Program Admission
Admission to the program is based on the following criteria and priority consideration will be given to those who meet all requirements
1) Academic ability as measured by Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing scores on the GRE. In keeping with other programs in the state and with national criteria, admission typically includes a minimum score around the 50th percentile on the Verbal and Quantitative sections and a Writing section minimum score of 4.0. Scores on the GRE Advanced Psychology Test are not required and will not be used in decisions.
2) Achievement in undergraduate or graduate work. Undergraduate GPA of approximately 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Successful applicants typically present with higher GPAs.
3) Academic background in psychology. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 20 undergraduate semester hours in psychology, including a course in statistics and a laboratory course in research methods/experimental psychology.
4) Personal qualities that predict success in graduate study and in professional placement after graduation. To evaluate these, each applicant must submit three letters of recommendation. Personal qualities will also be evaluated in the context of an interview for those who pass the initial file review and are invited to the interview day(s).
5) Fit between applicant and faculty interests. A personal statement is required describing the applicant’s interests. We will be particularly interested in students who have had research and/or clinical experiences that are a good fit with faculty areas of expertise.
Steps for Admission
The admission process has two components: a PSYCAS application and an EMU Graduate School application. All steps must be completed and admission requirements met by the deadline for your application to be reviewed by the department.
1) Program Application (PSYCAS)
Application materials submitted to PSYCAS include:
- Centralized application
- Personal statement (instructions available within PSYCAS) – 500 words
- Essay related to fit with the program (instructions available within PSYCAS) – 500 words.
- Diversity essay (instructions available within PSYCAS) – 75 words.
- Official transcripts of all education beyond high school. Required for every institution granting credit. Transcripts must be submitted directly to PSYCAS. Transcripts sent to EMU will not be accepted as official and the application will not be considered complete. (Applicants should allow 2-6 weeks for PSYCAS to process transcripts.). For additional information regarding transcript submission please see the PSYCAS website.
- Official GRE results, including Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing scores as well as the Advanced Psychology Exam score, if taken. If required, submit evidence of English language proficiency as demonstrated by official test scores on the TOEFL, TWE, or MELAB.
- Writing sample (typically a research paper).
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Three letters of recommendation.
2) Graduate School Application (ApplyEMU)
Questions and concerns should be directed to:
Psychology Department
Eastern Michigan University
341 Science Complex
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
psy_xgrad@emich.edu
734.487.1155
Completed applications, including Graduation Record Examination (GRE) scores, letters of recommendation, and transcripts, must be received by February 1 for consideration. If the first falls on a weekend, materials will be accepted the next business day only.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Credits earned under non-degree student status do not automatically apply to the requirements of the degree program. There are no admissions to degree programs in the winter and summer sessions. After the admission quota for the program has been met, students may be placed on a waiting list, which does not guarantee admission unless spaces become available.
Eastern Michigan University and the Psychology Department reserve the right to change any statement in this program concerning, but not limited to, rules, policies, tuition, fees, curricula, and courses.
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Degree Requirements: 30 hours
The M.S. in Psychology - General Experimental requires 30 graduate hours, with at least 24 in psychology. All students who apply should seek a faculty advisor, or mentor, to act as their sponsor. Students uncertain about a mentor choice, or applying from another campus and unfamiliar with the faculty, may be assigned a temporary mentor by the coordinator of the program. The program is highly individualized and the mentor supervises the student’s training, research and master’s thesis. Should a student’s interests change, a new mentor may be selected with approval from both faculty members and the general experimental program coordinator.
