Required International Admission Application Materials (Admission Checklist):

1) A completed online application.

2) Non-refundable international admissions application fee ($100).

3) Official undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts-with proof of degree completion-e-mailed directly from the issuing institution to CIHS at admissions@cihs.edu. Official course syllabi may also be required for possible transfer of credit upon departmental approval and in compliance with CIHS’ Transfer Credit Policy.  

• If your transcripts and academic records are not in English, you must submit an official, notarized, word-for-word, literal translation for all academic records (transcripts and diplomas) along with the documents in the original language. Translations can be done in your home country by any bona fide translating agency.

• Transcripts issued by foreign universities that don’t follow the U.S. grading system must be sent to one of the following approved foreign credential evaluation agencies for a detailed course-by-course evaluation: www.ierf.org OR www.wes.org OR www.ece.org OR  www.spantran.com

• Transcripts submitted by e-mail (preferred method) should be sent to:
  admissions@cihs.edu

  Transcripts submitted by mail should be sent to:
  California Institute for Human Science
  Admissions Office
  701 Garden View Court
  Encinitas, CA 92024

4) Two letters of recommendation (for M.A. and Ph.D. applicants) and one letter of recommendation (for B.A. applicants) from individuals who can address your academic and/or professional qualifications. There are 2 ways to submit the letter(s) of recommendation:

• The person recommending you may use the Letter of Recommendation Online Form

OR

• Ask your recommender to email your recommendation letter to admissions@cihs.edu with your name in the subject line.

5) A personal essay in which you explain the reason(s) for seeking admission to CIHS. The essay should show evidence that you have read the CIHS website, understand CIHS’ statement of mission and goals, and have some knowledge of the field of study of the program for which you are applying. Explain how this program could add to your academic background and help you fulfill professional and/or personal goals. Suggested length of narrative: 1-2 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman, Font Size 12.  Approximately 250-500 words. Applicants may exceed this limit if needed. 

6) A current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. (for M.A. and Ph.D. applicants ONLY)

7) A representative term paper or another sample of academic or professional writing or publication(s). (for M.A. and Ph.D. applicants ONLY) 
For tips on how to choose a writing sample, click here.

8) English Proficiency. Students whose native language is not English must submit a satisfactory English test score in one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS-Academic: 6.5 or higher

• TOEFL iBT: 79 or higher (CIHS TOEFL School Code is D107)

• Cambridge CEFR: C1 Level or higher (CEFR= The Common European Framework of Reference) 

• Duolingo: 110 or higher

• Pearson Test of English (PTE)-Academic: 53 or higher