Application Information
Application and Admissions
Given our apprenticeship model, program faculty are strongly committed to the view that graduate study is an activity requiring the full energies of the student. As such, we encourage students to attend graduate school on a full time basis but also recognize that some individuals (e.g., teachers) will not initially be able to make the transition to full time graduate status. That being said, it is important to note that the Educational Psychology Admissions Committee, gives preference to students who can devote full time to the completion of their courses and related experiences in teaching and research. The goal of the program is to have a cohort of 3–8 new students admitted each year.
Although experience with teaching or research before entering the program may contribute to a student’s experience, such experience is not a prerequisite for program admission. Many students come to the program with a relatively limited amount of work experience; many have recently completed their undergraduate work; or are at a transition point in their career.
Program faculty make every possible effort to provide financial support for as many students who request it as possible. The most typical forms of financial support come as either Teaching or Research Assistantships. Applicants may also be recommended for competitive university-wide fellowships. It is important for students to apply to the program early to be considered for the greatest number of opportunities for financial assistance.
Consistent with the apprenticeship model, activities associated with the financial activity are designed to provide experiences relevant to the professional development of the student. Some of the assistantships involve teaching and instructional support within Educational Psychology. Other forms of support may place the student as a research assistant on funded projects or with a faculty-affiliated research center or other entity.
The program encourages students to engage in a variety of experiences that contribute to the development of knowledge about relevant professional organizations. Graduate students, including those in their first year of study, are encouraged to attend national and international professional meetings and conferences (e.g., American Psychological Association or the American Educational Research Association), as well as regional and local meetings of relevant professional and scientific groups.
Application Information
The following links will lead you to pages that describe academic programs, faculty, financial aid, and courses. These pages include the information found in the packet download; however, there are additional Web links provided on the site pages. The packet download includes all pertinent information about EDPSY.
- Introduction to the Program
- Opportunities for Educational Psychologists
- Doctoral Program
- Master's Program
- Sources of Financial Assistance
- Graduate Courses
- Faculty Research and Related Activities
How to Apply to the Program
Applying to the program requires completing two separate application procedures:
- Procedures for applying to The Graduate School
- Procedures for applying to Educational Psychology
Applying to The Graduate School
Applying to The Graduate School is a process separate from applying to Educational Psychology. Please, be sure to follow the directions indicated for the method you choose to ensure proper processing of your application.To formally apply to The Graduate School complete an Electronic Application. Applicants will be asked to upload the following items: Personal Statement and Data Sheet. Note: if you file electronically and pay online with a credit card, you do not have to mail anything to The Graduate School. However, if you file electronically but do not pay online, you will need to print out a fee form and mail it in with your payment to the address below.
Graduate Enrollment Services
114 Kern Graduate Building
University Park, PA 16802-3109
Information Regarding the Fee
Important: If you file your application electronically and do not pay by credit card, you will need to print out a fee form to mail in with your payment. All fees are nonrefundable. Applications with unpaid fees will not be processed. Do not send cash.
For information on current Graduate School Application Fees, please visit the following website: http://gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/apply.html
How to Pay the Application Fee
- Make your check or money order payable to The Pennsylvania State University
- International money order or check must be drawn on a U.S. bank.
- Your canceled check serves as your receipt.
- Credit cards cannot be processed with the downloadable (PDF) Graduate School application
- Again, do not send cash.
- Remember, you need to attach a fee form if you filed your application electronically and did not pay by credit card.
For questions or concerns regarding The Graduate School, please send e-mail to gswww@psu.edu.
Applying to Educational Psychology
There are 5 sets of information you need to gather and mail to Educational Psychology:
1. Program Application Data Sheet
There are two methods of filling out this data sheet: View and Print or Type and Print the Application Data Sheet on white paper.
2. Two official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended, both undergraduate and graduate.
The Transcript Request Form is supplied by The Graduate School. You can download the Transcript Request Form in PDF format:
International applicants must submit official or attested university records with certified translations if the records are not in English. Applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit two official copies of all diplomas and certificate awards. These items must be submitted in both the original language and English.
Notarized copies are not sufficient.
3. Official GRE testing scores (scores must be from ETS, no exceptions!)
4. Three letters of recommendation.
Recommendation forms are available in PDF format to be printed on white paper.
- Type and Print the recommendation forms
These forms should be given to three persons who can evaluate your qualifications for graduate study in EDPSY (e.g., three faculty members who are familiar with your work, preferably psychologists). Recommendation forms must be submitted in a sealed envelope with evaluator's signature over the seal.
5. Statement of purpose and goals/autobiography.
Submitting a copy of your resume is also recommended.
For International Applicants only:
6. You need to submit your official scores on Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
A TOEFL score of at least 550 or higher for the paper test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT) is required of all international applicants unless applicant is a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, has previously received a degree from a U.S. institution, OR is a native of an English-speaking country.
Submitting Your Information
After you have compiled all of the information listed above, mail it to:
Program Secretary
Educational Psychology Graduate Programs
The Pennsylvania State University
125G CEDAR Building
University Park, PA 16802-3109
Most offers of admission are made on or about April 1 for the following Fall Semester. To be considered for fellowships and financial assistance, your complete application should be received on or before January 15.
If you have further questions after reading these materials please email edpsy@psu.edu.
Downloadable Files
4 Applicant Data Sheet(12-08)Fill.pdf (297 kb, PDF)
Type and Print Application
4 Applicant Data Sheet(new).pdf (82 kb, PDF)
View and Print Application
info_packet_edpsy.pdf (1035 kb, PDF)
Complete application packet for Educational Psychology
Recommendation_print.pdf (23 kb, PDF)
View and Print recommendation form.
Recommendation_type.pdf (140 kb, PDF)
Type and Print recommendation form.
In order to read or print PDF files, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
