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Application Information
There are no fixed criteria for admission to the MS or Ph.D. programs in Psychology. Of course the student is expected to have successfully completed the appropriate work prior to admission. In the case of the MS program an undergraduate BA or BS degree is required. As calculated by the graduate school, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate work is expected for unconditional admission. For the Ph.D., a minimum of 30 graduate hours with a GPA of 3.0 or better as calculated by the Graduate School is required. Beyond these minimal criteria there is no single criterion that determines whether a positive or negative admission decision is made.
Our admissions focus is on seeking positive indication of potential success in the
program.
These indications include:
- A detailed examination of the student’s transcript. Grade point average per se is not
weighed heavily as most candidates for admission have grade point averages greater than 3.0.
Accordingly, we examine the course-work on the students transcripts as evidence of his/her research
interests. Positive indicants of potential success in our program include greater than average
course work in the biological and physical sciences and mathematics. Similarly, evidence of
experimental research previously undertaken is viewed as a predictor of future research productivity.
For students interested in specialization in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology at the Master’s
level, appropriate coursework in relevant background areas is taken into consideration.
- Submission of Verbal and Mathematics GRE scores is required. High GRE scores are viewed as positive
indicants, whereas low GRE scores need not exclude a candidate who shows positive indicants in other areas.
- Letters of reference in general have little impact except where they offer evidence of commitment to
experimental research (as in letters from an undergraduate research sponsor). Evidence of success in employment
relevant to IO psychology will be considered for the Master’s degree in that area.
- The personal statement describing the applicant’s laboratory, field, or applied interests, career plans,
and discussion of how the UTA program can serve to further these interests and plans will be examined for evidence of
the appropriateness of the candidate to the UTA program.
- Finally, successful completion of a Master’s degree in another department is viewed
positively even when the degree was received in an area outside of psychology. In this latter case
some conditions in terms of make-up coursework may be specified.
In summary, the department views its mission in the MS/PhD program as to train students to be enthusiastic about conducting psychological research. Accordingly we seek students who show aptitude in as well as motivation for research. Students interested in the terminal MS program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology will have their records examined for indicants of potential to succeed in industrial settings.
Probationary admission: If an applicant does not have a majority of the positive indications for unconditional admission described above, they may be considered for probationary admission after careful examination of their application materials. Probationary admission requires that the applicant receive a B or better in their first 12 hours of graduate course work at UTA.
Deferred Admission: A deferred decision may be granted when a file is incomplete or when a denied decision is not appropriate.
Provisional Admission: An applicant unable to supply all documentation (including certified transcripts, GRE scores, letters of reference, and personal statements) prior to the admission deadline but who otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.
Denial of Admission: Applicants whose records in the aggregate do not show sufficient positive indications of potential success will be denied admission.
For additional information, download the Department of Psychology Information Booklet. |
