Programs of Study Information

Undergraduate Program Info

Minors

Graduate Programs of Study

Graduate Program - How to Apply

Eligibility & Admissions Information

Students interested in applying for graduate study in psychology should have a strong foundation in the field, although an undergraduate major in the discipline is not required. Prospective students should have a minimum of 16 semester hours in psychology, including undergraduate courses in statistics/research.

Prospective students must submit the following materials in application for admission to the Graduate program

  1. Application for Admission to the School of Graduate Studies.
  2. Transcripts of all prior academic work.
  3. Scores on the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (The advanced test in Psychology is not required.
  4. Three letters of recommendation (at least two of these letters should be from faculty familiar with the applicant's academic work. If the applicant has work experience in a human service setting, a recommendation from the supervisor of that work is strongly encouraged.)
  5. A biographical statement which details the basis of the applicant's interest in psychology, his/her experiences in human service settings including any volunteer work, career objectives, and how they expect their degree training to fit into their future plans.

(Applicants should note that some of these materials can be submitted electronically by going to the Western Illinois University School of Graduate Studies website.)

Admission decisions are a two stage process, with admission to the Graduate School being determined separately from admission to the degree program in the Department of Psychology. Screening of applications typically begins about March 1 and continues until all positions in the program are filled. Because required courses are offered no more than once per year, and because the practicum consists of a five course sequence of graded experiences, students are normally admitted in the fall only.

An undergraduate degree in psychology is not necessary for admission to the program. However, the applicant should have taken:

If an applicant does not have the required courses, s/he may be admitted subject to earning grades of 'B' or better in the undergraduate prerequisite courses. Credit earned in such courses does not apply toward degree requirements.