How to Apply

Your first step is to learn about the Psychology PhD program and research our seven areas of specialization and the area’s faculty members to determine if there is a strong fit for your research interests and goals. Each area’s faculty members are listed on the area’s webpage with links to information about their research and areas of expertise, and you can check to see if a faculty member you are interested in working with is considering new advisees.

You will need to decide which area you are applying to before you start your online application because all applicants apply directly to an area of specialization. Our students must have a primary advisor in their area of specialization, so the application will additionally require you to identify one or two area faculty members that you are interested in working with.

Please note that only faculty in the area of specialization you are applying to will review your application. 

If you decide that our PhD program aligns with your interests and goals, review our Admissions Guidelines to gauge whether you might be a competitive applicant and to understand our application review criteria. The Psychology PhD program draws many more applicants each year than the number of available openings.

Review our Application Checklist and prepare materials for all of the required components of your application file. All parts of the application file are assessed during the faculty’s holistic review process, so only complete applications containing all of the area’s required application components are eligible for review. Some areas require GRE scores. 

International applicants should additionally consult our English Language Proficiency requirements. Please note that the Department of Psychology has more stringent requirements than those set by the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the department’s as well as the Graduate School’s requirements to be considered for admission.

To apply, you must submit an application through the Graduate School’s online application portal by the December 1 deadline. This is a University-wide application system; specific requirements set by the Department of Psychology are provided on our Application Checklist. Please follow them carefully to ensure your application is complete.

Faculty review all complete application files. Application review commences immediately after the December 1st deadline. Please monitor the email account you used for your online application and respond promptly if the department or the Graduate School contact you with questions or requests for additional information. 

All applicants will be notified when admissions decisions are finalized, typically in January or February. Our most competitive applicants will be invited to attend a recruitment event, which typically is held in mid to late February.

Applicants who are considered for admission will automatically be considered for most departmental funding. 

You can check the current status of your application materials on the online application.

• The Graduate School’s website provides general application instructions and answers to frequently asked questions. 
• The Diversity in Psychology Program (DPP) centers the experiences of individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Participants learn about graduate education in Psychology at the University of Minnesota and the application process. We accept applications for DPP annually July 1-August 25.
• The Graduate School Diversity Office offers admissions and application consultations (email gsdo@umn.edu to schedule)
• The Next-Gen Psych Scholars Program (NPSP) provides virtual, graduate-student-led mentorship to prospective applicants. Services center the experiences of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds (e.g., BIPOC, low-income, first-generation, LGBTQIA+).