Application Materials
Q: Is there a program for a terminal Master's Degree in Applied Social Psychology at Colorado State University?
A: No. A master's degree is awarded as part of the requirement toward attaining the Ph.D. Students seeking admission should be firmly committed to the completion of the Ph.D.
Q: Can the application materials be completed on the Internet or downloaded off the Internet?
A: Yes. For more information visit the application web page.
Q: What is the deadline for the application materials to be received by CSU?
A: All materials are due on January 15 of the year you plan to enroll.
Q: When will applicants received notification about selection decisions?
A: Notification will be sent approximately March 1.
Q: How many letters of recommendation are required to apply to the program? Are forms available for those who will write the recommendation?
A: We require three letters of recommendation. There are no forms that letter writers need to use.
Q: Is the selection of a specific faculty member as an advisor required to apply to the program? If a specific faculty member is requested, how will it affect the selection decision?
A: Applicants are encouraged to contact specific faculty with whom they would like to work. Matching of faculty interests to student interests is important in the admission process. Students often conduct research with more than one faculty member. Because of current loads, sabbatical plans, funding opportunities, or other considerations, specific faculty members may or may not be seeking to advise new students in a given year.
Q: Is the GRE Psychology Subject Test required to apply to the program?
A: The GRE Psychology Subject Test is encouraged for applicants to the Applied Social Program.
Q: Are there minimum GRE and/or GPA Requirements?
A: The Psychology department graduate admissions standards, effective for 2007, are: Undergrad GPA >= 3.6, GRE Verbal >= 500, and GRE Quant >= 560. Applicants not meeting these criteria will be considered for admission, however, the program must provide a rationale to the department for believing that the individual will successfully complete the PhD and special permission must be obtained from the department. In these cases, remedial course work will sometimes be a condition of admission.
Q: Is a previous degree in Psychology required?
A: No. Students who do not have a background in Psychology may, however, be required to complete undergraduate courses as a condition of admission.
Q: Is previous work experience considered when making the selection decisions?
A: Research interests and research experience are weighed heavily in the admission process, along with matching of faculty interests. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account.Q: Is previous research experience considered when making the selection decisions?
A: Research interests and research experience are weighed heavily in the admission process, along with matching of faculty interests.Q: What other factors are considered during the admission process?
A: Research interests, research experience, academic background and performance, GRE scores, experience and promise of working independently as a contributing member of a team, commitment to and persistence in carrying out several years of arduous, but rewarding, work.Q: What is the average number of applications received each year, and how many are usually accepted?
A: 20 to 50+ applications are received each year. Admissions offers are usually made to 2 to 10 applicants.