All graduate students have a primary advisor from the start of the program, and so potential applicants are encouraged to contact at least one relevant faculty member in advance about whether they are recruiting students in the current year and whether they believe your research interest aligns with theirs.

An undergraduate degree in psychology or related field (e.g., cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science) is recommended. Successful candidates generally have significant research experience as part of their undergraduate program or afterward, such as in a research assistant position.

The School of Graduate Studies must receive all required materials before any formal action can be taken. Unofficial transcripts and unsealed letters of recommendation will not be considered. Students are accepted for fall admission only. To receive full consideration for Fall admission, all application materials must be on file in the Department of Psychological Sciences by the application deadline of January 1. Applications completed after this date will not be given full consideration.

Instructions/FAQ about the online application process can be found here.

Hand completing a multiple choice exam.

You are also prompted to submit the e-mail addresses of your 3 recommenders. Your recommenders will be e-mailed instructions about how to submit their recommendations online. Previous transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to the Psychology Program.

We require the TOEFL from all candidates who complete their undergraduate degree at an institution where English is not the medium of instruction. For an international applicant who studied at a university where the language of instruction was English, this must be communicated on the official transcripts for the TOEFL requirement to be waived.

DCAS Application Checklist

  • School of Graduate Studies Application submitted online
    • Application Fee
    • Personal Statement
    • CV
    • Three Letters of Recommendation sent directly from the recommender (online)
    • Previous Transcripts

As we receive application materials, your application portal will be updated. Faculty will review completed applications after the application deadline of January 1. Depending on a number of factors, applicants may be invited for an on-campus interview and visit or for a phone/videoconference interview. Please do not contact the department via phone for an update on your application. Students are accepted for fall admission only.

The School of Graduate Studies has general application requirements. Applicants should refer to the program website for application requirements and instructions specific to the program.