How to Apply
Please note that the MS in Clinical Psychology program begins in the fall semester only.
The 2026 application cycle is now closed. We look forward to seeing your application for 2027 when it opens this August.
Starting Your Application
Follow these steps to complete your application for the MS in Clinical Psychology program:
1. Start Your Online Application
Begin by completing the Program Information and Personal Information sections. Then continue with the required sections below.
2. Submit Official Transcripts
You must submit official transcripts from:
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All regionally accredited 4-year colleges/universities attended
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Any graduate-level coursework
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Any college/university where the prerequisite courses were completed
How to send transcripts: Use certified e-transcripts if your institution offers this option.
By email:
If a selection list is available, choose California Lutheran University or use clugrad@CalLutheran.edu for direct entry.
By mail:
California Lutheran University
60 W. Olsen Road, #2200
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2700
International Applicants:
Submit a sealed, evaluated transcript from an approved evaluation agency. See here for more information.
3. Submit Two Recommendation Forms
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List the names and contact information for two recommenders on the Recommender page of your online application.
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Recommendationsmust come from individuals who know you professionally, academically, or through related volunteer experience—ideally from individuals in supervisory roles. Recommendations from personal relationships (friends, family, therapists, etc.) will not be accepted.
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Cal Lutheran will send the required form directly to your recommenders. Each recommender will have space at the end of the form to add comments and upload their letter.
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Tip: You do not need to wait for recommendations to be received to continue your application.
4. Provide Employment or Volunteer Experience
Include details about relevant employment or volunteer experience in your application. Be sure to highlight positions or activities related to psychology, counseling, or community service.
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Include organization names, positions held, dates, and a brief description of your roles and responsibilities.
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This information helps demonstrate your preparedness for graduate-level study and your commitment to the field.
5. Upload Your Personal Statement Prompts
On the GSOP Supplemental Forms tab, you will submit a 3–5 page, double-spaced, typewritten personal statement. Your statement should include:
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Significant influences and events that have shaped your present values and approach to life
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How do these factors contribute to your preparation for a career in psychology
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Your personal interests, goals, and professional objectives as they relate to Clinical Psychology
*Please note that you may submit your application before uploading these documents;
however, your file will remain incomplete until all required documents have been received.
Once your application is submitted, an upload button will be available in the application
portal, allowing you to upload any remaining documents at your convenience.
6. Upload Your Resume or CV
Include your most current resume or curriculum vitae. Be sure it aligns with the employment or volunteer information provided.
*Please note that you may submit your application before uploading these documents;
however, your file will remain incomplete until all required documents have been received.
Once your application is submitted, an upload button will be available in the application
portal, allowing you to upload any remaining documents at your convenience.
7. Complete the Pre-Requisite Requirement Form
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Access the form through the GSOP Supplemental Forms tab. You will then indicate the courses you intend to apply toward fulfilling the prerequisite requirements. Please do not include any courses that do not meet the minimum grade requirement of B– or better.
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Requirements:
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Applicants are required to have at least 3 credits of statistics with a grade of B- or better.
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Recommended: An additional 12 credits of undergraduate or graduate-level psychology courses with grades of B- or better
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If prerequisite courses were completed at a community college, official transcripts must also be submitted.
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*If you have yet to take or are retaking pre-requisite courses, they may be listed as in progress. In-progress must be completed by the end of Spring 2026. Courses can be taken at the community college level.
8. Submit Your Application and Fee
Complete the remaining sections, sign, and submit your application along with the non-refundable application fee.
Final Steps: Upload Remaining Materials
After you submit your application, log in to your Application Portal to view your Application Checklist items. Here you will be able to upload or complete any remaining required materials. Use the Upload Materials box to attach documents.
GRE scores are not required.
Application Timeline
Priority Deadline Applicants
- Application opens: Aug. 1, 2026
- Early Consideration Deadline: Dec. 1, 2026
- General Deadline: January 15, 2027
- Post Deadline Review: After January 15
- Application files are sent for review once completed.
- An interview with the program director is required
- Decisions are sent out 2-3 weeks after the interview
- The deposit deadline for admits is March 15
Post Deadline Applicants
- Final Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Applications are accepted after the priority deadline
- An interview is required
- Decisions are released 2-3 weeks after the interview
- The deposit deadline for post-priority applicants is March 15. If admitted after March 15, the deposit deadline will be 2 weeks after the admission date.
Applying as an International Student
In addition to the application requirements, International Students are required to provide the following if they will be studying on an F-1 Visa:
- Official transcripts and degree certificates or certified true copies in English of all college and university records sent directly from each institution to CLU
- Students are required to complete an official transcript evaluation stating that their degree is equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree. The evaluation must include GPA equivalence and a course-by-course listing, done by a NACES member company. CLU recommends two providers who have offered CLU applicants a streamlined process for obtaining an evaluation. These are IEE and SpanTran.
- Language Proficiency
- Minimum acceptable scores for: Duolingo English Test score: 120; TOEFL score: 88; IELTS score: 6.5; Pearson’s (PTE Academic) score: 58; Completion of ELS 112
- Applicants who earn a bachelor's degree in an English-speaking country may have the proof of English proficiency requirement waived on a case-by-case basis. Please contact International Admission for more information: intladmission@CalLutheran.edu.
- Financial ResponsibilityStatement or Official Bank Statement
- Copy of Passport