California Institute for Human Science: General Requirements

General Requirements

To enter a bachelor’s degree program, an applicant must have a high school diploma or credits from approved college up to a maximum of 135 units.

To enter any of the graduate programs at the California Institute for Human Science, an applicant must have completed a bachelor's degree in a field of study related to the curricula of one of the Institute's graduate degree programs.

To enter a doctoral program, the applicant must have completed a master's degree or equivalent in an academic area of study appropriate to the Ph.D. degree program to be undertaken.

When deemed necessary, the applicant will be required to take validating examinations or preparatory work.

The following materials should be submitted to the Admission Office via e-mail or through the mail. Send materials to:

admin@cihs.edu

or to

California Institute for Human Science
701 Garden View Court
Encinitas, CA 92024
U.S.A.

1. Complete Application for Admission Form and Application Checklist Form (download from www.cihs.edu or request forms via e-mail or telephone).

2. A current resume.

3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are in a position to address your academic and/or professional qualifications (via mail, not e-mail).

4. Arrange for official forms of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts to be sent by mail to the Institute.

5. A written narrative which discusses why you are attracted to the degree program for which you are seeking admission at the Institute. The narrative should address the overall thrust of the program as you see it as well as coursework as depicted in the course descriptions provided on our website (or catalog). Suggested length of narrative: five pages, double-spaced (e-mail or mail).

6. A representative term paper or other sample of written work completed at a University, professional setting, or work setting (e-mail or mail).

7. Non-refundable application fees:

(a) in-residence degree programs, U.S. citizens and legal U.S. resident.$55

(b) all online degree program applicants...............................................$55

International Students

CIHS is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. (The I-20 form is issued to all eligible applicants.) Prospective international students must verify sufficient financial resources and show English language proficiency. Students whose native language is not English must submit a satisfactory score (550 or more on paper base, 213or more on computer base) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If the student has graduated from a college in the United States, another English-speaking country, or a college where the language of instruction is English, or has completed an intensive English language program and can show proficiency in the language, the TOEFL may be waived. Official transcripts are required for issuance of an I-20. Transcripts from international institutions of higher education may require a credit recommendation by a recognized evaluation service. Applicants are responsible for any required fees for such an evaluation.

Admissions Process Top

Obtain the application packet. All material (completed application form, fee, transcripts, narrative, letters of recommendation and test results when required) should be sent directly to the Admissions Office. Applications and supporting documents are reviewed by the appropriate Program Director. Completed applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committee, which decides on the applicant's status. The applicant will be notified in writing of her or his status and will be informed of any requirements which must be fulfilled before entering the program. The student will design, in collaboration with her or his Program Director, a program of study which will serve as a guide for their degree program. An application is valid for one year after it has been processed. If a student fails to enroll during the first year, a new application may be necessary.

Transfer Credits Top

For students pursuing the Master of Arts degree, a maximum of eight (8) quarter units (6 semester units) for graduate course work earned in the student's field of study may be transferred from an approved or regionally accredited institution, or foreign degrees evaluated as the equivalent of United States programs. For students pursuing a doctor of philosophy degree, a master's degree or equivalent is required. Applicants who have completed less than a master's degree of graduate level work will be considered at the Institute's discretion. In either case, the Institute does not accept more than thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units of graduate work beyond the bachelor's level. This does not apply to graduate programs which lead to a profession or an occupation requiring state licensure such as Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. If an applicant is accepted for the doctoral program without a master's degree, the Institute may designate further Master's level course work to be taken at the Institute as part of the acceptance agreement. Even if an applicant already possesses a Master's degree, the Institute may designate master's level course work as part of acceptance into the doctoral program in order to prepare the student for the doctoral program. The limits for the transfer of graduate credits are set forth by the California Education Code and are regulated by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. (note: Authority cited, Article 16, 71865, General Provisions a, b1, b2, c, d.)

The California Institute for Human Science does not evaluate nor award units of graduate credit based on professional or other experience.

To transfer credits, the student should submit official transcripts to the Admissions Committee for evaluation and approval. To substantiate course content and level, students may be required to submit the college catalog description, course notes and records, texts studied, or a statement from the instructor.

Since past education and experience must be recent enough to be currently valid and relevant to the student's academic and career goals, a seven-year limit is placed on transfer credit. However, officially documented educational credits acquired longer than seven years ago may be accepted if a substantive subject matter link to recent, current, or future studies or goals can be demonstrated.

Social Security Number Requirement and Use Top

Applicants are required to include their Social Security number on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 41201. The Social Security number is used as a means of identifying the student's records, including the transcript.

Non-Discriminatory Policy Top

The California Institute for Human Science, a California nonprofit corporation, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or age in any of its policies, procedures or practices; nor does CIHS discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. This nondiscriminatory policy covers all CIHS programs and activities, including but not limited to academic admissions, financial aid, educational services, and student employment.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Top

A student may be administratively withdrawn from the program or a course because of excessive class absence, disruptive behavior, inappropriate professional or ethical conduct, unfulfilled academic requirements, or unpaid tuition or fees. Refunds will be made in accordance with the Institute's policy. Students have the right to appeal certain disciplinary actions taken by appropriate Institute authorities. Regulations governing original hearings and appeal rights and procedures are provided to give maximum protection to both the individual charged and the Institute community.