Psychology

Randall Horton, PhD, Graduate Program Director

Web: http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/departments/psychology/

Combining strong therapeutic training with philosophical reflectiveness, the existential-phenomenological therapeutic psychology program offers students an interdisciplinary focus on the qualitative, experiential study of human life. By laying the foundations for therapeutic work, the program prepares students to enter the helping professions, and/or pursue doctoral studies. It proposes a humanistic model of understanding and working with people in-depth, respecting the complexity of human experience and drawing upon the wisdom accumulated by the long tradition of the humanities. It is informed by the philosophical traditions of existentialism, phenomenology and hermeneutics, and aims to be faithful to experience by setting aside theoretical prejudgments in order to understand persons existing in their situations.

Admission Requirements

Applicants provide the following for consideration:

Completed Application for Graduate Admission form and a non-refundable $55 application fee (waived for Seattle University alumni)
Evidence of four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum 3.00 GPA calculated from official transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of your bachelor’s degree, including any transfer credits earned during this time, and any post-baccalaureate course work. Applicants earning a bachelor’s degree from a non-graded institution must submit official GRE scores in lieu of GPA.
Evidence of completion of the following six psychology courses: introduction to psychology, statistics, research methods in a social science, growth and development, abnormal psychology, theories of personality. To document this coursework, please use the MAP Prerequisite form supplied in the application process.
At least a basic understanding of existential and phenomenological philosophy/psychology. A suggested list of readings related to the distinctive approach to clinical training in the MAP Program is available on the program website.
Prior to admission, experience, either paid or volunteer, in the areas of counseling or human services (600 hours related experience) as noted in the autobiography below
Autobiographical essay (minimum of 6 pages but no longer than 10 pages) including, but not limited to, information on your current and future interests in psychology. The essay should be specific enough to give the reader a concrete sense of your personal, as well as vocational and intellectual development. Include an account of your work or volunteer experiences, influential courses or readings, the basis for your interest in this particular program and orientation, and especially personal events and changes that furthered the interest in psychology and the therapeutic process and relationship.
Three letters of recommendation; no forms required
Writing sample, such as an undergraduate paper
If English is not applicant’s native language, official English proficiency scores meeting the university’s entrance requirements must be submitted. See policy 2008-01 in Admissions Policies for details.
Screened candidates will be invited for an interview, either in person or by telephone.

NOTE: We regard one’s personal experience in psychotherapy, either prior to entering the program and/or before graduation, as extremely valuable. While in this program, students are not allowed to provide psychotherapy as private practitioners.

Programs

Master of Arts in Psychology