's program has an average length of two years. For students with a master's degree, the doctoral program has an average length of four to five years. The length can vary considerably depending on your previous academic work and the time you can devote to your studies.

What are the residential meeting requirements?
Residency requirements vary from college and program. New students typically attend a Residential Orientation at the beginning of the semester and other residential meetings as required. Please visit the individual college websites or go here for more details.

Are Saybrook graduates eligible to pursue state licensure?
Saybrook graduates are licensed psychologists in various states and Canadian provinces. Licensure regulations differ from state to state, and students who wish to pursue licensure are strongly advised to contact the licensing board in the state/province in which they plan to practice in order to obtain the detailed requirements.  Students should follow the specific requirements of their chosen state or province (i.e., courses, faculty contact hours, internship) in planning and completing their degree program curriculum. Saybrook does not have an on-site internship program. Students locate appropriate internships and supervision in their geographic area, working in conjunction with Saybrook’s Internship Coordinator.

What are the application deadlines?
Applications for all colleges are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application as early as possible and before any stated priority deadline of the college to which they are applying. Priority application deadlines for the Colleges of PHS and MBM are May 1 for Fall enrollment and October 1 for Spring enrollment. The financial aid process should be initiated at least three months prior to your proposed enrollment date to guarantee timely disbursement of tuition funds.

When can I begin the program?
There are two start dates: August and January.
PHS students begin the program with attendance at a two-day new student Residential Orientation (RO). First year students fulfill the first of two annually required Residential Conferences with attendance at the new student RO. The RO takes place at the beginning of the Residential Conference.
MBM students begin the program with an online New Student Orientation (NSO) followed by three residential conferences per year.

For LIOS start dates, consult their academic calendar. 

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 with 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.

For your convenience, our toll-free number is 800-825-4480, or e-mail us at admissions@saybrook.edu