Psychology: Concentration in Clinical Psychology, M.S.

In addition to the general requirements for admission, this program requires:

Clinical experience:
Because incoming students begin clinical training within weeks of starting the program, our program requires that incoming students have at least one year (preferably more) of clinical practice experiences. These experiences may include any paid or non-paid position that involves supporting the mental health of individuals, children or families. This experience can occur either in-person (e.g., providing ABA services, working at a residential facility) or remotely (e.g., crisis hotlines, warmlines). Please note that clinical experience conducted solely through text-based modalities is not considered sufficient.

Department prerequisite form 

Indicate what Psychology coursework you've already completed. Different concentrations have different specific prerequisites. Applicants to the Master of Arts in Psychology: Concentration in Clinical Psychology must have:

• Preparation in psychology, or other fields which emphasize understanding of human functioning, as any of the social sciences or, in some instances, in fields that deal with specialized forms of human expression and experience. 
• Required prerequisites are upper-division courses in statistics, personality theory and abnormal psychology. Coursework in developmental psychology and cultural perspectives is desirable.

Print the form, sign it and scan it to upload to Cal State Apply. Please make sure that all PDFs are filled and saved on Cal State Apply before submitting your application.

Applicants will also have to submit letters of recommendation, their CV/resume and a personal statement. After the application deadline, the faculty reviews all materials, and the strongest candidates are invited for an on-campus interview in early to mid-March. Admission decisions are typically made by the end of March.

Personal statement:
Please answer the questions for the graduate program in which you’re applying to, in an essay format. This essay portion of the departmental application should be typed, 12-point font, and double spaced. Also, please include your last, first name and last four digits of your SS # on the top right-hand corner.

Please describe the personal and professional trajectory that led you to pursue a career in clinical psychology. (4-page limit). Your essay should address:

1. The lived experiences and cultural contexts that have shaped your identity and worldview. 
2. How your clinical practice experiences have shaped your professional goals. 
3. Why our specific program is the right environment for your professional growth.

We are not interested in distinct sections, but rather, we are interested in an essay that integrates who you are as a person with who you hope to become as a practitioner.

Letters of recommendation
All applicants must request at least three letters of recommendation from people acquainted with your academic qualifications or related experience (i.e. research, practicum, or work). Letters from professors in courses or fields that are closely related to the concentration to which you are applying are the most useful, as well as from employers who are relevant to your chosen field of study.

In the Evaluations section of the Cal State Apply Application, you will have the opportunity to enter the names and email addresses of your three references, along with the due date for the letter of recommendation and a short personal message to the evaluator. You will also need to check the box saying that you waive your right to see your letters of recommendation. Each reference will receive an email allowing them to submit their letter directly via the application platform.

GPA
If you do not meet the university’s general GPA requirement, you must contact the program coordinator prior to applying.

GRE scores:
You may include your GRE scores in your application if you would like; however, this is not required. Request to have your official GRE scores sent directly to the University (California State University – San Francisco school code: 4684). An electronic copy of your score report should be uploaded to your Psychology Department Program Materials portion of the Cal State Apply application. There is a place in the Cal State Apply application that allows you to input your GRE scores, but you also need to upload your GRE Unofficial Score Report as well. You are allowed to submit your application before taking the GRE but make sure to send your GRE scores to the department at (lriley1@sfsu.edu) or to psych@sfsu.edu before the February 1 deadline. 

Important note:
All trainees in our program work at a community-based placement during their time in the program. To be able to work at this placement, trainees must pass a background check (e.g., fingerprinting, review of criminal history). If you have concerns about passing this background check, you may want to consult with our clinical director David Gard. We understand that having a criminal history should not preclude you from working in a clinical placement (or from getting your license) but want to make sure that you are aware of limitations that exist in many community-based placements and also with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Specifically, an inability to pass the background check may jeopardize your ability to participate in the program’s training sequence.

Fall: February 1
No Spring Admissions

Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.