APPLYING TO THE M.S. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM
The Clinical Psychology graduate program accepts students for fall admission only. To be considered, you must submit a complete application with a non-refundable $45 application fee paid to UAA Enrollment Services by or before April 1st. We notify successful applicants by April 30.
A complete file contains all of the following paperwork:(*some of these are submitted to the department directly)
1. An official transcript from all undergraduate schools documenting a B.S. or B.A. degree. Preference is given to students with training in psychology (or a closely related field), though students with other educational backgrounds who wish to make a career change are also encouraged to apply.
2. General GRE aptitude test scores – Scheduling the GRE takes planning. Demand, and thus availability of scheduling times for the test, varies. It takes 3-6 weeks for official results to be recorded, mailed to UAA, and processed by Enrollment Services. Each year several students are not considered for admission because their GRE scores did not reached the psychology department in time. The best advice is to get this taken care of by January of the application year. Also, at the end of your computerized testing, there is usually a list of your verbal and quantitative scores. Be prepared to write these down and include them with your application. If your official scores are delayed, your own report can be considered conditionally until an official copy is received.
The GRE Psychology Subject Test score – This must be taken if you do not have an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Currently, this is a paper and pencil test that is only offered several times a year. Results are not available for 3-5 weeks after taking the test so if you do not plan ahead the results may not get back before the application deadline. One of the test dates is April 1. This is NOT an appropriate date to take the test as the results will not be returned in time.
Letter of Intent – This document is an outline of your reasons for wanting to study clinical psychology, reasons why you want to attend this program, your future career goals, experiences you have had in the field, and other relevant information (i.e., explanation of atypical data on transcripts). This is the review committee’s only experience of you as an individual and should be completed with thoughtfulness and with all your writing and communication skills. It typically is several pages in length.
Professional references – Request letters of recommendation from at least three professionals who know you well. Strongest references are from academic professors who can attest to your critical thinking and academic abilities and from supervisors in work or research experiences who can speak for your interest in behavioral health.
Completed Criminal Background Disclosure Form which accompanies this application packet.
Resume or Vita (or other means of outlining experiences, honors, research activity, etc.).
Submit the General UAA Graduate Application Form. To apply via the Internet: a) go to www.uaa.alaska.edu, b)click on Admissions & Registrations, c)click on Apply For Degree-Seeking Admissions, and 4) follow instructions.
The $45.00 application processing fee. This may be done online when you are applying.
*ALL OF THE ABOVE, EXCEPT 4, 5, 6 AND 7 MUST BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO:
University of Alaska Anchorage
Enrollment Services
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
ALL MATERIALS, 1-8, SHOULD BE COPIED AND SUBMITTED/MAILED TO THE PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT AT SSB 264 OR 214 – Letters of recommendation should be mailed to
University of Alaska Anchorage
MS Clinical Psychology Graduate Program
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Prerequisites and Financial Information
Departmental Prerequisites for the M.S. Program
To ensure sufficient prior knowledge, students must have had undergraduate training is statistics, research design, learning and cognition, clinical psychology and testing and measurements. Examples of UAA courses that meet these requirements are PSY A260, PSY A355 or PSY A445, PSY A425, and PSY A473; alternative courses and/or experiences will also be considered. Students who have not completed these prerequisites can still be conditionally admitted into the program. Conditionally admitted students may also be required to complete other coursework based on transcripts, GPA or GRE data to ensure the student’s success in the program. Please note that completing prerequisites and/or other requirements after entering the program may extend the time it takes to complete the program.
The Graduate Record Examination
The GRE General test is computer-administered at test centers around the world. To register go to www.prometric.com . Remember to write down the test scores displayed at the end of your test administration.
The GRE Subject Test in Psychology can only be completed in written form. The Subject test is only given on specific dates as follows: November 12, 2006, December 10, 2006 and April 1, 2007 (please plan to take this test early- April 1 is too late for the application deadline). You must sign up to take this test either by registering at website www.ets.org/gre or by picking up and submitting a registration packet at Advising and Testing in the University Center (UC 112). Certain registration deadlines may apply. The actual tests will be given on these date to those who have signed up or submitted a registration package.
Graduate Transfer Credit
Up to 9-credit hours of previous graduate training can be transferred into the program. Transfer of credits is not automatic, but accepted students may petition the M.S. Clinical Training Committee (CTC) to have up to 9 prior credits considered.
Financial Aid
The UAA Financial Aid Office (907-786-1586; www.uaa.alaska.edu/finaid) can provide information and application forms for various grant and loan programs, scholarships, and employment opportunities. Although the Alaska Student Loan Program has a 1-year residency requirement, it has excellent terms and provides loans of up to $9,500 per year. For more information, contact their Anchorage office at 907-561-4207 or talk to the UAA Financial Aid Office about options.
Tuition Waivers & Assistantships
A number of research and teaching assistantships are available in which students work with a faculty member approximately 13 hours per week and receive up to a 9-credit hour tuition waiver and a stipend up to $1,500 per semester. Other paid positions also are available through faculty grants.
Additional Questions If you have further questions after reading this material, please contact Dr. Patricia Sandberg at 907-786-1636.
