A Word from the Dean:

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Northwest University educates individuals to serve within the mental health and human service professions both locally and internationally. Our graduate programs, the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), and the Doctorate of Psychology in Counseling Psychology (PsyD), are built upon the integration of themes such as psychology, counseling, culture, and social justice. Additionally, all programs place a strong emphasis on integrating the curriculum with a Christian worldview. 

Students enrolled in the PsyD Program will learn to integrate a strong theoretical knowledge base with practical, evidence-based skills to provide psychological services in a globally relevant and socially conscious manner. This APA accredited program specifically prepares students to qualify for licensure as a Psychologist in Washington State.

Students involved in the CMHC Programs prepare to serve individuals from different backgrounds with a variety of needs. These programs have a unique multicultural focus with an emphasis on social justice and prepare students to qualify for a master’s level state license.

Students in the PsyD have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of cultural immersion experiences both locally and internationally. Past immersion experiences include Morocco, Brazil, India, China, El Salvador, Israel, and many other locations. These opportunities provide students with the chance to connect theory to praxis and heed Christ’s call to love, serve, and care for those who are hurting.

Whether serving locally or internationally, graduates of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences are prepared to respond to the call of Christ through excellent theory development and advanced applied skills to provide care in a rapidly globalizing world. We hope that you will consider joining us!

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College of Social and Behavioral Sciences General Policies

Application Deadlines

• PsyD – December 15 
• CMHC  – January 31 (Priority Application), & April 1 (Main application) 

Academic Progress towards Graduation

Courses taken from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (CSBS), including electives, must earn a grade of B- or above. In addition, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.000.

Furthermore, PsyD students must also pass qualifying exams, write, defend, and disseminate a dissertation, fulfill all practica requirements, and reach a professional standard as outlined in the PsyD Student Handbook.

Academic Probation

For the Probation policy specifically applying to the Doctor of Psychology program, please see that program’s policies.

Probation is not intended as a punitive measure, but as a warning that improvement is needed for continuation in the program. Program administrators and faculty will continue to provide guidance and support in helping the student to assume responsibility for his or her academic success. The Program Director or Advisor will provide support and monitoring of the student’s progress. Documentation regarding the student’s probationary status will be placed in his or her file. Probation may, however, lead to further academic penalties as deemed necessary by the director or chair of the academic program concerned.

A student may be placed on probation for one of the following reasons:

1. The student’s academic history prior to entry into the program reflects a GPA of below a 3.000 (“B” level), or submits an otherwise weak application, yet the application review board deemed him or her a worthy candidate for admission into the program. Such a student’s academic performance will be reviewed at the end of the first semester to determine whether he or she may continue in the program.
2. A student fails to maintain a grade of B- or higher in all courses and/or a minimum 3.000 cumulative GPA.
3. A student fails to meet the criteria of professional behavioral standards, including, but not limited to: academic honesty, emotional stability, interpersonal skills, maturity, and ethical conduct.

If a student is placed on probation a second time, the student may be dismissed from the program.

A student will be taken off of probation when:

1. A grade of B- or higher in all courses the following semester and a minimum of a 3.000 cumulative GPA are achieved.

In addition, any College of Social and Behavioral Sciences student who obtains a grade of less than B- must retake the course and obtain a grade of B- or above within a time period determined by the program Director or Advisor. A student retaking a course will be responsible for additional tuition, course and independent study fees.

Ethical Obligations Regarding Student Enrollment

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet its ethical obligation as a professional training institution by reserving the right to determine the suitability of each student for professional practice. Therefore, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences may refuse admission to any applicant and may discontinue education to any student based on the Dean’s discretion.

Re-Entry Policy

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences has specific policies and requirements for students who wish to reenter the program after previously withdrawing. Students who withdraw from a semester and return to the program the following semester do not need to reapply. Students who withdraw from a semester and are not enrolled for one or more succeeding semesters are required to complete the entire reapplication process. They will then be reviewed by the respective Review Board Committee and are not guaranteed re-admittance. In addition, it is up to the discretion of the Review Board Committee if the applicant will return to his or her cohort or be placed in a new cohort. Also, the applicant will need to meet with his or her respective Program Director to create a course completion plan, which may include the need to complete missed courses via independent study.

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