1. Complete the following undergraduate prerequisite courses with a combined GPA of at least 3.0 and no grade lower than a “C”:

1. Introduction to Statistical Methods in Psychological Research
2. Understanding Psychological Research
3. At least five additional upper division courses (25 quarter units) in Psychology providing diversity of preparation, including at least one psychology laboratory course. Students may also be required to take additional undergraduate courses that are prerequisite to courses in the MA program.

Note: The Department will determine whether courses taken elsewhere meet these requirements. Students may complete these prerequisite courses within the Department while enrolled in graduate courses for which they are eligible, although progress toward the degree will be slower.

2. Earn a 3.0 GPA in the last 90 quarter units or last 60 semester units of undergraduate coursework.

3. Submit GRE General Test scores. Students with scores of 1500 or higher (V+Q+A) will be given preference for admission to the program.

4. Provide three letters of recommendation attesting to capability and promise for success in the areas of research and teaching.

Admission to the M.A. in Psychology Program is limited to the number of students for whom the Department can provide appropriate research and teaching experience. Department faculty reserve the right to admit those applicants they deem most qualified. In making this decision, the faculty may take into consideration applicants’ previous training in psychology, relevant work experience, and special skills and knowledge that provide evidence of potential.

Classification Levels

The Department of Psychology determines the student’s initial classification level prior to admission as well as all subsequent changes in that level. Some 500 level and all 600 level courses are not available for undergraduate credit. Students enrolled in the MA in Psychology Program may enroll in any course on the approved Plan of Study for which they have met the prerequisite. Anyone else must obtain the instructor’s permission prior to enrollment.

Classified - Students who meet all of the requirements for admission will be admitted at the classified level. Classified graduate students may take any graduate level course meeting the requirements of their Plan of Study as long as the appropriate prerequisites have been met.

Conditionally Classified - Students who have completed most but not all of the requirements for admission at the classified level and show promise of success may be admitted at the conditionally classified level. Students admitted at the conditionally classified level who complete all admission requirements or alternate requirements specified in the offer of admission will be moved to the classified level but may take no more than 13.5 units applicable to the MA degree prior to achieving classified standing. Students at the conditionally classified level are not allowed to begin a thesis or take a comprehensive exam.