Application Personal Statements
Depending on the program you are applying for, you may need to provide a personal statements as part of your application. Below are the questions for each of our graduate programs.
Why do you want to obtain a master’s degree at Cal Lutheran? Specify examples of leadership, discuss career goals and provide any other pertinent information that will assist us in selecting persons who can most benefit from and contribute to the graduate program.
The Graduate School of Education Vision
Cal Lutheran’s Graduate School of Education has embraced the following vision statement:
Guided by social justice and advocacy, we will reimagine education to disrupt inequities and to meet the future needs of students and communities.
DIRECTIONS: In a 2-3 page essay, please respond to the following questions:
1. Discuss at least one current issue of educational inequity that you are personally concerned about as a current or future teacher, counselor, or administrator in K-12 or higher education. What experiences have you had that have provided you with insight about this particular issue? How might you reimagine educational systems to have more equitable outcomes and address this particular issue?
2. How will the program you are applying for contribute to helping you achieve your goals as related to the GSOE’s vision statement?
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Applicants are to review the PsyD Program philosophy available on the website, and illustrate how the program’s philosophy fits with your own personal or professional objectives.
MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT) and MS in Clinical Psychology
Please include 3-5 pages covering significant influences and events which have developed your present values and approach to life. Include ways in which these factors may contribute to preparation of a psychology profession. Also include your personal interests and goals, and your professional objectives.
MDiv and MA in Spirituality and Social Change
Please discuss in 3 to 5 double-spaced pages the events and factors that have formed your Christian faith. Include an account of the significant factors in your childhood and family life, a brief statement of your personal faith and theological convictions, and a short description of your vocational goals and principle reasons for pursuing this degree. In the body of your essay or in a separate paragraph articulate how you resonate with the PLTS orienting perspectives: nurturing a life-giving relationship with God; intellectual engagement with Scripture, faith traditions, and the world; faithful social transformation; and learning through a socio-ecological lens.
Certificate of Advanced Thrological Studies (Lutheran Year)
A brief personal statement describing your study plans and vocational goals while at PLTS.