Santa Barbara Graduate Institute MA and Ph.D. Degrees in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology, Doctoral degrees in Somatic Psychology, Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Santa Barbara Graduate Institute Admissions

The mission of Santa Barbara Graduate Institute is to provide excellence in graduate education, research and leadership in the emerging fields of prenatal and perinatal psychology and somatic psychology. Each degree program offers in-depth theory and application of the specialty and experiential learning, as well as important therapeutic skills within a humanistic/transpersonal framework.

The Institute’s intent is to help students integrate their life experience into professional skills and apply their graduate training and education into future employment opportunities.

We believe that the greatest contribution each person can make emerges when they express their unique nature, authoring their contribution from their authentic self. When an individual finds coherence between their uniqueness, life purpose, talents, strengths and patterns of being and the expertise in the work they do, there is a synergy of aliveness and authorship that transcends technique or approach. This is where one’s passion and inspiration flourishes and excellence is manifest.

The depth and intensity of SBGI Master’s and Doctoral programs requires students to be mature, well functioning, self-directed and receptive to continual growth. They also call for clear and critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, interest in theory and research, and sound writing skills.

General Admission Requirements

The admissions process is selective, but not competitive. Students must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited or state approved institution. SBGI does not require standardized tests, e.g. the Graduate Records Examination (GRE).

Ph.D. program applicants may possess a Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree. If the student is applying to a Ph.D. program with only a Bachelor’s Degree, they will earn the Master’s Degree along the way. After the student completes requirements for the MA Degree, including the Master’s Project, they are allowed to enroll in the third year of study at the doctoral level. If the student chooses both the MA and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, further coursework is required in the fourth year.

While maintaining rigorous standards for admission relative to professional and personal attributes, the Institute’s admission process emphasizes those qualities that measure a student’s aptitude for success in the program. Focus is on the personal interview, letters of recommendation, past educational and career performance, and written work by the applicant, including the admissions essay.

The Institute welcomes applications from international students. They must submit transcript evaluations prepared by a professional agency, such as Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. or World Education Services. All classes are conducted in English. If English is not their native language, students must also submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based or above is required for admission. No visa services are offered at this time.

We welcome applications from all qualified persons regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, age or religion. The Institute does not discriminate in any of its admission policies or procedures, or any other academic activity.

Santa Barbara Graduate Institute seeks students who:

Are mature learners, self-motivated and capable of graduate inquiry, process and scholarship
Are self-reflective and have participated in some form of self-development such as personal therapy, growth seminars and/or spiritual practice
Are capable of contributing to and benefiting from a community experience
Show an ability to benefit from and successfully complete the program

The following admission requirements apply to these degree programs:

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
– Eligible to sit for the Marriage, Family Therapist License
(Specialty in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology or Somatic Psychology)
Master of Arts in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology
Master of Arts in Somatic Psychology
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
– Eligible to sit for the Marriage, Family Therapist License
(Specialty in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology or Somatic Psychology)
Ph.D. in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology
Ph.D. in Somatic Psychology

Required for Admission:

Completed application form (with current photograph)
Official transcript(s) from an accredited or state-approved school(s), sent directly to the Institute, Office of the Registrar
Master’s applications: Two letters of recommendation (professional and/or academic) Ph.D. applications: Three letters of recommendation (two professional and one academic)
Sample of written work by the applicant (previous academic or professional writing, four to seven pages)
Autobiographical essay
Statement of educational and professional goals
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Non-refundable application fee of $60 – check or money order payable to Santa Barbara Graduate Institute in United States funds
Non-refundable special processing fee of $150 if mailing after July 20, 2008 – check or money order payable to Santa Barbara Graduate Institute in United States funds

Autobiographical Essay
Five areas of discussion comprise the guided autobiographical essay. Please discuss:

Your general history as it relates to your family of origin. Your prenatal and perinatal history -- conception, prenatal, birth and infancy -- as you know it. You are not expected to know everything, but to simply begin with what you know, imagine or have been told
Other key events, situations or patterns that have had a major impact on your life
Personal growth, therapeutic and healing experiences—those significant practices, interventions, process experiences and the ensuing personal changes
Spiritual practice, if any, and the meaning this has in your life
Mention what you consider to be your strengths, your weaknesses and what has been the greatest challenge in your life. State the present focus of your personal growth

Statement of Educational and Professional Goals
Include a one-to-two page statement on how you have come to be interested in the field of prenatal and perinatal psychology or somatic psychology and how your personal and professional experiences have contributed to and shaped that interest. Also include current professional goals and why you are interested in attending SBGI, the professional strengths you bring to graduate study, and the areas in which you would like to expand your understanding and expertise.

All essays should be typewritten and double-spaced.

