Vanguard University

The university requirements for program admission below must be met before an application is considered complete.  

• Online application for admission
• Non-refundable $45 application fee 
• Official transcripts
  • Request Official Transcripts from any colleges or universities attended. Vanguard graduates need only request transcripts from institutions attended after Vanguard.
• Any program-specific supporting materials (see below)

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the MS in Clinical Psychology should also submit the following:

• References: (3) letters of recommendation from people who can speak about various aspects of your suitability, such as academic ability (professor), professional performance (i.e. work performance), clinical/leadership/relationship ability, or other relevant experience. The recommender cannot be a family member or friend.
• Personal Statement (750 words): Provide a detailed statement describing your significant life experiences and how they have lead you to pursue a degree in Clinical Psychology. In addition, discuss your future plans and professional goals as a result of obtaining this degree.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Provide a detailed resume or curriculum vitae listing all employment, experience, education, training, etc.

Prerequisite Courses or Requirements

Applicants should also have completed:

• A Bachelor's degree in Psychology OR all of the following courses:
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • Psychopathology or Abnormal Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology or Human Development
  • Counseling Theories or Theories of Personality

It is required that all prerequisite courses have been completed with a grade of B- or better. For assistance with questions regarding prerequisite requirements or whether any exceptions would apply, please email gradadmissions@vanguard.edu.

All transcripts and supporting documents should be submitted to the Graduate & Professional Education Office.

If possible, please submit transcripts electronically (e.g. Parchment). Unofficial transcripts and test scores* (with student name, test date and subscores), may be scanned and emailed. 

• Electronically through Parchment
• Email: gradadmissions@vanguard.edu
• Mail/Drop-Off: ATTN: Vanguard University Graduate & Professional Education 55 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626

*GRE/SAT Test scores are not required for admission into programs and are not considered in evaluating applications.

• Evalution of Official Transcript(s): All transcripts reflecting prior coursework must be submitted. Transcripts must be evaluated, not just translated, by an official agency.
• Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Scores: The minimum TOEFL score requirement is 80 on the web version. If English is the primary spoken language and medium of instruction at the institution(s) attended and at least two years of full-time study occurred at such institution(s), the TOEFL may be waived.
• Affidavit of Financial Support: If supported by personal and/or family funds, submit this form with an original bank statement in U.S. currency reflecting bank balance availability of the total amount listed below. If sponsored by a government or other official agency, an official letter stating that the funding and/or scholarship is valid for use at Vanguard University must be submitted. Please contact gradadmissions@vanguard.edu to obtain the Affidavit of Financial Support.
• Copy of Valid Passport
• Students applying within the U.S. must submit copies of their visa, I-94, and if on a student visa, copies of their I-20 A-B Form.

All materials must be received in the Admissions Office by the appropriate deadline:

• Fall semester - June 1  |  Spring semester - October 1

International students must be enrolled full-time within their program. For information on specific unit requirements, please contact the Graduate & Professional Education Office at gradadmissions@vanguard.edu. International students are not eligible for any financial aid with the exception of institutional talent scholarships.

For current tuition rates and fees, please visit Account Services.

Scholarships

Vanguard University offers graduate academic scholarships for the biotechnology, clinical psychology, education, leadership studies, organizational psychology, and theology programs. These 10-15% tuition scholarships are based on cumulative undergraduate GPA calculations.  You will automatically be awarded a scholarship if you qualify. Vanguard University also offers a colleague discount for the MSN and post graduate certificate programs and the Ministry Grant for applicants working full time in ministry as ordained or licensed ministers or missionaries. Please ask your admissions counselor for more information.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is offered through the FAFSA application. Please see the Financial Aid page for further information and talk to your admissions counselor. 

Once an applicant’s file is complete, with all required items submitted, the file is forwarded to the department for review and potential admissions interview invitation.

From there, the Office of Graduate & Professional Education will inform the applicant of their admissions decision via email with a) a program acceptance to the university, or b) a program denial with recommendations for improving their file for potential resubmission.