Admissions

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

• Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university prior to fall admission
• Send official transcripts from each college or university, other than Illinois State, where graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. Transcripts should be emailed from the school to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Office of Admissions, Campus Box 2200, Normal, IL 61790-2200

International students can learn more about specific application requirements and deadlines by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

Complete your application by January 1.

Admission is offered only for the fall semester and is very competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Interview offers are sent in February. The Council for Graduate Schools stipulates that an applicant has until April 15 to accept or decline an admission offer. Some admission offers may be delayed until applicants notify the department that they are declining admission.

GPA

Have a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or 3.0 GPA for 9 hours of graduate coursework.

Undergraduate Coursework

Applicants must have an undergraduate major in psychology or a related field (e.g., Human Development and Family Studies or Educational Psychology).

It is recommended that applicants have taken at least:

• Six credit hours combined of statistics and research methods
• One course on human development

GRE Scores

The GRE is not required for applicants and will not be used to evaluate applicants. The GRE may be submitted to establish math proficiency. If you wish to submit GRE scores, use institution code 1319.

Application Materials

In addition to meeting general requirements, a complete application will need to include the following items:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Writing Sample
• Personal Statement
• Three Letters of Recommendation

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Ensure your curriculum vitae or resume lists your experience. This can be paid or unpaid experience, internships, volunteer work, etc. Include the following information.

• Dates
• Employer or organization
• Business addresses
• Nature of the experiences that are relevant to being admitted to the graduate sequence
• Received academic honors and awards
  • Date received
  • Explanation of what the honor or award recognizes
  • Research experiences, skills, and accomplishments

Writing Sample

Provide a scholarly writing sample (5-15 pages long).

Personal Statement

In 2-3 pages double spaced, address the following:

• Your Professional and career goals
• Research interests and experiences
• Qualifications for admission to this graduate sequence
• How your interests and goals fit with this graduate sequence

Letters of Recommendation

The online application system will ask you to upload three letters of recommendation. You’ll also need to enter your recommenders’ names and email addresses into the system.

Applicant Interview Day – March 7, 2025

Some applicants may be invited to visit the department during the spring semester. The Applicant Interview Day schedule includes meeting with current graduate students and other invited applicants, interviews with faculty members, lunch, and a late afternoon social. Invited applicants will be contacted by the graduate coordinator.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

Graduate Coordinator