Application Calendar for 2008-2009 Admissions

Early Admissions
All admission materials received by	March 31, 2008
Interviews with SBGI Administrators	By arrangement
Admission notifications	April 30, 2008
Rolling Admissions (as space allows)

All admission materials received after March 31 will be considered on a space available basis. There is a $150 (non-refundable) special processing fee for applications postmarked after July 20, 2008 or within eight weeks of the start date of the first course taken for SBGI credit.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition
Tuition for full time students is calculated on an annual basis and includes all classes for the specific program for one academic year. Students who do not complete the academic year will be charged tuition at the part time tuition rate for all units attempted. Tuition is subject to change at the beginning of each academic year.

Tuition for the 2008 – 2009 academic year

$12,500 tuition for full time enrollment in the following degree programs:

MA in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology

Ph.D. in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology

MA in Somatic Psychology

Ph.D. in Somatic Psychology

$14,500 tuition for full time enrollment in the following degree programs:

MA in Clinical Psychology (Specialty in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology or Somatic Psychology)

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (Specialty in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology or Somatic Psychology)

MA in Clinical Psychology (Specialty in Somatic Psychology)

$450 per unit tuition for part time enrollment (requires special approval)

$225 per unit tuition to audit a course (requires special approval)

$1,600 tuition for enrollment in Masters Project

$1,500 tuition per quarter until completion for enrollment in Dissertation Writing

Fees (See explanations below)

Application fee (non-refundable)	$60
Special processing fee (non-refundable) for (a) Monthly on Campus applications postmarked after July 20, 2008 and (b) Professional Specialty Program applications postmarked within eight weeks of the start date of the first course taken for SBGI credit. This fee is in addition to the application fee in order to help defray the cost of special processing required to accomidate late admissions.	$150
Registration fee ($100 non-refundable)	$200
Incomplete Grade	$30
Tutorial (optional as needed)	$150 per month
Leave of Absence	$50
Reinstatement	$50
Change of Program	$50
Deferred Enrollment Fee	$50
Return Check	$25
Commencement M.A.	$150
Commencement Ph.D.	$175
Transcripts	$5
Late Tuition Payment	$30

Application Fee
This non-refundable fee must accompany the completed application to help defray the cost of processing.

Special processing Fee
This non-refundable fee must accompany applications received after July 20, 2008. This fee is in addition to the application fee to help defray the cost of special handling required to process applications received after this date to accommodate fall enrollment.

Registration Fee
This one time registration fee is payable at the time of signing the initial enrollment agreement. Should a student officially withdraw from SBGI prior to completing the first quarter of study, $100 of this fee will be refunded.

Incomplete Grade
Students who have extenuating circumstances and cannot complete course assignments by the due date specified in the syllabus will be charged a $30 processing fee for each incomplete grade granted

Tutorial Fee
This fee of $150 per month is payable prior to the start of a necessary tutorial. A tutorial will be required if the student needs to raise a grade for a course or requires remedial work. Tutorial fees will not be prorated to partial months.

Leave of Absence Fee
This is a fee assessed if a student needs to leave the program for a quarter or more during an academic year and wishes to return without reapplying.

Reinstatement Fee
This fee applies to students returning after a leave of absence.

Change of Program Fee
This fee is assessed should a student request and receive approval to matriculate in a program other than the one for which they are enrolled.

Deferred Enrollment Fee
This fee is assessed to potential students who are accepted for enrollment and elect to delay their start date. Enrollment may be deferred to the next academic year. After a one year deferment, the student must reapply.

Returned Check Fee
This fee is assessed when a check or other form of payment is returned without proper payment.

MA Commencement Fee
This fee is assessed to defray the costs associated with the graduation ceremony.

Ph.D. Commencement Fee
This fee is assessed to defray the costs associated with the graduation ceremony.

Transcript Fee
To protect the privacy of the student, transcripts are available upon written request by the student and with payment of the transcript fee.

Late Tuition Payment Fee
A late processing fee is assessed when a monthly or quarterly tuition payment is received more than five days after the due date.

Books and Materials
Students are responsible for books and materials for each class, the cost of which will vary depending on the instructor’s specific requirements. An estimated cost for books and materials is $400 per quarter.

Room, Board and Transportation
Costs for room, board and transportation are in addition to tuition and are at the discretion of the student. The Institute does not maintain dormitory or apartment buildings for student use. Hotel rooms are offered to students at a discounted rate and rooms may be shared to reduce the expense. Students commute to classes and make their arrangements separate from the Institute. Costs vary depending on needs and personal choice.

Personal Therapy
Students are responsible for additional expenses incurred through the personal therapy requirement of the program. Cost will vary depending upon location and fee structure of the therapist. Fees are paid directly to the therapist.

Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Three-Day Full Refund Period: California State Administrative Code Section 18809 (a) (4) states that if the enrollee cancels within three (3) working days after registering, provided no classes have been attended or lessons completed, all paid tuition monies will be refunded, minus a cancellation fee of $100. If a student wishes to withdraw from the program, SBGI must be notified in writing. Cancellation may not be done by phone, electronic mail (e-mail) or by not coming to class.

