How to Apply
psyapply@umn.edu
Our programs draw many more applicants each year than the number of available openings. To gauge whether you might be a strong applicant, please review our admissions guidelines.
Admission to any UMN graduate program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or a comparable degree from outside the U.S.
Application Information
All application materials should be submitted electronically via the online admissions system by 11:59 pm EST on December 1.
The Department of Psychology accepts students only for the PhD, and only for the fall semester. We do not accept applications for an MA.
Applications open for the upcoming admissions cycle on the first Tuesday in September. Applicants are encouraged to start preparing materials earlier but should wait to start the online application. If you initiate an application prior to this date you will not be able to select the correct admission term and you may have to redo portions of your application.
To apply, you must submit an application through the Graduate School’s online application portal. 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.
All applicants must apply directly to one of the department’s seven areas of specialization. You will need to decide which area you are applying to before you start your online application.
Applicants who are considered for admission will automatically be considered for most departmental funding.
Application review commences immediately after the December 1st deadline. All applicants will be notified when admissions decisions are finalized. Our most competitive applicants will be invited to attend a welcome event, which typically is held at the end of February.
You can check the current status of your application materials on the online application.
Resources for Applicants:
- The Graduate School’s website provides general application instructions and answers to frequently asked questions.
- The Diversity in Psychology Program supports individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds with learning about graduate education in Psychology at the University of Minnesota.
- 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 from underrepresented backgrounds (e.g., BIPOC, low-income, first-generation, LGBTQIA+).