Application Materials and Procedures

The Department of Psychology offers six areas of study: clinical, cognitive, developmental, neuroscience and behavior, school, and social-industrial/organizational. All six areas offer the Ph.D. degree. School psychology also offers a specialist in school psychology (SSP) degree. During the process of completing either the Ph.D. or SSP, students earn the M.A. However, none of the six areas of study offer a training program that is designed or intended to conclude with the M.A. Some refer to that type of program as a terminal M.A. program. In our department, only applicants who are qualified and intend to pursue the Ph.D. or SSP are considered during the graduate admissions review process. Here are links to each of the six areas of study:

• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive and instructional psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Neuroscience and behavior
• School psychology
• Social-industrial/organizational psychology

Complete an application

To receive full consideration, completed applications must be received by the Graduate School in advance of the deadline for the curricular area to which the student is applying. A completed application will consist of:

• The NIU Graduate School's application
• Baccalaureate degree in psychology or related field
• Statement of Preparation for Graduate School and Professional Interests
• Curriculum vitae (or resumé)
• Three letters of recommendation

Notes

Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work are required to confirm your completed degree(s). Unofficial or official transcripts are acceptable when applying. However, if admitted to our program, official transcripts are required to be on file before the student may enroll in courses.

If your degree was earned at an institution outside of the U.S.A., please determine whether the NIU Graduate School requires a qualifying test of English proficiency.

Please see the relevant link above for the area-specific requirements of the Statement of Preparation for Graduate School and Professional Interests.

For applicants to the Clinical Psychology training program, complete the Supplemental Application.