A student who elects to withdraw from the program is entitled to a refund of tuition after the written cancellation notice is received. Refunds are made according to the following schedule as set forth for post-secondary schools by the California State Department of Education:

to 10% of the course, 90% refund of paid tuition
to 25% of the course, 75% refund of paid tuition
to 33 1/3% of the course, 66 2/3% refund of paid tuition
to 50% of the course, 50% refund of paid tuition
to 60% of the course, 40% refund of paid tuition
greater than 60% of the course, no tuition refund

The effective date for determining a refund is the date the Registrar receives written notification of cancellation. Refunds will be paid within 30 days of receipt of notification of cancellation.

Santa Barbara Graduate Institute reserves the right to change tuition and fees without prior notice.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available in the form of loans and partial scholarships for students who demonstrate need. An earnest attempt is made to extend a personalized, concerned approach to student financial needs while complying with governmental and donor regulations.

SBGI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, or phisical ability in any of its policies pertaining to the award of financial aid.

Loans

SLM Financial is the lending agency through which SBGI students receive educational loans. Please speak with the SBGI financial aid office to learn how to obtain a student loan application from SLM.

The Harry Chapin Memorial Scholarship

Background. SBGI’s scholarship is named for Harry Chapin, the noted musician best known for his hit “Cat’s in the Cradle.” Harry was committed to sharing his success by donating about half of his time to performing at benefits, and he encouraged his colleagues to do the same. In looking for an inspiration for how to create abundance through a program of giving, SBGI saw Harry Chapin as a role model. As SBGI alumni who have benefited from the fund contribute to the scholarship, the number of scholarships provided each year will increase.

The Program. Each year SBGI donates the equivalent of three full-tuition scholarships divided among six or more students who are enrolled in the coursework phase of their degree programs. Because the Institute believes that students value their education more when they assume some of the financial responsibility, the maximum scholarship awarded to a student in any given year does not exceed half of his or her annual tuition.

The committee bases their allocation decisions on the number of scholarship applicants and the quality of their applications. Further, it seeks, if possible, to distribute funding about equally among PPN students and SOM students, on the one hand, and students in the first year, second year and third year of coursework, on the other.

Prior to each of the three years of coursework, students interested in being the recipient of a Harry Chapin Memorial Scholarship need to submit an application. Students awarded funding one year may or may not receive a scholarship in subsequent years. Likewise, those denied funding one year may or may not be awarded money in subsequent years.

How to Apply. To apply for a scholarship, students need to (1) complete the Harry Chapin Memorial Scholarship Application form, which can be downloaded from , (2) attach a copy of their 1040 tax form for the last two years, and (3) include a written narrative that provides the following information: (a) who you are, (b) why you are requesting the scholarship, (c) what makes you a worthy candidate for the scholarship, and (d) a description of how you intend to give back to the fund. Materials may be sent with your admissions application or mailed separately. For consideration, all materials must be postmarked by August 1.

SBGI Minority Student Scholarship

The Program. To increase the representation of members of groups historically excluded from graduate education and under-represented in the fields of PPN and SOM, SBGI donates each year the equivalent of up to two full-tuition scholarships to African-American, Hispanic, and Native American students with a demonstrated financial need.

A committee of two or three volunteers who have no formal affiliation with SBGI but who understand the school’s mission convenes each year to make the allocation decisions. An independent committee is charged with this task to ensure that the scholarships be awarded by those who are objective and to maintain students’ privacy. The committee bases their allocation decisions on the availability of funding, number of scholarship applicants, and the quality of their applications.

Prior to enrolling SBGI, students interested in and qualified to be a recipient of a Minority Student Scholarship should submit an application as described below. Before each subsequent academic year, they are required to submit the previous year’s 1040 tax form in order to demonstrated continued financial need. Provided that they demonstrate a legitimate ongoing need and depending on the availability of funds, students awarded a Minority Student Scholarship before starting their degree program may expect continued funding through graduation.

Minority students in the second year or beyond who were previously ineligible for the scholarship but whose financial circumstances have changed such that they require supplemental funding to continue their education may also apply. However, priority will be given to those previously awarded the scholarship.

How to Apply. To apply for the scholarship, students need to (1) complete the Minority Student Scholarship Application form, which can be downloaded from the SBGI home page catalog and application download link (2) attach a copy of their 1040 tax form for the last two years, and (3) include a written narrative that provides the following information: (a) who you are, (b) why you are requesting the scholarship, (c) what makes you a worthy candidate for the scholarship, and (d) a description of how you intend to give back to the fund. Materials may be sent with your admissions application or mailed separately. For consideration, all materials must be postmarked by August 1.

Students are encouraged to seek all possible sources of funding. Numerous private groups, such as civic organizations, corporations, unions, religious and ethnic groups offer grants, scholarships and/or loans.

Students should not pay for a scholarship search. There are many free listings and databases of information available on the Web. Try www.finaid.org or www.fastweb.com or www.collegenet.com to begin your search.

Contact the Financial Aid Office for further details and an application.

Santa Barbara Graduate Institute
525 East Micheltorena, Suite 205
Santa Barbara, CA 93103

(805) 963-6896 Fax (805) 965-7010