Pursuing a doctorate is a significant decision, and the admissions process should feel supportive, transparent, and aligned with a student’s goals. For prospective Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) students, the admissions experience at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is designed to reflect the same values that define the program itself, intentionality, flexibility, and a commitment to meaningful change in healthcare.
According to Director of Admissions Cece Maez, the DBH admissions process is intentionally holistic. “We choose to look at an applicant holistically,” she explains. “We know that you may have been out of school for 1 year to 30 years, and we are there to answer your questions along the way.” Rather than focusing solely on metrics, the admissions team prioritizes understanding who applicants are, where they’ve been, and what they hope to accomplish through the DBH.
The application process itself is built with working professionals in mind. “All documents can be uploaded in our application and do not need to be sent via multiple emails,” Maez shares. “Our application auto-saves so that you can complete it around your busy schedule as well.” Applicants are also given time. “We allow students up to one year to complete the application,” she adds. “We built this timeline to fit in your busy schedule.”
When reviewing applications, passion and purpose matter. “We are looking for someone who is really passionate about integrated healthcare and being disruptors,” Maez says. She emphasizes that strong applicants often come in with lived experience and a desire to improve systems they’ve worked within.
“In your time in the field, did you notice something broken that needed fixing? Were you someone that looked to fix a situation that needed to be fixed? We are looking for those that seek change and innovation.”
Attention to detail is also part of the evaluation. “While you are filling out the application, please take your time,” Maez advises. “We see so many people rush their applications and have spelling, grammar or formatting errors. It gives us the impression that the application was not worth taking the time to edit or review before submitting their materials.” For the admissions team, quality reflects commitment. “We spend a great deal of time reviewing these applications and we hope the applicant takes the time to check for quality as well.”
The interview process is designed to feel like a conversation, not a test. “Our questions were created not to trap or confuse our applicants,” Maez explains. “We want to know your ambitions, your communication skills, your ability to think critically, your plans during the DBH program, what you are excited to study, the population you hope to help, how you’ll disrupt your community after completing the program.” The goal is mutual clarity. “This lets us know if we are the right fit for them and if they are the right fit for us.”
Admissions and Enrollment Coordinator Karrie Miller reinforces that support is continuous and personal. “We are here and ready to answer any and all questions the applicant may have through the entire process,” she says. “We can communicate through whatever modality works best for them, whether it is email, text, phone, or video chat.” For many applicants, that accessibility makes a difference.
“We understand this is a major life and educational decision, and are excited to walk alongside the student to make it as comfortable and informative as possible.”
Miller also addresses a common misconception. “While this program is entirely online, it is not easy,” she says plainly. “This is a Doctoral program.” She notes that applications sometimes reflect the assumption that online means less rigorous. “We are looking for applicants ready to work and make a change in the Behavioral Health field, and who recognize the importance of first impressions through that application.”
After completing the application and onboarding process, applicants often comment on the experience itself. “Communication is key,” Miller shares. “There are real people, not AI or bots, waiting to hear from you. We genuinely want to help and want you to experience the close-knit community before you login to your first class.”
Helping applicants determine whether the DBH aligns with their lives and goals is a shared priority. “How will this degree work into your current home and work schedule?” Miller asks. “Do you have the time and ambition to take on this degree program?” These conversations are intentional. “By the time the applicant becomes a student, they are fully aware of what to expect and how to incorporate this degree program into their lives.”
The admissions team approaches each applicant with care, curiosity, and respect for the journey that brought them here. The process isn’t just about acceptance, it’s about readiness, alignment, and preparing future leaders to step confidently into a program built for disruption, innovation, and real-world impact.
