The announced deadline for filing an online application to the School Psychology Program for Fall 2021 admission is December 1st, 2020. Applications are considered to be complete when we have received all of the following: UMD Graduate School Application, Personal Statement, School Psychology Supplemental Application, GRE scores sent directly to the University by ETS (institution code 5814), transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work with degree posted, and three letters of reference. Additional materials such as a resume, a writing sample, or other relevant material will strengthen your application. All materials must be submitted through the Graduate School's application system. Note: Due to COVID-19 we are not requiring GRE scores to be submitted for the current application cycle (applicants intending to enter for the 2021-2022 school year).
The admissions committee considers the overall strength of the application, based on the following information: (a) undergraduate GPA, (b) previous graduate GPA if applicable, (c) Graduate Record Exam (Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing), (d) applicant's goals and objectives in relation to those of the program, (e) undergraduate and/or graduate major - or demonstration of competence in the content areas listed below as prerequisites, and (f) letters of reference.
Prerequisite Knowledge Base: Students entering the University of Maryland School Psychology Ph.D. Program are expected to have an adequate knowledge base in psychology, typically mastered through undergraduate coursework.
Although a psychology major is not necessary, the admissions committee must be satisfied that the applicant’s background knowledge is sufficient in the following areas: developmental psychology or child development, human learning, biological bases of behavior, and statistics. Additional areas may include: social psychology, cognitive psychology, and personality psychology. It is preferred that at least one course includes a laboratory component. A newly admitted student who is lacking adequate background may be required to complete pre-requisites during the first year of the program.
Applicants are selected on a competitive basis from those meeting minimum requirements. The program typically accepts around 20% of new applicants, depending on the size and characteristics of the applicant pool, and on available resources. These parameters vary somewhat from year to year. Undergraduate GPA's of accepted students typically range from about 3.3 to 4.0 with the last three years averaging 3.72. Average GRE scores were 158 for Verbal (ranging from 151-168) and 155 for Quantitative (ranging from 146 to 167). Psychology is the predominant undergraduate major of accepted applicants.
Admissions Process: In addition to completing the University of Maryland online main Application and the College of Education Application, you must download the School Psychology Supplemental Application , complete it, and upload it as part of your online College of Education (School Psychology) Application.
Nondiscrimination Policy: We abide by the Graduate School’s non-discrimination policy.