Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Admissions

When and How to Apply

There are three terms in an academic year at The Hawai‘i School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu

• Fall term (16 weeks August to December)
• Spring term (16 weeks January to April)
• Summer term (8 weeks May to July)

The program starts once a year in the fall term.  The program is run in a cohort format that begins in late August each year.  No other entry terms are available.

The application period is September through April, prior to the fall term.  Priority deadline is January 15.  Those interested in applying for the Hawai‘i School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu may submit an online application and all required documentation.

PsyD courses are held on-campus.  Courses are normally day classes with some occasional evenings.  First-year PsyD students can expect to be on-campus 2-3 days a week on weekdays.  PsyD courses are not typically not offered on weekends or in an online or hybrid format. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

• Review Catalog: Choose your degree and start term
• Apply Online https://chaminade.edu/apply-today/
• Pay $50 Application Fee

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S):

Submit official transcripts from all previously attended Institutions using the following:

• Option 1: Request the transcript to be sent directly to the PsyD Department, from the Institution.
• Option 2: Submit official transcripts to the PsyD Department in a sealed envelope from the Institution.
• Option 3: Institutions that utilize secured electronic transcript services, such as eScrip-Safe, should email the transcript access information to PsyD@chaminade.edu

If you received your undergraduate or graduate degree through Chaminade, you do not need to request or pay for transcripts to be sent. Chaminade University transcripts will be sent directly to the PsyD Department from the Records Office.

Transcripts from Institutions outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by one of the following organizations and sent to the PsyD Department directly from the following organization:

• National Association of Credential Evaluation Services: http://www.naces.org/

Admissions requirements are:

· Possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or an appropriately certified foreign institution

· Possess an undergraduate degree grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) or a graduate grade point average of 3.25 (on a scale of 4.0)

· Complete the program application (via online form)

· Submit a personal/professional goal statement with a self-appraisal of qualifications for the profession

· Submit a current résumé (or career summary)

· Submit 3 applicant recommendation letters

· Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended

· Complete an in-person (or web-based) interview with members of the faculty

Unclassified Student Status

Some applicants may be admitted as unclassified students, which allows them to take up to five 3-credit courses in the program. The selection of courses for unclassified students is limited, but if the student is later admitted as a classified student, those courses may be transferred into the doctoral program. Unclassified students do not qualify for financial aid. Unclassified students who wish to become degree-seeking students, should apply as such later in the Spring semester, after completing enough class time to adequately demonstrate their abilities as a graduate student. Unclassified students have a period of 1 year to take the maximum 5 courses.

Foundation Courses

The Hawai‘i School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu requires applicants to successfully complete, five 3-credit undergraduate (with a C or better) or graduate (with a B or better) courses that serve as a basic foundation for coursework in clinical psychology. Foundation courses must be completed prior to starting the program. Several of these courses serve as direct prerequisites to the HSPP courses. The following undergraduate or graduate courses are required:

·        Introduction to psychology or general psychology (this course may be waived if the applicant has completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology)

·        Abnormal psychology, psychopathology, or maladaptive behavior

·        Statistics or research methods

·        Two additional courses in the field of psychology

International Applicants

All visa-related issues are handled by the Enrollment Specialist or Registrar, who can be reached at 808-739-8554. This office issues I-20 Forms, required to obtaining an F-1 Student Visa in the student’s country of citizenship (to be done before arrival in the U.S.). At registration, students must provide a copy of his or her passport/visa. The student will then be issued an updated I-20 that will change from “pending” to “continued attendance at this school”. To maintain student visa status while in the United States, all international students must:

1. Have a valid passport

2. Attend the school that the student is authorized to attend

3. Carry the equivalent of a full course study of at least 6 credits per term for graduate students

4. Apply for extension of stay when necessary

5. Obtain prior approval each time the student leaves to travel outside of the United States from the Enrollment Specialist 6. Follow procedures to continue from one education level to another and/or transfer

7. Obtain authorization prior to accepting any employment 8. Report immediately any change of residence to the Enrollment Specialist

In addition to regular admission requirements, international applicants who native language is not English must submit either:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), minimum score on the TOEFL –IBT is 79. (www.toefl.org).
• Ilets, minimum score is 6.5 (www.ielts.org)
• PTE, minimum score is 53 (www.pearsonpte.com)
• Apply for an evaluation of undergraduate college transcript to the following organization: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org/)
• Provide a statement from a banking association of available financial resources to cover tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses while attending school.

 Health insurance that is accepted by U.S. providers is required for international students. Students must submit proof of a clear TB test or chest X-ray, given and read less than one year prior to the start of the school semester. TB tests or chest Xrays are required by law by the State of Hawai’i. International students must submit a chest X-ray, which may be taken in their country of citizenship if desired.

How to Submit

Official transcripts, resume, statement and letters of recommendation may be mailed directly to PsyD@chaminade.edu and/or mailed to the following address:

Chaminade University
Attn: Admissions Department
3140 Wai`alae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816

Institutions that utilize from secured electronic transcript services such as eScrip-Safe, should email the transcript access information to PsyD@chaminade.edu