General information

All graduate students have a primary advisor from the start of the program. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the list of available faculty members who are recruiting for the upcoming application cycle. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact a faculty member in advance to discuss whether their research interests align.

An undergraduate degree in psychology or related field (e.g., cognitive science, neuroscience) is recommended. Successful candidates generally have significant relevant research experience gained during or after their undergraduate education(e.g., as a research assistant, lab manager).

DCAS Application Checklist


Transcripts

Applicants are required to upload an unofficial transcript from each post-secondary institution. If you are admitted and plan on attending CWRU, then you will be required to submit official transcripts.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

An academic CV is a comprehensive document describing an applicant’s academic career, research and teaching experience, and scholarly achievements. There is no page limit. Your CV should include the following sections:

  • Contact information
  • Education (degrees earned or expected, institutions, graduation dates, thesis titles if applicable)
  • Honors, awards, scholarships (if applicable)
  • Research experience
  • Presentations (if applicable)
  • Publications (if applicable)
  • Teaching experience (if applicable)
  • Service / volunteer experience (if applicable)


English test scores

International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. For specific requirements, please review information provided by the School of Graduate Studies.


GRE test scores

GRE scores are not required.


Letters of Recommendation

Applications require three letters of recommendations. Letters of recommendation should come from individuals sufficiently familiar with the applicant, and who can assess their academic preparation, abilities and accomplishments. Letters should be from most recent instructors or research advisors. If you have been out of school for several years, one letter may be from your employer, supervisor or other person familiar with your most recent activities. Applicants are prompted to submit the e-mail addresses of recommenders. Recommenders will be e-mailed instructions about how to submit their recommendations online.


Statement of Purpose (approx. 1000 words)

The Statement of Purpose should

  • Include reference to your research/teaching experience and interests. Why is your proposed mentor’s lab a good fit for your research interests? How would your presence in the lab benefit the lab’s productivity?
  • Describe your employment and/or volunteer experiences that have contributed to your interest in specific aspects of psychology
  • Describe your career goals. How would your work in your proposed mentor’s lab benefit you achieving your career aspirations?

 

Please refer to the School of Graduate Studies for general application instructions. 

The School of Graduate Studies must receive all required materials before any formal action can be taken. 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 December 15. The faculty will review completed applications after the application deadline. Selected applicants will be invited for a phone/videoconference interview by mid-January. Applicants offered admission will be invited for an on-campus visit in February or early March. Please do not contact the department for an update on your application.