GRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY
Thank you for your interest in the graduate psychology program at DePaul. Please read through the instructions below before filling out the online application.
Any questions or concerns should be forwarded to gradpsych@depaul.edu.
Educational Philosophy
The educational philosophy of the Department of Psychology is based upon a recognition of three components of modern psychology for the training of psychologists. The first of these is academic: the accumulated body of knowledge and theory relevant to the many areas of psychological study. The second is research: the methodologies and skills whereby the science of psychology is advanced. The third is application: the utilization of psychology for the benefit of individuals and society.
No area of study within psychology exists in isolation; all focus upon the same object of study and all contribute toward an understanding of behavior. A major function of the graduate curriculum is to bring to the student an awareness of the unity of psychological study and practice despite apparent differences. The student must come to appreciate that psychology is both a "pure" science and an "applied" science, and that these aspects are not mutually exclusive.
This educational philosophy underlies all programs within the department. Each seeks to incorporate the three interrelated components of psychology at the graduate and professional levels; hence each program contains an academic, a research, and an applied component. It is the emphasis given each component that is distinctive for each program.
In all programs, a major objective of the first and second years is to develop the student's knowledge and competence as a generalist - to enable the student to develop a sound, fundamental understanding of the many areas of contemporary psychology, an understanding which will continue to provide an underpinning for specialization.
Each student's program is carefully planned and supervised, and the Psychology Department maintains a low student-faculty ratio. Each student is assured of the educational advantages resulting from a close and continuing association with the faculty. There is strong emphasis on the importance of research in all areas of psychology. Through course work, the student becomes familiar with current research topics in many areas; through formal and informal contacts with faculty members and peers, the student learns of and becomes involved with ongoing research within the department. The student is encouraged to develop research ideas and is invited to participate in research in progress. Regardless of the student's area of interest, this emphasis on research is fundamental.
Cultural Diversity
DePaul University is composed of a diverse group of students, faculty and staff which represents a wide range of cultural, religious, ethnic, racial, gender and age groups. Additionally, the department maintains an affirmative action policy, encouraging applications from minority and disabled students.
Faculty
There are 27 full-time faculty in the department, half of whom are women and 25 percent of whom are minorities. The Chicago area provides a wealth of part-time faculty who teach specialized courses. In addition there are several adjunct psychologists who assist in the training of clinical students. The areas of faculty interest range from basic research in the area of mental imagery to applied research in the prevention of adolescent pregnancy. Brief descriptions of specific faculty research and interests are listed here.
Academic Programs
The Department of Psychology offers the following graduate programs:
Clinical Child M.A./Ph.D.
Clinical Community M.A./Ph.D.
Community M.A./Ph.D
Experimental M.A./Ph.D.
Industrial Organizational M.A./Ph.D. (I/O)
General Psychology M.S.
The MA/Ph.D. programs are full-time, day programs which begin once a year in the Fall. Students are accepted into the combined MA/Ph.D. program; we do not offer a terminal MA program. The MS program also begins once a year in the Fall and can be done part- or full-time.
None of these programs may be used as a means of entry into another program within the department or university.
Application Deadline
All application materials must be submitted to the Department of Psychology by
- December 1 for the Clinical programs
- January 5 for the I/O program
- January 5 for the Community program
- February 15 for the Experimental program
- May 1 for the General Psychology program
Application Fee
Application materials must be accompanied by a $40.00 application fee, unless a waiver is requested. Checks should be payable to "DePaul University." **Be sure to write your name and social security number on the check. When it arrives at DePaul, we will match it up with your application. You should send in your application fee at the same time you submit the application online.
A student in need of financial aid may request a waiver of the application fee by submitting a personal letter requesting this consideration, along with a letter from the financial aid office of the institution attended outlining need, and official copies of financial aid transcripts. These materials must be submitted, along with the application, before consideration will be given.
Application Materials
REVISION TO GRE SUBJECT TEST REQUIREMENT FOR APPLICANTS TO THE CLINICAL
PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM FOR FALL 2008:
Our original application requirements specified that the GRE subject
test scores were required to be submitted with your application
materials. Due to limited availability in the November test, and the
change to the December test (that is, it is not being offered this
December), the clinical faculty has decided to recommend that the GRE
subject test scores be submitted, though it is not required.
Any questions or concerns should be forwarded to gradpsych@depaul.edu.
Please submit all materials at the same time -- in one envelope. Please write full name and the program in which you are applying to on each piece of application materials submitted. A completed Graduate School application must be accompanied by:
- Vita/Resume
- a personal statement
- Graduate Record Exam scores (including the Verbal, Quantitative and Advanced Subject test in Psychology). We recommend taking the GRE psychology subject test in April or November. PLEASE NOTE: It is highly recommended that the GRE subjest test scores be submitted, though it is not required for appying to the Clinical programs.
- three letters of recommendation
- one official transcript from each institution attended, including DePaul
- a course history list.
All materials, including those from the Educational Testing Service, must be received by the deadline. Only scores submitted by ETS are official. For GRE information, contact Educational Testing Services (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey 08541, U.S.A.
Prerequisites
The M.A./Ph.D. programs accept as graduate students only those who are able to pursue graduate study on a full-time basis during the day and do not accept students seeking only to complete the masters. The minimum requirements for admission are a bachelor's degree and 32 quarter hours (24 semester hours) in psychology. Four quarter hours (three semester hours) must represent a course in elementary statistics; another four quarter hours (three semester hours) must represent a course in experimental psychology. It is also suggested that a course in the history of psychology be taken.
Preference is given to applicants who have a well-balanced background of psychology courses. Students who do not have an undergraduate major in psychology but who are able to demonstrate a high level of undergraduate achievement may apply. Such applicants must have the necessary prerequisite coursework before applying. In addition, research experience may be a factor in the application process.
Review:
International Applicants (additional requirements)
Please click here for complete instructions for international students.
Department Office
Necessary supporting documents and application fees should be sent to the address below. Be sure the applicant's name, social security number and program being applied to are noted.
Graduate Psychology Program
DePaul University
2219 North Kenmore Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60614-3504
Need More Admission Information?
Contact the DePaul University Graduate Psychology Program:
1. On-line: Complete the Contact Us form
2. E-mail: Send an e-mail message to gradpsych@depaul.edu.
3. Call: (773) 325-7887 or toll free 1-800-4DEPAUL (outside Illinois)
4. We welcome you to visit the Psychology Department Web pages.
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