Admissions Requirements

Department of Psychology

In evaluating applicants for its programs, Pacifica's Department of Psychology assesses the student's ability to demonstrate psychological mindfulness. The Institute defines psychological mindfulness as the capacity to attend to intrapsychic, interpersonal, and environmental issues by thinking metaphorically, demonstrating empathy, listening reflectively to one's own language and that of others, and using psychological language in a manner which recognizes its strengths and limitations.

M.A./Ph.D. in Depth Psychology
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Ph.D in Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Psychotherapy
M.A./Ph.D. in Mythological Studies
M.A. in Engaged Humanities with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology

M.A./Ph.D. in Depth Psychology

To be considered for the Depth Psychology M.A./Ph.D. program applicants are expected to have a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited or state-approved institution of higher learning. Applicants must also demonstrate aptitude in the following areas: a background in psychology through formal coursework or personal study and experience; a background in interdisciplinary studies, such as the humanities, sciences, and social sciences; a demonstrated interest and ability in scholarly research; and a familiarity with the perspectives of depth psychology, such as psychoanalytic, Jungian, and archetypal psychology.

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Applicants to the Clinical Psychology doctoral program are expected to bring a strong foundation in the field of psychology and a demonstrated interest and aptitude for the study of depth psychology. The program seeks individuals who are psychologically-minded and evidence the emotional resilience necessary to work in the transference-counter transference field. In addition to advanced scholarly writing skills, successful candidates will have supervised clinical experience and manifest an interest in the relationship among psychology, the humanities, and the arts. The experience of personal depth psychotherapy is highly valued. These capacities are normally found in applicants who have already earned master's degrees in psychology or a related field from an accredited or state-approved institution of higher learning. The Admissions Committee may consider applicants who have earned bachelors degrees in psychology or a related field who, in addition to meeting the admissions requirements as noted above, also present a strong foundation, including a minimum of two years of advanced study and experience in depth psychology.

M.A. in Counseling Psychology

Applicants for the Master of Arts program in Counseling Psychology must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or state–approved institution of higher education. The M.A. program values students whose backgrounds include work in social, religious, or human services; academic training in psychology or the humanities; and experience in personal therapy. Successful applicants will also display scholarly writing skills and an interest in research.

Ph.D. in Depth Psychology Emphasis in Psychotherapy

Pacifica Graduate Institute’s Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Psychotherapy is a training program that is centered on the psyche. Informed by Jungian and psychoanalytic thought, integrating the best offerings of current psychological theory and exciting new findings that enrich our understanding of mind and body, this program challenges its students to find and develop their own unique talents as therapists, and to participate in re-imagining psychotherapy for the 21st century.

M.A./Ph.D. in Mythological Studies

Applicants to the combined M.A./Ph.D. program are expected to have a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited or state-approved post-secondary institution. While a degree in the humanities, arts, or social sciences is preferred, other degrees will be considered. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination during the second year of the program and demonstrated proficiency in academic research are required for continuation into the third year of the program.

M.A. in Engaged Humanities with an Emphasis in Mythology and Depth Psychology

Applicants to the blended online/distance-learning Master of Arts program in Engaged Humanities must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited or state-approved institution of higher education. While the M.A. program seeks students with a background in social science, humanities, psychology or the arts, other degrees will be considered. Successful applicants will also display scholarly writing skills and show an interest in the application of depth psychological or mythological principles.